Banana Cinnamon French Toast

You're going to really love this classic Cinnamon French Toast Recipe! Sweetened with bananas and perfectly grilled until golden brown with crispy fried edges, this is a meal everyone loves and I know you're going to want to make it soon!

Jump to:

• 🧾 Recipe Back Story
• 🥘 Ingredients Needed
• 🔪 Instructions
• 💭 Top Tips
• 📖 Variations
• 👩🏻‍🍳 More French Toast Recipes
• Banana Cinnamon French Toast Recipe
• 📋 Recipe Card
• Banana Cinnamon French Toast
• 💬 Reviews and Comments

🧾 Recipe Back Story

Weekends are for yummy breakfasts that are fancier then meals I make during the week. We have lots of favorites like Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole and Chocolate Crunch Raspberry Waffles, YUM!

But today we're talking everything about French toast starting with: Where does it come from?

Have you ever wondered? Please tell me I'm not the only one!

Versions of this meal have been around since the beginning of time. Used as one of the best ways to use up stale bread, I'm guessing this started as a meal of frugality. Waste not! And that makes it perfect for here and now.

It's great for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, so whatever meal you're serving, this quick and yummy recipe will be appreciated by all!

Trust me on this, my picky eater rated it 4.5 out of 5. Woohoo!

And if you're looking for more banana goodness in your breakfast, try making a Kiwi Banana Matcha Smoothie! Or if you just need another way to use up some of those bananas, try making these soft and cakey easy banana cookies. And my French toast lovers need to try this Air Fryer French Toast recipe!

🥘 Ingredients Needed

• bananas - overripe, soft, sweet bananas are best for this recipe
• eggs
• vanilla extract, cinnamon for flavor
• milk
• oatmeal bread, or oatnut bread, or use what you have on hand

🔪 Instructions

1. Add the bananas, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and milk to a blender.
2. Puree until the mixture is well-blended and slightly frothy.
3. Pour into a bowl large enough to fit a piece of the bread - a pie tin works great.
4. Dip a slice of bread in the banana-egg mixture, coating it entirely.
5. Spray the skillet with non-stick spray and heat on medium-high, then place slices on the skillet.
6. Cook until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes, then flip and cook another 2-3 minutes.

💭 Top Tips

The Best Bread for this Cinnamon French Toast Recipe

I love the nutty flavor and the robust texture from the oatmeal or oatnut bread. For me, whole grain bread is the key. (FYI, I use the Pepperidge Farm oatmeal bread or the Arnold brand oatnut bread.) 

But, you can use the bread you prefer or what is available to you at the time. My picky eater actually does not care for the oatnut bread, it is a texture thing, so I made a few slices for him using our regular whole grain bread, and it was also very good.

How do you prevent the bread from getting soggy?

When you dip the bread into the custard, don't leave it in too long - just get it covered - not completely saturated with liquid. Lay it on the heated skillet and lightly press down.

Then grill until golden and crispy on the edges, turn over and replicate for side two.

How do you keep French toast warm and crispy?

The best way to keep it warm and crispy is to preheat your oven to the lowest setting. Put a rack in the oven and as each slice finishes on the grill place it on the rack.

The rack will allow the air to circulate and keep the bread crispy and warm.

What toppings can you use instead of syrup?

This recipe is very easy, so delicious and great for a brunch. The kids use syrup for some extra sweetness, but I like it with just a touch of butter on top. A side of fresh, juicy strawberries pairs really well with it too!

• fruit - sliced bananas, strawberries, blueberries and blackberries. Frozen fruit, reheated with some sugar makes for a wonderful syrup!
• butter, powered sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon - simple perfection.
• jam or jelly - reheat it until it's warm and it becomes a rich, sweet glaze.
• butter and honey - simple, but perfect every time.
• applesauce and creamy yogurt - delicious!

A note about syrup: not all syrups are the same! For the best, tastiest, and most natural syrup, you want to make sure you are using Grade A Pure Maple Syrup. Pancake syrup is often made with corn syrup and molasses and artificial flavors. Once you try pure maple syrup, you will never go back!

📖 Variations

Bread variations

Here are a few more breads that I recommend:

• brioche - rich and dense it soaks up the batter so nicely, it's always a great choice!
• challah, ciabatta or any day-old bread works just fine.
• plain ole' white bread - the kids love it and always clean their plate.

Custard variations

There are so many ways you can change up this recipe:

• Add a dash of nutmeg
• Skip the banana and use about 1 cup of applesauce instead
• Reduce the milk to ⅓ cup and add about 3 tablespoons honey for more sweetness
• Use almond milk or another non-dairy milk. You can even use the vanilla varieties of those milks for an extra kick of vanilla!
• Sprinkle some chocolate chips on top right after removing from the skillet for a decadent, melty, chocolatey experience!

👩🏻‍🍳 More French Toast Recipes

If you like this recipe, you will love these!

Do you love an easy breakfast? Me too, whether it's for breakfast, or brinner (that's breakfast for dinner haha!), it's a comforting, delicious meal!

Here are more of my favorite French Toast Recipes:

Banana Cinnamon French Toast Recipe

Love this recipe? Awesome! Please give it a 5 star ⭐ rating below! And if you make this, snap a photo and tag me on Instagram. You can find me at DizzyBusyandHungry or #dizzybusyandhungry!

📋 Recipe Card