Name: Peanut Butter Banana French Toast Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 36 min
Total time: 46 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 baguette; 4 eggs; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp Cinnamon; ¼ cup unsalted butter; 1 cup brown sugar; ⅓ cup peanut butter; 1 large banana

Indulge in a delicious fusion of flavors with the peanut butter banana French toast skillet recipe. This unique take on a classic breakfast staple elevates French toast to new culinary heights, combining the creamy sweetness of bananas and peanut butter with the rich, savory taste of French bread soaked in a heavenly egg and cream mixture.

Photos of Peanut Butter Banana French Toast Skillet Recipe

Most of the ingredients for this recipe are likely already in your kitchen. However, if you don't have a baguette or heavy cream, you'll need to pick these up from the supermarket. The baguette gives the French toast a rustic touch and the heavy cream adds a velvety thickness to the egg mixture.

Peanut Butter Banana French Toast Skillet Ingredients

Baguette: A long, narrow loaf of French bread that gives the French toast a rustic touch.

Eggs: They create the custard base for the French toast.

Heavy cream: Adds a velvety thickness to the egg mixture.

Vanilla extract: Provides a sweet, aromatic flavor.

Cinnamon: Gives a warm, sweet-spicy taste to the dish.

Unsalted butter: Used for cooking and adding a rich flavor.

Brown sugar: Sweetens the dish and adds a molasses-like flavor.

Peanut butter: Gives a nutty, creamy taste and texture.

Banana: Adds a natural sweetness and tropical flavor.

One reader, Koo Crook says:

This peanut butter banana French toast skillet recipe is a game-changer! The combination of creamy peanut butter, sweet bananas, and crispy French toast is simply divine. It's a delightful twist on a classic breakfast dish that's sure to impress. I highly recommend giving it a try!

Koo Crook

Techniques Required for Making French Toast Skillet

How to preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

How to cut the baguette: On a cutting board, cut the baguette in half lengthwise, then slice into 1-inch pieces.

How to whisk the egg mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, ½ cup of heavy cream, vanilla, and cinnamon. Add the bread to the egg mixture, then stir until evenly coated.

How to heat the skillet: Heat a large cast-iron skillet over low heat.

How to make the peanut butter sauce: Add the butter, brown sugar, and the remaining ½ cup of heavy cream to the skillet. Whisk to combine and cook for about 3 minutes until bubbling. Then, whisk in the peanut butter for about 3 minutes until fully incorporated and bubbling. Add the sliced bananas and stir to coat.

How to bake the french toast: Pour the bread mixture over the sauce into the skillet, and spread evenly. Bake for 30 minutes until golden and crispy.

How to cool the skillet: Let the skillet cool for about 5 minutes.

How to serve the french toast: Cover the skillet with a large plate, then holding one hand over the plate, gently flip the skillet upside-down, allowing the French toast to release from the pan with the banana layer on top. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

How To Make Peanut Butter Banana French Toast Skillet

Munch on a sweet plate of this banana french toast layered with baguette, creamy peanut butter, and sweet bananas, for a tastier breakfast meal!

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking: 36 minutes

Cool Time: 5 minutes

Total: 46 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1baguette,stale
4eggs
1cupheavy cream,divided
1tspvanilla extract
1tspcinnamon
¼cupunsalted butter
1cupbrown sugar
⅓cuppeanut butter
1large banana,sliced

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
On a cutting board, cut the baguette in half lengthwise, then slice into 1-inch pieces.
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, ½ cup of heavy cream, vanilla, and cinnamon. Add the bread to the egg mixture, then stir until evenly coated.
Heat a large cast-iron skillet over low heat. Add the butter, brown sugar, and the remaining ½ cup of heavy cream.
Whisk to combine and cook for about 3 minutes until bubbling. Then, whisk in the peanut butter for about 3 minutes until fully incorporated and bubbling. Add the sliced bananas and stir to coat.
Pour the bread mixture over the sauce into the skillet, and spread evenly.
Bake for 30 minutes until golden and crispy. Let the skillet cool for about 5 minutes.
Cover the skillet with a large plate, then holding one hand over the plate, gently flip the skillet upside-down, allowing the French toast to release from the pan with the banana layer on top.
Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 582.47kcal
Fat: 33.73g
Saturated Fat: 16.66g
Trans Fat: 0.33g
Monounsaturated Fat: 11.18g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.62g
Carbohydrates: 59.78g
Fiber: 2.64g
Sugar: 31.35g
Protein: 13.35g
Cholesterol: 181.32mg
Sodium: 367.36mg
Calcium: 102.74mg
Potassium: 326.25mg
Iron: 2.99mg
Vitamin A: 274.34µg
Vitamin C: 2.23mg

Crucial Technique for Perfecting Peanut Butter Banana French Toast Skillet

To ensure your French toast has a rich, custardy center and a crispy exterior, soak the baguette pieces in the egg mixture for a few minutes before cooking. This allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture, resulting in a more flavorful and moist French toast. Additionally, using a cast-iron skillet can provide a more even heat distribution, ensuring that your French toast cooks evenly.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Skillet Recipe

Prep ahead: Prepare the egg mixture and slice the baguette the night before to save time in the morning.

Use a non-stick skillet: Using a non-stick skillet will prevent the french toast from sticking and make cleanup easier.

Multi-task: While the french toast is baking, use that time to prepare other elements of your meal or clean up the kitchen.

Organize ingredients: Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients and tools are organized and easily accessible to save time and prevent any last-minute scrambling.

Pre-slice the bananas: Slice the bananas ahead of time and store them in a bowl of lemon water to prevent browning, making it easier to add them to the skillet when ready.

Pre-measure: Measure out all your ingredients before you start cooking to streamline the process and avoid any last-minute measuring.

Substitute Ingredients For Peanut Butter Banana French Toast Skillet Recipe

baguette - Substitute with challah bread: Challah bread has a similar texture and density to baguette, making it a suitable substitute for French toast.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can provide a rich and creamy texture similar to heavy cream, while also adding a hint of coconut flavor to the dish.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative to butter, adding a subtle coconut flavor to the dish.
brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can provide a sweet and rich flavor similar to brown sugar, while also adding a hint of maple goodness to the dish.
peanut butter - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter can be used as a substitute for peanut butter, providing a similar nutty flavor and creamy texture.
banana - Substitute with sliced apples: Sliced apples can be used as a substitute for bananas, providing a sweet and slightly tart flavor to complement the dish.

Presentation Tips for a Delightful French Toast Skillet

Elevate the plating: When presenting the Peanut Butter Banana French Toast Skillet, focus on creating a visually appealing arrangement. Use edible flowers or mint leaves to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Incorporate texture: Add a contrasting element to the dish by sprinkling a handful of chopped peanuts or cacao nibs over the top. This will provide a delightful crunch and enhance the overall dining experience.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Opt for ceramic plates or artisanal platters to showcase the French toast skillet. The choice of serving ware can elevate the perceived value of the dish.
Balance flavors: Consider serving the French toast with a side of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce to complement the rich and sweet flavors of the dish.
Attention to detail: Pay close attention to the placement of the banana slices and ensure they are arranged in an aesthetically pleasing manner. This level of detail demonstrates precision and care in the presentation.

Essential Tools for Making Peanut Butter Banana French Toast Skillet

Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and slicing ingredients.
Bowl: A round, deep dish used for mixing ingredients.
Whisk: A utensil used for blending and mixing ingredients.
Skillet: A frying pan with a wide, flat bottom and low sides, used for cooking food.
Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking and roasting food.
Plate: A flat dish on which food is served or from which it is eaten.
Cast-iron skillet: A heavy-duty skillet made of cast iron, known for its heat retention and even cooking.

How To Reheat Leftover French Toast Skillet

To reheat leftover peanut butter banana french toast skillet, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the skillet in the oven and let it warm up for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method will help maintain the crispy texture of the french toast while ensuring that the peanut butter and banana filling is warm and gooey.
If you prefer a quicker reheating method, you can use a microwave. Cut a portion of the french toast skillet and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it in 30-second intervals, checking the temperature after each interval, until it reaches your desired warmth. Keep in mind that microwaving may result in a softer texture compared to oven reheating.
For a crispy exterior and a warm, soft interior, you can use a toaster oven. Cut a slice of the leftover french toast skillet and place it in the toaster oven. Heat it for 3-5 minutes, or until the top is crispy and the filling is heated through. This method provides a nice balance between the oven and microwave reheating techniques.
If you have a panini press or a sandwich maker, you can use it to reheat your leftover french toast skillet. Cut a portion of the skillet, place it in the press, and heat it for 2-3 minutes, or until it's warmed through and has a crispy exterior. This method is perfect for those who love a crispy, pressed texture.
For a stovetop reheating option, place a slice of the leftover french toast skillet in a non-stick pan over medium-low heat. Cover the pan with a lid and let it warm up for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through. This method will help restore some of the crispiness to the french toast while keeping the filling warm and gooey.

Interesting Trivia About Peanut Butter Banana French Toast

French toast is believed to have been created by medieval European cooks who needed to use every bit of food they had, including stale bread. This dish has since become a popular breakfast and brunch item enjoyed around the world.

Is Making French Toast Skillet at Home Cost-Effective?

This peanut butter banana French toast skillet recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The cost-effectiveness is moderate, as the ingredients, such as baguette, eggs, and peanut butter, are reasonably priced and commonly found in households. The overall verdict for this dish is an 8, owing to its delicious taste and simple preparation. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $12, making it a budget-friendly option for a satisfying breakfast or brunch.

Is This Peanut Butter Banana Skillet Recipe Healthy?

This peanut butter banana french toast skillet recipe is undeniably delicious, but it's not the healthiest option out there. Here's why:

The recipe uses a significant amount of heavy cream and butter, which are high in saturated fats and calories.
Brown sugar adds a lot of extra sugar to the dish, which can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in excess.
White bread (baguette) is used as the base, which is typically made from refined flour and lacks fiber and nutrients compared to whole grain options.
Peanut butter, while a good source of protein and healthy fats, also adds to the overall calorie count of the dish.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Swap the heavy cream for a lower-fat alternative like milk or a plant-based option such as almond milk.
Reduce the amount of butter and brown sugar used, or opt for healthier substitutes like coconut oil and natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey.
Use a whole grain bread or a bread made with a mix of whole wheat and white flour to increase the fiber content.
Incorporate more fruit into the recipe, such as adding more bananas or other fresh fruits like berries or apples to boost the nutritional value.
Serve smaller portions and pair the french toast with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad to balance out the meal.

Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Peanut Butter Banana Skillet

The combination of peanut butter, banana, and French toast in a skillet is a delightful twist on a classic breakfast dish. The use of a cast-iron skillet adds a rustic touch, while the caramelized banana and peanut butter sauce infuse the dish with rich, indulgent flavors. The recipe's simplicity makes it accessible for home cooks, and the end result is a decadent and satisfying breakfast or brunch option. The crispy, golden texture of the French toast pairs perfectly with the creamy peanut butter and sweet banana, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. It's a delightful and comforting dish that is sure to impress!

Enhance Your Peanut Butter Banana French Toast Skillet Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of roasted garlic, perfect for pairing with the sweet and savory flavors of the peanut butter banana french toast skillet.

Grilled Pineapple Slices: Juicy grilled pineapple slices with a caramelized exterior, adding a tropical twist to the indulgent french toast skillet.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Tender Brussels sprouts coated in a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze, providing a balance to the richness of the peanut butter and banana in the skillet.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love This French Toast Skillet

Savory Stuffed Bell Peppers: These bell peppers are filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, rice, and spices, then baked to perfection.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: This refreshing dessert is made with ripe mangoes, creamy coconut milk, and nutritious chia seeds for a healthy and delicious treat.

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta: Indulge in a rich and creamy pasta dish made with tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious homemade alfredo sauce.

Appetizer and Main Course Pairings for Peanut Butter Banana French Toast Skillet

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a flavorful mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. Bake until golden and bubbly for a delicious start to any meal.

Caprese Skewers: Impress your guests with a fresh and vibrant appetizer of Caprese skewers. Alternate cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil leaves on skewers, then drizzle with balsamic glaze for a simple yet elegant starter.

Main Courses:

Grilled Salmon: Create a mouthwatering grilled salmon dish by marinating the fish in a zesty lemon and herb mixture. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables for a healthy and flavorful meal.

Stuffed Bell Peppers: Impress your guests with delicious stuffed bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and spices. Top them off with melted cheese for a comforting and satisfying dinner option.

Why trust this Peanut Butter Banana French Toast Skillet Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, creating a mouthwatering dish that's perfect for any occasion. The rich and creamy peanut butter sauce pairs harmoniously with the sweet caramelized bananas, while the custardy French toast provides a satisfying crunch. With a balance of indulgent ingredients and simple preparation, this recipe promises to elevate your breakfast or brunch experience. Trust in the decadent blend of peanut butter and banana to deliver a memorable and delicious meal that will surely become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Want to share your own twist on this Peanut Butter Banana French Toast Skillet Recipe? Head over to the Recipe Sharing section and let us know how you'd make it your own!

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of bread such as brioche, challah, or even whole wheat bread for this recipe. Just make sure the bread is slightly stale to absorb the egg mixture well.

Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter alternative?

Absolutely! You can use whole milk or a combination of milk and half-and-half as a substitute for heavy cream. It may alter the richness slightly, but it will still be delicious.

Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the bread and egg mixture the night before and refrigerate it. However, I recommend making the peanut butter banana sauce fresh before baking to maintain its creamy texture.

Can I add other fruits or toppings to this French toast skillet?

Of course! You can customize the recipe by adding berries, sliced apples, or even a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top before baking. Get creative and make it your own!

How can I store any leftovers?

If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.