Banana Nutella French Toast Recipe

Bread: Thick slices are preferred to hold the filling and maintain structure during cooking.

Eggs: These provide the custard-like coating for the bread, adding richness and helping to bind the ingredients.

Milk: Used to create a creamy mixture with the eggs, ensuring the bread is moist and flavorful.

Vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the French toast.

Banana: Sliced and layered inside the sandwich, it adds natural sweetness and a soft texture.

Nutella: A creamy, chocolate-hazelnut spread that provides a rich, indulgent filling.

Butter: Used for cooking, it helps to achieve a golden, crispy exterior on the French toast.

To ensure your French toast achieves a perfect golden brown color, make sure the butter is fully melted and evenly distributed in the skillet before adding the sandwiches. This will help prevent any uneven cooking or burning. Additionally, using thick slices of bread will help the sandwiches hold their shape and absorb the egg mixture without becoming too soggy.

• 4 slices preferably thick slices bread - Substitute with brioche or challah: These types of bread are rich and absorb the egg mixture well, providing a similar texture and flavor.

• 2 eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: Mix 2 tablespoons of flaxseed meal with 6 tablespoons of water to replace the eggs. This is a good vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients.

• ½ cup milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that provides a similar creamy texture and mild flavor.

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can add a sweet, aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• 1 sliced banana - Substitute with sliced strawberries: Strawberries offer a fresh, sweet, and slightly tart flavor that pairs well with the Nutella.

• ¼ cup Nutella - Substitute with peanut butter: Peanut butter provides a rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture, making it a good alternative to Nutella.

• 1 tablespoon for cooking butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a plant-based option that works well for cooking and adds a subtle coconut flavor.

• Allow the banana nutella french toast to cool completely at room temperature. This prevents condensation, which can make the toast soggy.

• Once cooled, wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This ensures they stay fresh and prevents them from sticking together.

• Place the wrapped sandwiches in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This provides an extra layer of protection against freezer burn.

• Label the container or bag with the date. This helps you keep track of how long the french toast has been stored.

• Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days if you plan to eat them soon. For longer storage, place them in the freezer for up to 1 month.

• To reheat, remove the french toast from the wrapping. If refrigerated, you can reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes per side.

• For frozen french toast, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or use a microwave on the defrost setting. Then, reheat in a skillet or toaster oven until hot and crispy.

• Optionally, before serving, add a fresh layer of nutella or a few slices of banana to enhance the flavors.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the Banana Nutella French Toast on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.

• Use a toaster oven for a quick and easy option. Set it to medium heat and toast the French toast for about 5 minutes. This will help maintain its crispy exterior while warming the inside.

• For a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over low to medium heat. Add a small amount of butter to the pan. Place the French toast in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side, ensuring it doesn't burn.

• If you're in a hurry, the microwave can be used, but be cautious as it may make the French toast a bit soggy. Place the French toast on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking frequently.

• For a crispy finish, consider using an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Place the French toast in the basket in a single layer and heat for about 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.

• Whisk: A tool used to blend the egg mixture smoothly and incorporate air into it.

• Knife: Used to slice the banana into even pieces.

• Butter knife: Used to spread Nutella evenly on the bread slices.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used to cook the French toast sandwiches until they are golden brown.

• Spatula: Used to flip the sandwiches in the skillet to ensure even cooking on both sides.

• Measuring cup: Used to measure the milk accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the vanilla extract and butter accurately.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Slice the banana and measure out the Nutella and other ingredients the night before to streamline your morning routine.

Use a large skillet: Cooking multiple sandwiches at once saves time, so opt for a large skillet to fit them all.

Preheat the skillet: Ensure the butter is melted and the skillet is hot before adding the sandwiches to achieve even browning quickly.

Make extra egg mixture: Prepare a bit more egg mixture than needed to avoid running out mid-dip, which can slow you down.