Peanut Butter and Banana French Toast Recipe

Name: Peanut Butter and Banana French Toast
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 2
Ingredients: 1 egg; 1 dash vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter; 2 slices bread; 1 small banana, sliced; 2 tablespoons butter

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Peanut Butter Banana Sandwich

This delicious and easy-to-make Peanut Butter Banana Sandwich is perfect for breakfast or a snack. It's a fun twist on the classic grilled sandwich, with creamy peanut butter, fresh banana slices, and a crispy, golden crust. Let's get started!

Ingredients

1 egg
1 dash vanilla extract
2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
2 slices bread
1 small banana, sliced
2 tablespoons butter

Directions

Step 1: In a shallow bowl, lightly beat the egg and vanilla extract together.

Step 2: Spread 1 tablespoon of peanut butter on top of each slice of bread.

Step 3: Arrange banana slices on top of the peanut butter on one slice of bread. Place the other slice of bread, peanut butter-side down, on top of the banana to form a sandwich.

Step 4: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.

Step 5: Dip the sandwich into the egg mixture, ensuring it is well coated, and then transfer it to the heated skillet.

Step 6: Cook the sandwich until golden brown on one side, about 2 to 3 minutes. Flip the sandwich and continue cooking until the other side is browned, about 2 minutes more.

Step 7: Remove from the skillet and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 346
Total Fat: 23g (30% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 10g (50% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 124mg (41% Daily Value)
Sodium: 362mg (16% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 28g (10% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 3g (10% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 9g
Protein: 10g (20% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 4mg (5% Daily Value)
Calcium: 64mg (5% Daily Value)
Iron: 2mg (10% Daily Value)
Potassium: 349mg (7% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

History and Origin

The origins of French toast can be traced back to ancient times, with the earliest recipes appearing in Roman cookbooks. However, the combination of peanut butter and banana with French toast is a modern American twist that became popular in the 20th century, particularly in the U.S. The pairing of peanut butter and bananas was made famous by Elvis Presley, who was known to enjoy a sandwich made of these ingredients. The addition of these two elements to French toast reflects the American love for rich, indulgent breakfasts and the versatility of French toast as a dish that can be dressed up with various toppings.

Regional Variations

While French toast is a beloved dish across many cultures, regional variations abound. In France, it's known as "pain perdu" (lost bread), traditionally made with stale bread soaked in a mixture of eggs and milk, then fried. In the United States, French toast is often served as a sweet breakfast, topped with syrup, fruit, or powdered sugar. The addition of peanut butter and banana is particularly popular in American breakfasts, where these ingredients are staples. This version of French toast can often be found in trendy brunch spots or served as a special dish in homes, especially during holidays or special occasions.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Peanut Butter and Banana French Toast differs significantly from traditional French toast, which is usually made with just egg, milk, and bread, often with a topping of syrup or powdered sugar. The peanut butter and banana filling turns this dish into a more substantial breakfast, adding protein and healthy fats. Unlike sweet variations of French toast with berries or whipped cream, the peanut butter and banana version combines savory and sweet elements, making it a heartier option. This fusion sets it apart from the more classic, lighter versions of French toast found in many breakfast menus.

Where It's Typically Served

Peanut Butter and Banana French Toast is often served in American diners, trendy brunch cafes, and during family breakfasts. It is a popular choice for a satisfying, comfort-filled meal, especially for kids or people looking for a higher-energy start to their day. You might also find it on the menu in cafes that specialize in creative twists on classic breakfast dishes. This dish is particularly common in places that focus on quick yet indulgent meals, such as cafs or food trucks, where people are looking for a mix of convenience and creativity.

Interesting Facts

Elvis Presley famously enjoyed a sandwich made with peanut butter, banana, and bacon, a combination that has become a part of his culinary legacy.
French toast has different names in various countries: in France, its "pain perdu" (lost bread); in Spain, its called "torrijas," often made with wine and sugar.
Peanut butter and banana have become iconic partners in American cuisine, largely due to their balance of sweet, savory, and nutritional value.
French toast is considered a great way to use up stale bread, as the egg mixture helps revitalize the bread, turning it into a tasty, crispy meal.

FAQ about Peanut Butter and Banana French Toast Recipe

If you have leftover French Toast, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet or toaster oven for a crispy texture. You can also microwave it, but the toast may lose its crunch.

Yes, you can use any type of bread that you prefer. Whole wheat, gluten-free, or even cinnamon-raisin bread work well with this recipe. The texture and flavor of the French Toast will vary depending on the type of bread you choose.

Yes, you can prepare the French Toast components ahead of time. You can make the peanut butter and banana sandwich and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours before dipping it in the egg mixture and cooking. However, it’s best to cook the French Toast fresh to maintain the crispy texture.

Yes, you can freeze the French Toast. Once cooked, allow it to cool completely, then wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, toast the frozen French Toast in a toaster or skillet until warmed through.

Yes, you can substitute peanut butter with other nut butters such as almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option. These substitutes will provide similar creamy texture and flavor.

To make this recipe vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg or a store-bought egg replacer. Use a dairy-free butter and ensure the bread is vegan-friendly. You can also substitute the peanut butter with a plant-based alternative if needed.

If you'd like to reduce the sweetness, you can omit or reduce the amount of sugar or syrup you add on top. You could also use a less sweet peanut butter or reduce the banana slices, as they naturally add sweetness.

You can serve this French Toast with a variety of toppings such as fresh fruit, maple syrup, honey, whipped cream, or even a dusting of powdered sugar. For a savory twist, try adding bacon or a sprinkle of sea salt to balance the sweetness.

Yes, you can use any non-dairy milk such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk in place of regular milk for the egg mixture. The recipe will still work well, and the flavor will remain delicious.

This recipe contains peanuts and eggs, so it may not be suitable for children with peanut or egg allergies. You can substitute peanut butter with a sunflower seed butter or a nut-free butter, and replace the egg with a suitable egg replacer to accommodate allergies.

Comments

Jason Harris

02/09/2025 08:33:52 PM

Absolutely delicious!! Even my 2-year-old couldn't get enough of it! These sandwiches were a hit at our breakfast table. The flexibility of adjusting portion sizes really makes this recipe a winner. I opted to reduce the amount of banana and margarine in mine. By layering thin banana slices on the sandwiches, I found that one large banana was plenty for three servings. Being mindful of my calorie intake, I weighed out all the ingredients. My go-to sandwich consisted of whole grain bread, 33g of banana, 30g of peanut butter, 15g of margarine, and egg and vanilla, totaling 512 calories, 23g of protein, 46g of carbs, 30g of fat, and 8g of fiber. This meal provided the perfect energy boost right before my workout!

Emily Martin

07/09/2024 06:05:03 PM

I added an extra egg, 1/4 cup of milk, and 1 teaspoon of sugar to the batter for a beautiful golden brown color. This recipe was absolutely amazing. So delicious!

Kimberly Davis

04/11/2025 01:32:07 AM

I decided to swap out vanilla extract for cinnamon spice, a touch of icing sugar, and milk in this recipe. The kids absolutely adored it, and it was surprisingly easy to whip up.

Robert Evans

05/28/2023 05:28:30 PM

I made this dish last weekend at the Giant's game and it was a big hit! I added some chocolate morsels between the layers of bread and served it with warm real maple syrup. My wife has a special baking mixture made of cinnamon and cocoa powder that I sprinkled on top. Definitely try this recipe as soon as possible!

Ruth Phillips

10/27/2023 02:29:57 PM

This recipe was simple to follow and turned out delicious. I will definitely be sharing it with my friends and family members! 😊

audio version

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Peanut Butter and Banana French Toast Recipe