Baked Banana Stuffed French Toast is a delightful morning indulgence that seamlessly combines the comforting flavors of bananas, cinnamon, and vanilla with the rich, custardy texture of French toast. Originating from the renowned Peaks Resort and Spa in Telluride, Colorado, and featured in Bon Appetit magazine, this recipe promises to elevate your breakfast experience to new heights. Whether you’re treating yourself to a leisurely weekend brunch or surprising your family with a special weekday treat, this dish is sure to impress.
Prepared in just 30 minutes, including 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cook time, this recipe falls under the “< 30 Mins" category, making it a convenient option for busy mornings when you crave something indulgent yet quick to assemble. With a total of 28 glowing reviews and an impressive aggregated rating of 5 stars, it's evident that this dish has won the hearts of many home cooks and food enthusiasts alike.
Each serving of this Baked Banana Stuffed French Toast provides approximately 165.8 calories, making it a relatively light yet satisfying breakfast option. With 2.9 grams of fat, 0.9 grams of saturated fat, and 93.6 milligrams of cholesterol per serving, it strikes a balance between decadence and nutritional awareness. Additionally, it contains 31.6 grams of carbohydrates, 3.8 grams of fiber, and 18 grams of sugar, along with 5.7 grams of protein, ensuring a well-rounded meal to kickstart your day.
To recreate this culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 ripe bananas
- 8 slices of bread
- 1/2 cup of nonfat milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Fresh strawberries (for garnish)
- Pure maple syrup (optional, for serving)
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process of making this delectable dish:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s ready for baking later in the recipe.
- Take 4 slices of bread and place 4 pieces of banana on each slice. Use a fork to mash the banana gently onto the bread.
- Top the mashed banana with the remaining 4 slices of bread, creating 4 sandwich-like structures.
- In a glass pie dish, whisk together the nonfat milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Dip each stuffed bread sandwich into the egg mixture, ensuring that both sides are thoroughly soaked. Allow the bread to soak for approximately 45 seconds on each side.
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and spray it with vegetable oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Working in batches, carefully place the soaked bread slices onto the skillet and cook until golden brown, approximately 2 minutes per side.
- Once golden and crispy, transfer the French toast slices to a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 8 minutes to ensure the filling is heated through.
- Once baked, remove the French toast from the oven and transfer it to serving plates.
- Dust the French toast with powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness.
- Garnish each serving with fresh strawberries to enhance both the visual appeal and flavor profile of the dish.
- For an extra indulgent touch, serve the Baked Banana Stuffed French Toast with pure maple syrup on the side, allowing each diner to drizzle as desired.
With each bite, you’ll savor the comforting warmth of the cinnamon-infused bread, the creamy richness of the mashed bananas, and the subtle sweetness of the powdered sugar and maple syrup. This dish is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, thanks to the vibrant hues of the strawberries adorning each plate.
Whether you’re enjoying it solo with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or sharing it with loved ones around the breakfast table, this Baked Banana Stuffed French Toast is sure to become a beloved favorite in your culinary repertoire. So go ahead, treat yourself to a slice of morning bliss and experience the joy of homemade breakfast done right.
