Banana Berry French Toast Recipe

There’s nothing quite like waking up to the aroma of French toast sizzling on the skillet, especially when it’s this decadent Banana Berry French Toast that’s bursting with fresh fruit and a hint of cinnamon – it’s like a warm hug on a plate!

I adore beginning my day with Banana Berry French Toast. Thick-cut brioche soaked in a mixture of eggs, milk, and a whisper of vanilla provides an exquisite base.

Sliced bananas, strawberries, and blueberries crown the toast in the most delightful and healthy way possible. Cinnamon adds a lovely flavor note, and powdered sugar makes it too tempting to turn down.

Of course, we can all agree that maple syrup is an essential breakfast component.

Ingredients

• Bread: Offers carbohydrates and a fluffy texture, perfect for soaking flavors.
• Eggs: Provide protein and help bind ingredients, making toast rich and creamy.
• Milk: Adds calcium and creaminess, enhancing the custard-like base.
• Vanilla Extract: Infuses sweet, aromatic depth, elevating the overall flavor.
• Cinnamon: Offers warm, spicy undertones while providing antioxidants.
• Banana: Rich in potassium, it adds natural sweetness and a silky texture.
• Strawberries: High in vitamin C, they bring bright, tart freshness.
• Blueberries: Packed with antioxidants, they provide a juicy burst of flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 slices of thick-cut bread (such as brioche or challah)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup of milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 banana, sliced
• 1/2 cup strawberries, sliced
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• Maple syrup, for serving
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

How to Make this

1. In a medium-size bowl, combine the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Whisk until everything is well incorporated.

2. Heat a large skillet or griddle on medium and add the butter, allowing it to melt completely.

3. Immerse each portion of the bread in the egg blend, taking care to cover both surfaces thoroughly, yet avoiding any excess that would cause them to drip.

4. Put the bread slices, which have been coated, on the skillet or griddle that has been preheated. Cook the bread slices for 3-4 minutes on each side. Ensure that both sides of the bread slices are golden brown and that they are cooked all the way through.

5. As the French toast cooks, get the banana and berries ready by slicing the banana and the strawberries.

6. When the skillet has cooked the French toast to perfection, take the cooked dish and switch it to a plate that will be used for serving.

Now, let’s enjoy our marvelous meal!

7. Position the sliced banana, strawberries, and blueberries atop the French toast.

8. Pour the maple syrup over the top of the French toast, which is lavishly adorned with fruit.

9. For added sweetness and presentation, lightly dust with powdered sugar.

10. Right away, while it is still warm, serve and relish the delightful Banana Berry French Toast you just made!

Equipment Needed

1. Medium-size bowl
2. Whisk
3. Large skillet or griddle
4. Spatula
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Plate for serving

FAQ

• Can I use any type of bread for this recipe? While you can use any bread, thick-cut varieties like brioche or challah work best for soaking up the egg mixture and maintaining a fluffy texture.
• Can I substitute the milk in this recipe? Yes, you can substitute milk with any non-dairy alternative such as almond milk or soy milk if you prefer.
• What can I use if I don’t have cinnamon? You can omit the cinnamon or replace it with a pinch of nutmeg for a slightly different flavor.
• How should I prepare the fruit? Slice the banana and strawberries just before serving to keep them fresh, and rinse the blueberries thoroughly.
• Can I make the French toast ahead of time? It’s best served fresh, but you can keep it warm in an oven at low temperature for a short period if needed.
• What should I do if I want a sweeter French toast? Add a tablespoon of sugar or honey to the egg mixture for a sweeter base flavor.
• Is there a way to make the French toast healthier? You can use whole grain bread and reduce the butter or use a non-stick cooking spray to reduce fat content.

Banana Berry French Toast Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Bread that is cut thick: Use sourdough or Texas toast for a different taste and feel.
Milk: Use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free substitute.
Butter: Replace with coconut oil or margarine for a non-dairy substitute.
Banana: Substitute sliced peaches or nectarines for a very different fruit experience.

Pro Tips

1. Use Stale Bread Opt for slightly stale bread if possible, as it will absorb the egg mixture better without becoming too soggy. If using fresh bread, let it sit out for a few hours to dry slightly or lightly toast before dipping.

2. Infuse the Milk To heighten the flavor, infuse your milk with a cinnamon stick and a split vanilla bean. Heat the milk gently with these ingredients and then let it cool before adding it to the egg mixture. This will impart deeper vanilla and cinnamon flavors into your French toast.

3. Double Dip Technique For extra custardy French toast, dip the bread in the egg mixture once and let it soak for a minute, then dip it a second time just before cooking. This ensures a rich, creamy texture inside.

4. Even Cooking with Batches If using a small skillet, cook the bread in batches and keep the cooked slices warm in an oven preheated to 200°F. This will keep them crispy and warm without drying them out.

5. Fruit Caramelization For a different texture, lightly caramelize the banana slices in the skillet with a touch of butter and a sprinkle of sugar before topping your French toast. This adds a delightful, gooey layer of flavor.