This Peanut Butter Banana French Toast Bake is a wholesome twist on a classic breakfast favorite.
Packed with plant-based protein from peanut butter, fiber-rich bread, and potassium-loaded bananas, it delivers lasting energy without being heavy.
With healthy fats, low saturated fat, and a naturally sweet flavor, it’s both nourishing and satisfying.
Simple to prepare, oven-baked, and ideal for meal prep, it’s a fuss-free option for busy mornings or weekend brunch.
Healthy Banana Peanut Butter French Toast
Equipment
- 1 medium mixing bowl
- 1 whisk
- 1 Sharp knife
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 10×7-inch casserole dish (or similar)
- Aluminum foil
- Nonstick cooking spray
Ingredients
- 10 large eggs
- ½ cup natural peanut butter
- ⅔ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 loaf 16 oz sliced bread, cut into cubes
- 1 large banana sliced (plus more for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s hot and ready when the casserole goes in. While the oven heats, generously coat a 10×7-inch casserole dish (or similar size) with nonstick cooking spray. This prevents the bread from sticking and ensures easy cleanup later. If you don’t have spray, you can lightly grease the dish with a thin layer of butter or coconut oil.
- Make the Egg Mixture: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, crack in 10 large eggs. Add the peanut butter, almond milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Using a whisk, beat everything together until well combined. Don’t worry if the peanut butter looks slightly clumpy—it won’t completely dissolve. What matters is that it’s broken down into small bits that will distribute flavor throughout the bread. This mixture is the custard base that soaks into the bread, making it soft inside and slightly crisp on top.
- Prepare the Bread Base: Take your loaf of bread (about 16 ounces) and cut it into bite-sized cubes, approximately 3×3 in size. This allows the bread to absorb more custard without turning mushy. Transfer the cubes into the prepared casserole dish, spreading them evenly so the base is well covered.
- Add the Banana Layer: Slice one large ripe banana into thin rounds. Scatter the slices evenly over the bread cubes. Bananas add natural sweetness, moisture, and creaminess to each bite. If you love bananas, feel free to add an extra one at this stage for extra flavor.
- Combine the Mixture and Bread: Slowly pour the prepared egg mixture over the bread and bananas in the dish. Use clean hands or a spatula to gently press the bread down so every piece is soaked in the custard mixture. This ensures the casserole bakes evenly and prevents dry spots. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before baking to give the bread time to absorb maximum flavor.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap in moisture. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. After that, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for another 15–20 minutes. The top should turn golden brown, slightly crisp, and the center should be firm when gently pressed.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This cooling step helps the casserole set, making it easier to cut and serve. Slice into squares or rectangles and transfer to plates.
Notes
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread for best texture—it absorbs the custard without turning soggy.
- Ripe bananas add natural sweetness. The riper they are, the sweeter the dish will taste.
- Peanut butter will not completely dissolve in the egg mixture, but that’s normal and adds small pockets of nutty flavor throughout.
- For a dairy-free option, stick with almond milk or substitute oat or soy milk.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before, refrigerate, and bake the next morning.
Chef’s Secrets for Best Results
The magic of this French toast bake is all about balance—bread that’s sturdy enough to hold the custard, and custard that’s rich but not overpowering.
Always choose a bread with structure, such as brioche, sourdough, or whole grain, since softer sandwich bread can collapse into mush.
When whisking the egg mixture, don’t stress about making the peanut butter completely smooth; small pockets of peanut butter actually enhance the final texture and taste.
Another important secret is patience—letting the baked casserole rest before slicing gives it time to set properly, so every square comes out neat and holds its shape beautifully.
Serving Suggestions to Try
This dish is versatile enough to work for both everyday meals and special occasions.
For a wholesome breakfast, serve it with a side of Greek yogurt and fresh seasonal fruit like berries, mango, or citrus segments.
For brunch gatherings, pair it with scrambled eggs, turkey bacon, or a light salad to balance the richness.
If you want to lean into dessert territory, drizzle with melted chocolate, top with toasted coconut, or dust with powdered sugar.
Don’t forget the classics—extra peanut butter, maple syrup, and banana slices always elevate the dish without any fuss.
Storage Tips to Keep Fresh
This French toast bake is meal-prep friendly and stores well.
Once cooled, transfer leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 30–60 seconds, or warm the whole casserole in the oven at 300°F until heated through.
For longer storage, wrap slices in parchment paper and place them in freezer-safe bags.
They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat straight from frozen in a toaster oven or regular oven—no need to thaw.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can fully assemble the casserole the night before. Cover it tightly and refrigerate, then bake it fresh in the morning.
Overnight soaking often enhances the flavor and texture.
2. What bread should I use for the best texture?
Choose a hearty, slightly stale loaf such as sourdough, brioche, or multigrain.
These varieties hold their shape and absorb the custard well. Avoid very soft sandwich bread, which can make the dish overly mushy.
3. Can I swap the peanut butter for something else?
Absolutely! Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter all work wonderfully.
Each will give the casserole a unique flavor while keeping the creamy, nutty richness.
4. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes. Freeze individual portions wrapped in parchment and stored in freezer-safe bags for up to two months.
Reheat directly from frozen in the oven or toaster oven for a quick, nourishing breakfast.
5. How can I make this recipe healthier?
You can reduce the maple syrup for less sweetness, use whole-grain bread for extra fiber, and add toppings like chia seeds, hemp hearts, or fresh berries.
These small tweaks increase nutrition without sacrificing taste.
