Cinnamon French Toast Crunch with Caramelized Bananas

This baked French toast is a fun and crunchy twist on the classic, coated in crushed corn flakes and lightly sweetened with cinnamon and brown sugar. Paired with oven-caramelized bananas, it’s a warm and comforting breakfast that feels like a treat. It’s easy enough for kids to help with, and makes the kitchen smell amazing!

Recipe

Yield: 5 servings

Ingredients:

  • Ingredients for french toast

    • 4 eggs

    • 3 cups corn flake cereal

    • 1/4 cup brown sugar

    • 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon, divided

    • 6 slices whole wheat bread

    • 2 tbsp water

    • 2 tsp vanilla extract (Optional)

    Ingredients for Caramelized bananas

    • 4 bananas

    • 2 tbsp brown sugar

    • 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Equipment:

  • Rimmed baking sheet

  • Large zipper bag

  • 2 large shallow bowls

  • Whisk or fork

  • Measuring spoons

  • Liquid measuring cups

  • Pot or can or rolling pin

  • Parchment paper

  • Oven & oven mitts

  • Cutting board

  • Knife

Directions:

Directions for french toast:

  1. Preheat oven to 400F. Coat a baking tray with cooking spray or oil with a paper towel.

  2. In your large zipper bag, use a pot, can, or rolling pin to crush corn flakes into coarse crumbs. Into the bag, add brown sugar and 1 tsp of cinnamon. Toss to combine. Pour into a shallow dish.

  3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs with water, cinnamon, and vanilla if using.

  4. Dip each slice of bread in the egg mixture for 15 seconds flipping once half way through the time. Coat the bread in crushed cereal, pressing to help the crumbs stick. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet.

  5. Have an adult set the baking sheet on the middle oven rack. Bake, turning once, for 20 mins, or until golden. We recommend serving with caramelized bananas (see recipe below).

Directions for caramelized bananas:

  1. Have an adult set the oven rack to the top rack. Preheat oven to 450F or broil.

  2. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper, and lightly oil.

  3. Slice bananas into coins, 1 cm thick. Lay bananas in one layer, making sure they are not crowded.

  4. Sprinkle brown sugar over the tops of the bananas. Use your hands to gently press them onto the banana, making sure that they stick. Sprinkle cinnamon over the tops of the bananas.

  5. Have an adult put your bananas in the oven. Bake for 10-15 mins, or until sugar has caramelized. At the 10 minute mark, watch your bananas closely! They can burn very quickly at this point.

  6. Remove from the oven and let cool for 1-2 minutes before serving.