Caramelized Banana Stuffed French Toast with Maple Cream Cheese

Serves 4 · 15 min prep · 20 min cook

Ingredients

• 8 slices (about 1-inch thick) thick-cut brioche or challah loaf
• 3 ripe bananas
• 4 tbsp, divided unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp, divided ground cinnamon
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup, plus more for serving pure maple syrup
• 4 large eggs
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp powdered sugar, for dusting
• 1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans (optional)

Instructions

1. 1In a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Slice two bananas into 1/2-inch rounds and add them to the skillet with the brown sugar and cinnamon. Cook, stirring gently, 3–4 minutes until the bananas are golden, glossy, and caramelized. Transfer to a plate and let cool 5 minutes.
2. 2In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with maple syrup until smooth and spreadable. Set aside.
3. 3Lay out brioche. Spread each with a generous layer of the maple cream cheese, then top with the caramelized banana slices, dividing evenly. Place the remaining 4 bread slices on top to form sandwiches and press gently to seal.
4. 4In a wide shallow bowl or pie plate, whisk together the eggs, milk, remaining maple syrup, vanilla, remaining cinnamon, and salt until fully combined and frothy.
5. 5Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Dip each stuffed sandwich into the egg mixture for about 10–15 seconds per side, letting excess drip off so the bread is saturated but not falling apart.
6. 6Place two sandwiches in the hot skillet. Cook 3–4 minutes per side, adjusting heat if needed, until deep golden brown and crisp on the outside and the cream cheese is warm and melty inside. Transfer to a warm plate and repeat with remaining butter and sandwiches.
7. 7While the last batch cooks, thinly slice the remaining banana on the bias for garnish.
8. 8Halve each stuffed French toast diagonally, dust with powdered sugar, top with fresh banana slices and optional pecans, and serve immediately with extra warm maple syrup on the side.