Banana Walnut French Toast

Savor the delicious fusion of crispy walnuts, luscious bananas, and flawlessly cooked French toast. This dish creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will make you want more of the traditional morning staple. It takes it to a whole new level.

Tasting Notes

Expect a harmonious blend of caramelized bananas, toasty walnuts, and the comforting warmth of cinnamon-infused French toast. This breakfast dish is a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness, making it a crowd-pleaser for brunch or lazy weekend mornings.

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 8 slices of thick-cut bread (such as French bread or brioche)
• 2 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• Butter for cooking
• Maple syrup for serving

Kitchen Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Griddle or non-stick skillet
• Spatula
• Serving platter

Instructions

1. Prepare the Batter:
   • In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
2. Slice the Bread:
   • Cut the bread into thick slices, about 1-inch each.
3. Dip the Bread:
   • Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated on both sides.
4. Cook the French Toast:
   • Heat a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a pat of butter.
   • Place the dipped bread slices onto the hot surface and cook until golden brown on each side, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Caramelize Bananas and Toast Walnuts:
   • In the same skillet, add sliced bananas and chopped walnuts. Cook until the bananas are caramelized and the walnuts are toasted.
6. Assemble and Serve:
   • Arrange the French toast on a serving platter and top with the caramelized bananas and toasted walnuts.
   • Drizzle with maple syrup before serving.

Pro Tips

• Use day-old bread for better absorption of the egg mixture.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg to the batter for an extra layer of warmth and flavor.
• Experiment with different bread types like challah or cinnamon swirl for a unique twist.

Variations

• Stuffed French Toast: Spread a layer of cream cheese or Nutella between two slices before dipping and cooking.
• Fruit Medley: Mix in berries or sliced strawberries with the bananas for a burst of fruity goodness.
• Savory Twist: Omit the cinnamon and vanilla; instead, season the batter with a pinch of salt and pepper. Top with crispy bacon for a savory option.

FAQs