Give French Toast A Sweet Makeover With One Bread Swap

Perfecting and personalizing your banana bread French toast

There are several common mistakes to avoid when making banana bread, and if you're planning to turn it into French toast, there are a few extra tips to consider. First, banana bread is naturally soft and moist, which contributes to its deliciousness. However, for this dish, you might want to do something that seems counterintuitive—allow it to become slightly stale. A bit of dryness will help it absorb the batter more effectively. Additionally, make sure to use a pre-heated nonstick pan, as the delicate banana bread is more fragile than sourdough or whole wheat, and you want to avoid the hassle of scraping it off the surface and having it fall apart.

Once you've mastered the process of making banana bread French toast, you can experiment with various toppings and presentations. Consider adding peanut butter and crumbled bacon for a savory touch and a boost of protein—an homage to Elvis Presley. Ingredients like walnuts, chocolate chips, and pumpkin seeds can enhance both the texture and flavor of your French toast. While maple syrup is a classic choice, honey also makes for a delightful topping.

You can apply this technique to other similar breads as well. Explore quick breads for inspiration, such as pumpkin, zucchini, or lemon poppy seed, and embark on your French toast adventures!