If you’re craving pure breakfast comfort, Banana Bread French Toast is the dish you absolutely need in your life. Imagine thick slices of fragrant banana bread, dipped in a cinnamon-kissed custard and cooked in butter until golden brown—each bite delivers rich banana flavor, a custardy center, and a perfectly crisp edge. It’s everything you love about French toast and banana bread, fused into one irresistible brunch star!

Banana Bread French Toast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create Banana Bread French Toast that’s bursting with flavor and warmth. Every item has its place, from the spice-infused custard to the rich, buttery exterior—each adds a signature taste or texture that makes this dish unforgettable.

Banana bread: Thick, sturdy slices soak up the custard without falling apart—homemade or bakery-style works beautifully.
Eggs: The foundation of your custard, adding a creamy richness that brings every slice to life.
Milk: Helps create a silky custard, melding all the flavors while softening the texture of the banana bread.
Cinnamon: Adds cozy spice and depth; ground cinnamon pairs perfectly with the banana’s natural sweetness.
Butter: For pan-cooking, infusing each slice with extra lushness and giving you that golden, toasty finish.

How to Make Banana Bread French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture

In a shallow bowl or dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, and cinnamon. Make sure it’s well combined so each slice gets an even coating of that sweet-spiced flavor. This is the base that will soak into your banana bread, so take a minute to whisk it up thoroughly!

Step 2: Dip the Banana Bread

Gently lay each slice of banana bread in the custard, letting it soak for about 10-15 seconds per side. Be careful—banana bread is softer than your average loaf, so work with care to prevent breaking. You want each slice nicely saturated, but not soggy.

Step 3: Cook Until Golden

Heat a generous dab of butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is foamy, add the soaked banana bread slices. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until both surfaces are a rich golden color and your kitchen smells like heaven. The outside should be crisp, the inside tender and custardy.

Step 4: Serve Warm

Once your Banana Bread French Toast is gorgeously toasted, transfer to plates and serve immediately. Top with sliced bananas, a drizzle of maple syrup, or any favorite garnish—there’s really no wrong way to enjoy this.

How to Serve Banana Bread French Toast

Garnishes

A stack of Banana Bread French Toast just begs for those special finishing touches! Scatter a handful of fresh banana slices on top, dust with powdered sugar, pour over warm maple syrup, or add a dollop of whipped cream for extra decadence. Toasted walnuts or pecans are wonderful for some crunch, if you have them handy!

Side Dishes

This luscious breakfast begs for some bright, fresh sides. Try serving it with a bowl of mixed berries or citrus segments to cut through the richness. If you’re in the mood for a hearty brunch, crispy bacon or breakfast sausage makes a savory counterpoint to the sweet, custardy flavor of Banana Bread French Toast.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting a brunch or simply want to impress someone, get playful with your Banana Bread French Toast. Slice each piece into sticks for dunking, layer slices with yogurt and berries in a trifle dish, or sandwich them with cream cheese or Nutella for a dreamy breakfast “sandwich.” Let your imagination run wild!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare, but possible!), let the Banana Bread French Toast cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving for best texture and flavor.

Freezing

To freeze, lay cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then stack with parchment between each slice in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just thaw and reheat whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

Reheat your Banana Bread French Toast in a toaster oven, air fryer, or regular oven at 350°F until warmed through and slightly crisp. The microwave works in a pinch, but you may lose a bit of that golden outside crunch.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought banana bread?

Absolutely! As long as it’s sturdy enough to slice thickly and dunk into the custard without falling apart, store-bought banana bread works just as well as homemade.

What’s the best milk to use?

Whole milk yields the richest result, but any milk or even a non-dairy substitute like almond or oat milk can be used. The custard will still coat the banana bread beautifully.

How thick should the banana bread slices be?

Go for slices about 1 inch thick. This lets the banana bread soak up flavor without getting mushy and ensures each slice holds up well on the skillet.

Can I make Banana Bread French Toast ahead of time?

You can soak the banana bread slices ahead of time, layer between parchment, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just cook them up fresh for the best texture and flavor!

What toppings work best?

The classics never fail—think maple syrup, sliced bananas, powdered sugar, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of nuts. For an extra treat, try a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a dollop of yogurt.

Final Thoughts

Once you try Banana Bread French Toast, you’ll see why it’s destined to become your new favorite breakfast or brunch treat. The combination of soft, flavorful banana bread with a creamy cinnamon custard is pure comfort and joy on a plate. Give it a go and treat yourself (and your loved ones!) to something truly special.