IHOP Banana Bread French Toast

The first time I ordered Banana Bread French Toast at IHOP on a lazy Sunday morning, One bite later, I was completely sold. The warm, cinnamon-spiced banana bread transformed into something even more magical when dipped in egg batter and pan-fried to golden perfection. Topped with fresh bananas, caramel, and a cloud of whipped cream, it blurred the line between breakfast and dessert in the most delightful way. This copycat recipe brings that same indulgent experience to your home kitchen, perfect for special brunches or turning ordinary mornings into celebrations.

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Why this is the best banana nut bread French toast recipe

This Banana Bread French Toast creates the perfect contrast of textures and flavors. The dense, moist banana bread holds up beautifully to the egg soak without falling apart, while developing a delicate crisp exterior during cooking. The caramelization of the natural sugars in the bread creates a rich depth of flavor that perfectly complements the fresh banana topping and sweet caramel sauce.

Recipe ingredients

To make this Banana Bread French Toast recipe, you will need:

• Banana bread – Provides the sweet, dense base that transforms into amazing French toast
• Large eggs – Creates the custard coating that gives French toast its signature texture
• Milk – Thins the egg mixture for proper soaking and adds richness
• Butter – Delivers golden browning and a subtle nutty flavor when cooked
• Fresh bananas – Adds bright, fresh flavor and contrasting texture
• Caramel sauce – Creates a decadent sweetness that elevates the dish
• Whipped cream – Offers a light, airy topping that balances the dense bread
• Nutmeg – Optional garnish that adds subtle warmth and complexity

Substitutions and variations

The banana bread is the star of the show, so, if you can, try to make it yourself. If you don’t already have a favorite banana bread recipe, try baking Banana Nut Bread or Starbucks Banana Bread.

It is perfectly fine to purchase good-quality banana bread. It will make a huge difference in how the recipe turns out.

The thicker the caramel sauce, the better. A salted caramel sauce, such as the one from Postre, helps bring out the dish’s sweetness and serves as a good substitute for regular caramel sauce.

A sprinkling of nuts on the whipped cream and banana slices is a great addition. Walnuts pair exceptionally well with bananas, or simply use the same nuts found in banana bread.

How to make banana bread French toast

1. Place a heavy-bottom large skillet over medium heat. Using a two-burner griddle pan is ideal for occasions when you need to prepare multiple servings simultaneously.
2. Meanwhile, cut the banana bread into 1-inch thick slices. Please don’t make the slices too thin, or they could fall apart.
3. Whisk together the eggs and milk in a broad and shallow container. Feel free to add a pinch of salt at this point.

4. Put a slice of banana bread into the egg mixture and let it soak for about one minute per side. You don’t want the bread to become overly saturated.
5. While the bread is soaking, add a teaspoon of butter to the hot pan. Swirl the butter around the pan, and when it stops foaming, add the banana bread.
6. Cook the bread on each side for about 4 to 5 minutes or until it turns golden brown.

7. Remove the slice from the pan and repeat steps 4 to 6 for each piece of banana bread. Keep the cooked French toast slices on a baking sheet in a warm oven.
8. To serve, put a slice of French toast on a serving plate and top with a few banana slices. Add a drizzle of caramel sauce and a dollop of whipped cream. Garnish with a pinch of nutmeg or chopped nuts if used.

Recipe variations

Although IHOP does not follow this approach, you may want to make these modifications to tailor the recipe to your preferences.

• Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to the egg batter
• Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the egg batter
• Serve with real pure maple syrup

Can I store banana bread French toast?

Surprisingly, yes, you can! Leftover Banana Bread French Toast holds up pretty well for one to two months in the freezer as long as you store it properly.

How to Freeze French Toast

1. Let the bread cool completely.
2. Cut a sheet of wax paper slightly larger than each slice.
3. Stack the Banana Nut Bread French Toast slices with a piece of wax paper between each of them.
4. Wrap the stack with a couple of layers of plastic wrap and then a single layer of aluminum foil.
5. Pop the stack into a freezer-safe container to prevent the French toast from getting crushed. Store in the freezer for up to two months.

How to reheat leftovers

There is no need to thaw the French toast before reheating it in the oven.

To reheat the French toast:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. Separate the French toast stack into individual slices. If you have trouble, you can try reheating in the microwave for 15 seconds.
3. Coat a baking pan with a neutral vegetable oil like canola and lay out pieces of French toast with at least an inch between them.
4. Cook in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes per side, or until hot.

More IHOP copycat recipes

• Bacon Omelette
• Buttermilk Pancakes
• Colorado Omelette
• Funfetti Pancakes
• Pumpkin Pancakes

Favorite breakfast recipes

• Breakfast Crunchwrap
• Cheese Blintzes
• Chocolate Pancakes
• Egg in a Basket
• Egg White Bites
• French Cruller
• Red Velvet Pancakes
• Sausage Roll

Check out more of my easy breakfast recipes and the best casual dining restaurant recipes here on CopyKat!