If there’s one breakfast dish that lives in my heart (and my stomach), it’s got to be my Cinnamon Banana Croissant French Toast. Picture this: soft, buttery croissants soaked in a sweet, custardy mixture and topped with caramelized bananas. Can you feel your mouth watering yet? This delightful recipe was actually born on a lazy Sunday morning, when I found myself wanting to impress my friends with something a bit different than the usual pancakes. And oh boy, did this dish deliver! Not only was it ridiculously delicious, but it also gave me major brunch cred. Who knew I could create a dish that looked like it came from a fancy café?
This Cinnamon Banana Croissant French Toast has become a staple in my kitchen—I whip it up for everything from casual weekends to special occasions. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser, and you won’t hear any complaints when you serve this beauty at the table. So, let’s dive into the sweet details of this recipe!
What’s in Cinnamon Banana Croissant French Toast?
- Croissants: You want these to be fresh and buttery—go for the best quality you can find. I love to grab mine from a local bakery, but grocery store ones work in a pinch!
- Eggs: Large eggs are the star here. They provide the richness and hold everything together. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using free-range eggs for a deeper flavor!
- Milk: I prefer using whole milk for that creaminess, but almond milk is a fabulous dairy-free option that works just as well!
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the flavor, adds warmth, and makes everything feel homemade. Don’t skip this!
- Ground Cinnamon: This is what gives the dish its comforting aroma and flavor. You can sprinkle a little extra on top for good measure!
- Bananas: Ripe bananas are the secret ingredient because they become caramelized deliciousness in the oven. Plus, they add natural sweetness!
- Brown Sugar: This adds that perfect hint of caramel flavor to the bananas. Feel free to substitute with coconut sugar for a healthier twist!
- Butter: We’ll use this for cooking to get those beautiful golden edges on the croissants. There’s no substitute for butter when it comes to breakfast indulgence!
- Powdered Sugar: While this is totally optional, a light dusting really makes for a beautiful presentation. Who doesn’t love a fancy touch?
Is Cinnamon Banana Croissant French Toast Good for You?
Let’s be real, this dish is more of a treat than a health food, but it does tick a few boxes! The eggs and milk supply a good amount of protein, which helps keep you satisfied longer. Bananas are loaded with potassium, and oh, that deliciousness you get from brown sugar isn’t bad in moderation. However, if you’re keeping an eye on your sugar intake, you can lessen the amount of brown sugar or use a sugar alternative. Also, if you’re looking to cut back on calories, swap out the butter for a bit of coconut oil when cooking, but it won’t hurt to indulge once in a while!
Ingredients List
- 2 large croissants
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk (preferably whole or almond milk)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp butter for cooking
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
How to Make Cinnamon Banana Croissant French Toast?
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want that ready when it’s time to bake.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until everything is well combined.
- Slice the croissants in half lengthwise and soak them in the egg mixture for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You want them to soak up the goodness without getting too soggy.
- In another bowl, toss the sliced bananas with brown sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon to make them extra scrumptious.
- Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s all melted and bubbling, add the soaked croissant halves, cut side down, and cook for about 2-3 minutes until they’re perfectly golden brown.
- Carefully flip the croissants over and let them cook for another 2 minutes. Just look at that golden goodness!
- Once both sides are nice and browned, transfer the croissants to a baking sheet and generously top them with the sweetened banana mixture.
- Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, until the bananas are beautifully caramelized and heated through.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. The aroma is intoxicating!
- Dust with powdered sugar if you’re feeling fancy, and serve warm. Enjoy every bite!
Sweet Secrets and Serving Suggestions
- This dish is phenomenal when drizzled with maple syrup or melted chocolate. Guilt-free? Not quite, but oh, so worth it!
- Add a sprinkle of nuts on top for a nice crunch or a dollop of whipped cream if you want to really take it over the top.
- If you have some berries on hand, throw them in the mix for a fruity touch.
I cannot express how much I adore serving this Cinnamon Banana Croissant French Toast at brunch gatherings. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! So, give it a whirl, and let me know how it turns out. Don’t forget to snap a picture and share your creation—happy cooking!
