Vegan Banana French Toast with Caramelized Bananas Recipe

Get ready to transform your morning routine with this delightful Vegan Banana French Toast topped with luscious caramelized bananas. It’s honestly one of the easiest and most irresistible breakfast recipes you’ll find, requiring just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients and less than 40 minutes from start to finish. Thick-cut, day-old bread soaks up a naturally sweet banana-rich batter, then sizzles in the skillet until golden and crisp outside, tender within. Top it all with silky, spiced caramelized bananas, and you have a plant-based breakfast treat that tastes like a cozy weekend morning—any day of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these essentials for a crave-worthy vegan breakfast:

• Day-old rustic bread or sourdough: Slightly stale bread is the secret to French toast perfection. It soaks up the batter without getting soggy and gets beautifully crisp.
• Banana (for batter): Bananas are used instead of eggs, lending natural sweetness, a custardy texture, and that delightful banana flavor.
• Non-dairy milk (like almond milk): Makes the batter creamy—oat, soy, or coconut milk work too.
• Maple syrup: Adds sweetness and a subtle depth you just can’t beat.
• Flour (unbleached white preferred): Thickens the batter and helps achieve a crispy coating. Sub with whole wheat or gluten-free if needed.
• Vanilla extract: Lifts the flavor and makes everything taste like dessert.
• Oil: For the skillet—ensures golden, non-stick results. Coconut, olive, or any neutral oil works.
• Nutmeg and black pepper: A dash of each boosts warmth and complexity—don’t skip the pinch of pepper! It actually enhances sweetness.
• Salt: Balances and sharpens flavors.
• Bananas (for caramelizing): Totally ripe bananas caramelize into a creamy, decadent topping.
• Coconut sugar or vegan brown sugar: Brings out deep, toasty caramel notes.
• Non-dairy milk (for caramelized topping): Balances the sweetness and creates a velvety sauce.
• Cinnamon or more nutmeg: Adds cozy spice to the bananas.

Variations

• Berry Bliss: Top your French toast with fresh berries or stir them into the caramelized bananas for a tangy twist.
• Chocolate Indulgence: Add a handful of vegan chocolate chips to the batter or sauce.
• Nutty Delight: Replace coconut sugar with maple syrup and finish with toasted pecans or walnuts.
• Spiced Adventure: Mix in cardamom or ginger for a warming, aromatic flavor.
• Bread Swap: Use gluten-free or whole grain bread to match your dietary needs—or experiment with cinnamon-raisin bread for extra decadence.

How to Make Vegan Banana French Toast with Caramelized Bananas

Step 1: Blend the Batter

Blend the ripe banana, non-dairy milk, maple syrup, flour, vanilla, oil, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until completely smooth. Pour this creamy mixture into a shallow bowl.

Step 2: Preheat the Skillet

Heat a skillet over medium to medium-low heat, adding a little oil and spreading it to coat the surface.

Step 3: Soak the Bread

Dip each bread slice into the banana batter—just a couple of seconds per side is enough. Don’t let it get too soggy! Let the excess drip off.

Step 4: Cook the French Toast

Lay the battered bread in the hot skillet. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes per side, until deep golden and caramelized. If the bread sticks when flipping, give it another minute or so until it naturally releases (this is a crucial detail!).

Step 5: Make the Caramelized Bananas

While the French toast cooks, add sliced bananas, coconut sugar, non-dairy milk, cinnamon (or nutmeg), and a pinch of salt to a separate skillet. Simmer over medium heat, stirring now and then, until the bananas are soft and the sauce is thick (about 6 minutes).

Step 6: Serve It Up!

Serve the hot French toast right away, piled high with the caramelized bananas. Add a pat of vegan butter, extra maple syrup, and maybe some fresh fruit for good measure.

How to Serve

This Vegan Banana French Toast shines all on its own, but a few extras make it irresistible:

• Toppings: Serve hot with a generous spoonful of caramelized bananas, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a slab of vegan butter.
• Fresh fruit: Sliced strawberries, blueberries, or mango brighten each bite.
• Crunchy additions: Sprinkle on walnuts, pecans, or toasted coconut for texture.
• On the side: Pair with a cup of rich coffee, a smoothie, or fresh orange juice—breakfast bliss!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any extra French toast to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

French toast slices freeze well! Layer with parchment and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Caramelized bananas can also be frozen, though the texture softens a bit after thawing.

Reheating

Reheat French toast in a skillet over medium-low heat, in the oven at 350°F, or even in a toaster. The caramelized bananas can be gently warmed in a small saucepan or microwave.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Banana French Toast with Caramelized Bananas is proof that quick plant-based breakfasts can be both nourishing and utterly decadent. The flavors are dreamy—caramel, banana, spice—and it’s so simple, you’ll find yourself making it again and again. Give it a try, have fun experimenting with your favorite toppings or variations, and make every morning feel like a treat. Enjoy every bite!

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