Banana-Stuffed French Toast

Why You’ll Love This Banana-Stuffed French Toast

Naturally Sweet and Totally Baby-Friendly: One of the best things about this recipe is that it doesn’t need any added sugar to be delicious. Thanks to the ripe banana, the sweetness is built right in – gentle and naturally satisfying for little taste buds. That makes it a perfect no-sugar breakfast idea for babies and toddlers, especially those just starting on solids or following a baby-led weaning approach.

Soft Texture That’s Easy to Eat: This French toast turns out wonderfully soft on the inside with just a little crispness on the outside, making it ideal for young eaters. Whether your baby is still gumming their food or your toddler is gaining confidence with self-feeding, this recipe is easy to hold, chew, and enjoy. You can even cut it into fingers for the perfect baby finger food or serve it whole for toddlers learning to manage bigger bites.

Quick and Simple for Busy Mornings: Let’s be real – mornings with little ones are anything but calm. This banana-stuffed French toast comes together in about 10 minutes from start to finish, which means you can get a warm, homemade breakfast on the table without the stress. It uses ingredients you probably already have on hand, too, so no last-minute grocery runs needed.

Perfect for the Whole Family: What’s really lovely about this recipe is how flexible it is. You don’t need to cook a separate meal for each age group. Just tweak the toppings based on who’s eating – plain or with fruit for babies, a drizzle of maple syrup for older kids, or even a spoonful of nut butter or yogurt for grown-ups. It’s one of those rare meals that truly works for everyone at the table.

Great Way to Use Up Ripe Bananas: We’ve all been there – that bunch of bananas getting spottier by the day. This recipe is a delicious way to put them to good use before they go too far. It’s a creative alternative to banana bread and a nice change from your usual breakfast routine. Plus, using ripe bananas makes the toast extra flavorful and soft.

A Comforting Classic with a Wholesome Twist: There’s something really comforting about French toast. It feels like a little treat, but with wholesome ingredients like banana, egg, and white bread or whole grain bread, it’s also nourishing. It’s the kind of breakfast that brings a little joy to the table – even on the messiest mornings – and gives you peace of mind knowing your little one is eating something both tasty and nutritious.

Banana-Stuffed French Toast Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 slices of soft whole grain bread or white bread
• 1/2 large ripe banana, 
• 1 egg
• Splash of milk (about 3–4 tablespoons)
• Optional: A pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor
• A small amount of butter, olive oil, or coconut oil for cooking

Instructions

1. Mash the Banana: In a small bowl, mash half a ripe banana until smooth. A fork works perfectly here! Set aside for later – this will be the yummy filling.

2. Whisk the Egg Mixture: Crack the egg into a shallow bowl, add your milk, and whisk it all together. For a cozy touch, sprinkle in a pinch of cinnamon (optional, but it smells amazing while cooking!).

3. Make the Banana Sandwich: Spread the mashed banana on one slice of bread, then gently press the second slice on top like a sandwich. Give it a little press to keep the filling in place.

4. Dip in the Egg: Carefully dip both sides of your banana sandwich into the egg mixture, letting it soak for a few seconds per side so it gets nice and custardy.

5. Cook Until Golden: Warm a small amount of oil or butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the sandwich in the pan and cook for about 2–3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Let it cool slightly before serving. For babies under 1, serve plain or with soft fruit on the side. Toddlers and older kids might enjoy a drizzle of maple syrup, powdered sugar, or yogurt on top.

Note: Skip honey or added sugar for babies under 1 year old.

Tips for Success 

Choose the Right Bread for Little Mouths: For babies and toddlers, look for whole grain or white bread that’s soft and squishy, making it easy to chew and gentle on gums. For older kids and adults, feel free to go with your favorite hearty bread – just make sure it’s not too thick or dense, so it soaks up the egg mixture properly.

Use Ripe Bananas for Natural Sweetness: The riper the banana, the better. A soft, spotty banana adds just the right amount of natural sweetness without needing any added sugar – perfect for a no-sugar breakfast recipe for babies. Plus, it mashes easily and spreads like a dream.

Let the Bread Soak – But Not Too Long: When dipping the banana sandwich into the egg mixture, give it a few seconds on each side to soak up the liquid. You want it nice and moist, but not falling apart. A gentle soak means your toast will cook up golden and fluffy without getting soggy in the middle.

Cook Low and Slow for That Golden Glow: A medium heat setting is just right. Too hot, and the outside will brown too fast before the inside warms through. Cooking slowly and gently ensures the toast turns golden and crisp outside while staying soft and warm in the center – ideal for those tiny bites. If you’re cooking for babies under one, consider using coconut oil or unsalted butter for a milder, more baby-friendly flavor.

Cool Before Serving – Especially for Babies: This one’s easy to overlook, but super important. Always let the French toast cool a bit before serving it to babies or toddlers. The inside can hold heat longer than you’d expect. A quick touch-test will help you avoid any hot surprises.

Customize for the Whole Family: One of the best things about this recipe? It’s easy to make it work for everyone. For babies under 1, serve it plain or with soft fruit on the side. Toddlers might enjoy a small dollop of yogurt, and older kids or adults can drizzle on some maple syrup, add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, or top it with fresh berries.

Recipe Swaps and Additions 

Switch Up the Filling: Banana is such a great base, but you can easily mix things up with different fruit fillings. Try mashed avocado for a savoury twist or soften some pear or apple before mashing it up with a touch of cinnamon. You can also add a dollop of plain Greek yogurt to the banana mash for a creamy texture and a bit of extra protein. And for older toddlers or adults, a thin spread of nut butter alongside the banana takes it to another level.

Dairy-Free or Allergy-Friendly Options: If your little one is dairy-free, no problem at all. You can use any milk alternative you like – oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk. Just be sure to go for unsweetened versions to keep things gentle on little tummies. The egg mixture will still work beautifully, and the taste remains lovely and mild.

Add a Dash of Flavour: A pinch of cinnamon is a classic, but you could also try a little nutmeg or a drop of pure vanilla extract for added warmth and depth. These tiny additions make the French toast feel extra special without introducing any added sugar, perfect for babies and toddlers learning to enjoy new flavours.

Topping Ideas for Toddlers and Older Kids: For babies under one, it’s best to keep toppings simple – a few soft pieces of fruit like steamed apple or mashed berries are perfect. Toddlers might love theirs with a dollop of natural yogurt, a sprinkle of ground flaxseed, or even a drizzle of nut butter. Older kids and grown-ups can go all out with maple syrup, sliced bananas, or a light dusting of cinnamon sugar.

Equipment

• Non-stick skillet
• Mixing bowl

Nutrition 

Suitable for 6 months +

Per serving, approximate

• Calories: 180–200 (varies slightly with bread and milk type)
• Protein: 6–7g (from egg and milk)
• Healthy Fats: 5–6g (from egg and cooking oil)
• Carbohydrates: 25–28g (from bread and banana)
• Fiber: 3–4g (from banana and whole grain bread)
• Vitamin C: from bananas
• Calcium: from milk
• Iron: from egg and whole grain bread
• Omega-3s: minimal (can be increased with optional toppings like chia seeds)

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands, portion sizes, and specific milk or bread used.