Vegan French Toast with Caramelized Bananas Recipe

Imagine a warm, crisp slice of French toast with a twist. This vegan French toast recipe, complete with caramelized bananas, is a delicious reinvention of a classic breakfast dish. It's a combination of wholesome ingredients to create a meal that's not only satisfying, but also vegan-friendly. Excite your tastebuds with the sweetness of caramelized bananas balanced with the hearty comfort of French toast.

Photos of Vegan French Toast with Caramelized Bananas Recipe

When gathering ingredients for this recipe, you might wonder about chia seeds and coconut sugar. Chia seeds are often found in the health food section of supermarkets or in specialty stores. They are used in this recipe to add texture and nutritional value. Coconut sugar, a healthier alternative to regular sugar, is used to caramelize the bananas. It has a lower glycemic index than regular sugar and adds a subtle hint of caramel flavor. It can be found in the baking aisle or in the natural foods section.

Vegan French Toast with Caramelized Bananas Ingredients

Unsweetened almond milk: This is a dairy-free alternative to regular milk, used in the batter for the french toast.

Ripe banana: Adds natural sweetness to the batter and is also used in making the caramelized topping.

Pure maple syrup: Gives a hint of woodsy sweetness to the french toast and is also served alongside.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

Chia seeds: Adds a slight crunch and acts as a binding agent in the batter.

Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice to the toast.

Natural salt: Balances the sweetness in the batter.

Sandwich bread: The base of the French toast, choose a vegan variety.

Coconut oil: Used for frying the toast and caramelizing the bananas.

Bananas: Used for making the caramelized topping.

Coconut sugar: Used to caramelize the bananas. It adds a caramel-like sweetness.

Bourbon: Optional ingredient to deglaze the pan and add flavor to the caramelized bananas.

Raw pecans: Optional topping for added crunch.

Coconut shavings: Optional topping for added flavor and texture.

One reader, Eileen Rose says:

This vegan French toast with caramelized bananas recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are incredible, and the caramelized bananas add a delightful sweetness. The combination of ingredients is perfect, and the dish is easy to make. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and satisfying vegan breakfast.

Eileen Rose

Key Techniques for Making Vegan French Toast with Caramelized Bananas

How to make the french toast batter: Blend the almond milk, ripe banana, maple syrup, vanilla, chia seeds, cinnamon, and salt in a blender until well combined. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.

How to soak the bread in the batter: Place the bread slices in the baking dish with the batter, allowing them to soak on one side for 8 to 10 seconds, then flip and soak for another 8 to 10 seconds until evenly moistened.

How to cook the french toast: Warm coconut oil in a skillet or on a griddle over medium heat. Fry the soaked bread for 4 to 6 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy, adding more coconut oil as needed. Keep warm in the oven if cooking in batches.

How to make caramelized bananas: Combine banana slices and coconut sugar in a zipper-lock bag, then shake to coat evenly. In a skillet over medium-high heat, warm coconut oil, add the coated bananas, and fry for about 2 minutes on each side until caramelized.

How to serve: Plate two slices of french toast, top with caramelized bananas, crushed nut boosters, and coconut booster. Serve with maple syrup at the table.

How To Make Vegan French Toast with Caramelized Bananas

This vegan french toast makes use of gluten-free bread and has a delicious batter made with almond milk and banana puree that is to die for.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 30 minutes

Total: 40 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

For the French Toast:

1cupunsweetened almond,or macadamia milk, strained if homemade
1medium ripe banana
2tbsppure maple syrup,plus more to serve
1tspnatural vanilla extract
1tbspchia seeds,white or black
1tspground cinnamon
¼tspnatural salt
8sandwich bread slices,gluten free
¼cupcoconut oil,in liquid form, plus more as needed

For the Caramelized Bananas:

2medium bananas,thickly sliced on the diagonal
¼cupcoconut sugar
2tbspcoconut oil,in liquid form
pure maple syrup,to serve

Optional Boosters:

¼cupbourbon,(60ml), or rum
2tbspcrushed raw pecans,or walnuts
1tbspcoconut,unsweetened, dried, shredded

Instructions

Set the oven to its lowest temperature or the “warm” setting.
Make the French toast batter: Combine the milk, banana, maple syrup, vanilla, chia seeds, cinnamon, and salt into your blender and blast on high for about 30 seconds, until well combined. Pour the mixture into a large shallow baking dish and let rest for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
Soak the bread in the batter: In batches, place slices of the bread in the baking dish and let soak on one side for 8 to 10 seconds. Flip the slices and let soak for another 8 to 10 seconds, until evenly moistened.
Cook the French toast: In a medium skillet (that fits two slices of bread) or on a large griddle (that holds all of the slices) over medium heat, warm 1 to 2 tablespoons of coconut oil per two slices of bread. (Resist the urge to use less coconut oil, or the bread won’t get crispy.) Add the bread and fry for 4 to 6 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy on the edges; you may need to add more coconut oil after you flip the bread. If cooking in batches, transfer the French toast to a lined baking sheet and place in the oven to keep warm, and repeat to fry the remaining bread, adding more coconut oil to cook each batch.
While the last pieces of toast are cooking, make the caramelized bananas. Combine the banana slices and the coconut sugar in a zipper-lock bag, seal, and shake to coat evenly. In a skillet over medium-high heat, warm the coconut oil, add the coated bananas and the bourbon booster (if using), and fry for about 2 minutes on each side until nicely caramelized.
To serve: Serve two slices of French toast on each plate, topped with one-quarter of the caramelized bananas, one-quarter of the crushed nut boosters, and one-quarter of the coconut booster. Pass maple syrup at the table.

Nutrition

Calories: 767.69kcal
Fat: 44.03g
Saturated Fat: 20.24g
Trans Fat: 0.02g
Monounsaturated Fat: 14.20g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 7.09g
Carbohydrates: 77.41g
Fiber: 10.88g
Sugar: 34.21g
Protein: 15.60g
Sodium: 449.31mg
Calcium: 215.92mg
Potassium: 892.61mg
Iron: 4.00mg
Vitamin A: 2.85µg
Vitamin C: 11.56mg

Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Vegan French Toast

When making your vegan french toast, it's important to ensure that the bread is thoroughly soaked in the batter. This will give your toast a rich, custardy texture that's characteristic of traditional french toast. However, be careful not to oversoak the bread, as it can become too soggy and fall apart. The key is to let the bread slices sit in the batter just long enough to absorb it, but not so long that they become overly saturated. The recommended 8 to 10 seconds on each side should be just right for most types of sandwich bread. If you're using a denser bread, you may need to adjust the soaking time accordingly.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Vegan French Toast

Prepare the batter: Make the French toast batter the night before and store it in the refrigerator. This will save time in the morning and allow the flavors to meld together.

Batch cooking: Cook the French toast in batches to save time. This will allow you to focus on caramelizing the bananas while the toast is kept warm in the oven.

Organized workspace: Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients and cooking tools are organized and within reach. This will help streamline the cooking process and save time.

Multitasking: While the French toast is cooking, start preparing the caramelized bananas to maximize your time in the kitchen.

Efficient slicing: When slicing the bananas, use a sharp knife and slice them uniformly to ensure even caramelization and save time during the cooking process.

Substitute Ingredients For Vegan French Toast with Caramelized Bananas Recipe

unsweetened almond - Substitute with soy milk: Soy milk has a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor that can work well in the French toast batter.
pure maple syrup - Substitute with agave nectar: Agave nectar provides a similar sweetness and viscosity to maple syrup, making it a suitable replacement in the recipe.
sandwich bread - Substitute with sourdough bread: Sourdough bread adds a tangy flavor and chewy texture that can complement the vegan French toast.
coconut oil - Substitute with vegan butter: Vegan butter can provide a rich, buttery flavor and help achieve a golden brown crust on the French toast.
coconut sugar - Substitute with brown sugar: Brown sugar offers a similar caramelized flavor and sweetness when used for caramelizing the bananas.
bourbon - Substitute with vanilla extract: Vanilla extract can add depth of flavor and aroma similar to bourbon without the alcohol content.
raw pecans - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts can provide a similar crunch and nutty flavor to complement the dish.
coconut - Substitute with almond flakes: Almond flakes can add a similar texture and nuttiness to the dish without the coconut flavor.

How to Beautifully Present Vegan French Toast with Caramelized Bananas

Artful arrangement: Carefully place the caramelized bananas on top of the French toast, creating a visually appealing and appetizing arrangement.
Garnish with precision: Sprinkle the crushed raw pecans and coconut boosters over the dish with precision, ensuring an elegant and refined presentation.
Drizzle with finesse: Artfully drizzle the pure maple syrup over the French toast and bananas, creating a beautiful and enticing design on the plate.
Incorporate height: Consider stacking the French toast slices and bananas to add dimension and visual interest to the dish.
Use high-quality serving ware: Present the vegan French toast with caramelized bananas on elegant, high-quality plates to elevate the dining experience for the esteemed guests.

Essential Tools for Making Vegan French Toast

Blender: A blender is used to combine the ingredients for the French toast batter, ensuring a smooth and well-mixed consistency.
Shallow baking dish: A shallow baking dish is used to soak the bread slices in the French toast batter, allowing them to absorb the flavors and become moistened evenly.
Medium skillet or large griddle: A medium skillet or large griddle is used to cook the French toast, providing a flat surface for even cooking and browning.
Zipper-lock bag: A zipper-lock bag is used to coat the banana slices evenly with coconut sugar for caramelization.
Skillet: A skillet is used to caramelize the banana slices, creating a sweet and flavorful topping for the French toast.
Baking sheet: A baking sheet is used to keep the cooked French toast warm in the oven while preparing additional batches.
Optional boosters: Optional boosters such as bourbon, crushed raw pecans, and coconut are used to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish, adding a unique touch to the caramelized bananas.

Storing and Freezing Vegan French Toast with Caramelized Bananas

The vegan french toast is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the toaster or warm them in a skillet over medium heat until crispy and heated through.
If you want to freeze the french toast, let the slices cool completely after cooking. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the slices to a freezer-safe container or bag, separating each slice with parchment paper to prevent sticking. The french toast can be frozen for up to 2 months.
To reheat frozen french toast, you can either let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in a toaster or skillet, or you can reheat it directly from frozen. For the latter, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the frozen slices on a baking sheet, and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
The caramelized bananas are best enjoyed immediately, as they tend to lose their texture and flavor when stored. If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but keep in mind that they may become softer and less appealing over time.
If you want to prepare the caramelized bananas ahead of time, you can slice the bananas and coat them with coconut sugar as directed in the recipe. Store the coated banana slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, and then caramelize them just before serving the french toast.

How To Reheat Leftover Vegan French Toast

To reheat leftover vegan french toast, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the french toast slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy on the edges. This method helps maintain the texture and prevents the french toast from becoming soggy.
Alternatively, you can reheat the french toast in a toaster oven. Set the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the slices directly on the rack. Toast for 3-4 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Keep an eye on the toast to prevent burning.
For a quick and easy reheating method, use a microwave. Place the french toast slices on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 30-45 seconds, or until warmed through. However, keep in mind that microwaving may result in a softer texture compared to oven or toaster oven methods.
To reheat the caramelized bananas, place them in a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of coconut oil and gently heat the bananas, stirring occasionally, until warmed through and slightly caramelized. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
If you have leftover caramelized bananas and want to reheat them in the microwave, place them in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 15-20 seconds, or until warmed through. Stir gently to distribute the heat evenly.
For best results, store the leftover french toast and caramelized bananas separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The french toast will keep for up to 3 days, while the caramelized bananas are best consumed within 1-2 days.

Interesting Fact About Vegan French Toast with Caramelized Bananas

The French toast recipe is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional breakfast options. French toast is a popular dish that can be enjoyed by vegans and non-vegans alike. It provides a good source of plant-based protein and essential nutrients.

Is Making Vegan French Toast at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this vegan French toast with caramelized bananas recipe is quite favorable. The main ingredients, such as almond milk, banana, and coconut oil, are relatively affordable and versatile. The optional boosters, like bourbon and pecans, can elevate the dish but may add to the cost. Overall, this recipe offers a balance of cost and flavor. On a scale of 1-10, the verdict for cost-effectiveness is 8. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, making it a budget-friendly option for a delicious and satisfying breakfast or brunch.

Is This Vegan French Toast Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

This vegan french toast with caramelized bananas recipe has both healthy and indulgent elements. The use of whole grain bread and almond milk provides fiber and healthy fats, while the chia seeds add omega-3s and protein. Bananas offer potassium and natural sweetness. However, the recipe also includes significant amounts of coconut oil and sugar, which can contribute to high calorie and fat content.

To make this recipe healthier:

Reduce the amount of coconut oil used for cooking the french toast and caramelizing the bananas
Opt for a lower-sugar alternative to coconut sugar, such as erythritol or stevia
Use a whole grain bread with at least 3 grams of fiber per slice to increase the overall fiber content
Serve with fresh berries or a dollop of coconut yogurt for added nutrients and flavor without excessive sugar or fat
Consider using a portion of the banana in the batter to reduce the need for additional sweeteners

By making these adjustments, you can enjoy a delicious and indulgent-tasting breakfast while still prioritizing your health and well-being. The key is to find a balance between nourishing ingredients and mindful indulgence.

Editor's Opinion on This Vegan French Toast Recipe

The vegan French toast with caramelized bananas recipe is a delightful and innovative twist on a classic breakfast dish. The use of almond milk, chia seeds, and coconut oil adds a rich and nutty flavor, while the caramelized bananas provide a sweet and indulgent topping. The optional boosters, such as bourbon and crushed pecans, offer an extra layer of complexity and depth to the dish. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful combination of flavors and textures that will surely impress vegans and non-vegans alike.

Enhance Your Vegan French Toast with Caramelized Bananas Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of roasted garlic, perfect for soaking up the sweet flavors of the french toast and caramelized bananas.

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Tender asparagus spears grilled to perfection and finished with a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest, adding a bright and refreshing contrast to the rich and sweet flavors of the main dish.

Mixed Berry Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette: A vibrant mix of fresh berries tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, providing a refreshing and fruity accompaniment to the indulgent french toast and caramelized bananas.

Similar Vegan Breakfast Recipes to Try

Vegan Stuffed Bell Peppers: Create a flavorful and colorful dish by stuffing bell peppers with a delicious mixture of quinoa, black beans, corn, and spices, then baking until tender.

Coconut Curry Soup: Whip up a creamy and aromatic coconut curry soup with your choice of vegetables and protein, simmered in a rich and flavorful broth.

Mango Sorbet: Indulge in a refreshing and tropical mango sorbet, made with ripe mangoes, a touch of lime juice, and a hint of sweetness for the perfect dessert or palate cleanser.

Perfect Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Vegan French Toast

Appetizers:

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

Crispy Spring Rolls: Roll up a variety of fresh vegetables and herbs in rice paper wrappers, then fry until golden and crispy. Serve with a tangy dipping sauce for a light and refreshing appetizer option.

Desserts:

Vegan Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a velvety smooth and rich vegan chocolate mousse that will satisfy your sweet tooth without any dairy. This decadent dessert is perfect for any occasion and will impress even the most discerning of guests.

Coconut Mango Sorbet: Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with a refreshing and creamy coconut mango sorbet. This dairy-free dessert is bursting with the flavors of ripe mangoes and creamy coconut, making it the perfect way to end any meal.

Why trust this Vegan French Toast with Caramelized Bananas Recipe:

This recipe offers a delectable twist on a classic dish, ensuring a delightful experience for all. The use of unsweetened almond milk and chia seeds provides a nutritious and wholesome base, while the addition of caramelized bananas and coconut sugar infuses the dish with rich, indulgent flavors. The incorporation of pure maple syrup and natural vanilla extract further enhances the taste profile, promising a satisfying and delightful meal. With a perfect balance of textures and flavors, this recipe is a testament to the creativity and innovation that can be achieved within the realm of vegan cuisine.

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FAQ:

Can I use a different type of non-dairy milk for the French toast batter?

Yes, you can use any type of non-dairy milk that you prefer, such as soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Just make sure it is unsweetened to maintain the balance of flavors in the recipe.

Can I make the French toast batter ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the French toast batter the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using it to ensure the ingredients are well combined.

Can I omit the bourbon booster from the caramelized bananas?

Of course! The bourbon booster is optional and can be omitted if you prefer not to use alcohol in the recipe. The caramelized bananas will still be delicious without it.

Can I use a different type of sweetener instead of coconut sugar for the caramelized bananas?

Yes, you can substitute coconut sugar with other sweeteners like brown sugar or maple syrup. Keep in mind that the flavor profile may slightly change based on the sweetener you choose.

Can I freeze the leftover French toast for later?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked French toast. Once cooled, place the slices in an airtight container with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the toaster or oven until warmed through.