Banana Bread French Toast Bagels
These Banana Bread French Toast Bagels are soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet with all the nostalgic flavor of banana bread. Each bagel is topped with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar French toast-inspired topping that bakes into a golden, crispy layer. Finished with a generous smear of cream cheese, they’re the perfect warm and cozy breakfast or brunch treat.
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Ingredients You Need:
Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below. Read through this section for all the ingredients substitution and baking tips!
Water
Maple syrup
Instant yeast
Mashed ripe bananas
Greek yogurt
Bread flour
Salt
Cinnamon
Vanilla extract
Brown sugar
All-purpose flour
Egg
Molasses or honey
Why You’ll Love Banana Bread French Toast Bagels:
Soft and Fluffy Texture: These bagels are tender and pillowy inside, just like your favorite banana bread.
Cinnamon Crunch Topping: Each bagel is topped with a golden, crisp “French toast” topping that adds a sweet, cinnamon-sugar crunch.
Naturally Sweetened with Banana: Ripe bananas add moisture and natural sweetness—no need for tons of extra sugar.
Warm and Comforting Flavor: The banana, cinnamon, and vanilla combo makes these bagels taste like a cozy breakfast treat.
Perfect for Cream Cheese Spreads: They’re incredible served warm with a generous smear of cream cheese (try plain, honey, or maple!).
Great Use for Overripe Bananas: A creative, delicious way to use bananas that are past their prime.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the dough ahead of time and bake fresh bagels in the morning.
Tips for Making Banana Bread French Toast Bagels:
Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your bagels will be. Look for bananas with brown spots.
Mash Smoothly: Mash your bananas well so they incorporate evenly into the dough for a uniform texture and rise.
Don’t Over-Flour the Dough: The dough should be soft and slightly tacky. Too much flour will make the bagels dense.
Chill the Dough if It’s Sticky: If your dough is hard to shape, pop it in the fridge for 15–30 minutes to firm up before shaping.
Boil Briefly Before Baking: A quick boil helps set the shape and creates that classic chewy bagel texture. Don’t skip this step.
Sprinkle the Topping Right After Boiling: Add the cinnamon crunch mixture immediately after boiling, while the surface is still tacky, so it sticks well.
Bake Until Deeply Golden: The crunchy French toast topping caramelizes in the oven—bake until the tops are golden and crisp.
Serve Fresh and Warm: These bagels are best served warm with cream cheese or butter for peak flavor and texture.
How to Store Banana Bread French Toast Bagels:
Room Temperature: Store the bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The crunchy topping may soften slightly but will still taste delicious.
Refrigerator: For slightly longer freshness, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Toast before serving to bring back the golden crunch.
Freezer: Freeze cooled bagels in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Store for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, bake in a 350°F oven for 5–8 minutes or toast until warmed through and crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving to preserve the texture.
FAQs:
Q: Do these bagels actually get dipped in a French toast batter?
A: No—despite the name, they aren't dipped like traditional French toast. Instead, they’re topped with a crunchy French toast-inspired cinnamon sugar mixture before baking.
Q: What gives these bagels their banana bread flavor?
A: Mashed ripe bananas in the dough give them natural sweetness and that nostalgic banana bread taste.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can make the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Just it to room temperature before shaping, proofing, boiling and baking the bagels.
Q: Can I freeze the baked bagels?
A: Absolutely. Let them cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
Q: How do I keep the French toast topping crispy?
A: Store the bagels at room temperature in an airtight container. To revive the crunch, reheat in the oven or toaster oven until warm and crisp.
Q: Do I need a stand mixer to make these?
A: No—a stand mixer makes kneading easier, but you can mix and knead the dough by hand with great results.
Check out my other breakfast recipes on Instagram:
Make sure to tag me @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and leave a review or comment if you try these banana bread french toast bagels. Enjoy!
