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Crispy Brioche French Toast Recipe with Caramelized Bananas

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This decadent French toast features thick slices of buttery brioche, double-dipped in a rich vanilla-cinnamon custard and fried until golden and crispy. Topped with glossy caramelized bananas, it’s a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing breakfast perfect for brunch or a special treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 thick slices brioche bread (about 1-inch thick, day-old preferred)
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (plus more for skillet)
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 2 large bananas, ripe but firm, sliced into thick coins
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar (packed)
  • 2 tablespoons butter (for bananas)
  • Pinch ground cinnamon (for bananas, optional)
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
  • Maple syrup or honey (optional)
  • Whipped cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
  • Fresh berries (optional)

Instructions

  1. Crack eggs into a large mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth, then add milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, sugar, and salt. Whisk until frothy and well combined.
  2. Slice brioche into 6 thick pieces. If bread is very fresh, let it sit out for 30 minutes to dry slightly.
  3. Lay brioche slices in a shallow dish. Pour custard over, turning each piece gently until well coated (about 20-30 seconds per side).
  4. Heat a nonstick skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat. Add canola oil and 1 tablespoon butter. When butter foams, add soaked brioche slices (do not crowd).
  5. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until deep golden brown and crispy. Press lightly with a spatula to check doneness.
  6. Transfer finished toast to a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Place in a 200°F oven to keep warm and crisp while finishing batches.
  7. In a small skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add brown sugar and a pinch of cinnamon. Stir until bubbly, then add banana slices. Cook 2-3 minutes, turning once, until bananas are glossy and golden.
  8. Stack French toast on plates, spoon caramelized bananas over the top, and dust with powdered sugar. Drizzle with maple syrup or add whipped cream or Greek yogurt if desired.
  9. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free brioche or thick-cut GF bread. For dairy-free, substitute almond milk and vegan butter. Double-dip brioche for extra crispy edges. Keep finished slices warm on a wire rack in the oven. Use firm bananas for best caramelization. Reheat leftovers in the oven for crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: French toast, brioche, caramelized bananas, breakfast, brunch, crispy, easy, comfort food, kid-friendly, skillet, vanilla, cinnamon

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/crispy-brioche-french-toast-recipe-with-caramelized-bananas/