Peanut Butter and Jelly Stuffed French Toast combines the best of both worlds.
It’s a unique twist on breakfast that’s perfect for kids and adults alike, and with a few adjustments, it can even be made vegan or low in sugar!
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For Regular Recipe:
Ingredients
- 4 slices of bread (white, whole wheat, or brioche for a richer taste)
- 4 tbsp peanut butter (or any nut/seed butter)
- 4 tbsp jelly or jam (strawberry, grape, or your favorite flavor)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk (whole, almond, or oat milk)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp butter (for cooking)
- Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
For Vegan Option:
- 4 slices of vegan bread
- 4 tbsp peanut butter or almond butter
- 4 tbsp fruit preserves (make sure they are vegan)
- ½ cup non-dairy milk (like almond, soy, or oat milk)
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed (mixed with 3 tbsp water as an egg substitute)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp coconut oil (for cooking)
- Vegan whipped topping (optional, for topping)
Low-Sugar Option:
- Sugar-free peanut butter
- Sugar-free or low-sugar jelly/jam
- Unsweetened almond milk or any other milk
- Sugar substitute like stevia (optional, to taste)
Instructions
Prepare the Filling
Start by spreading 1 tablespoon of peanut butter on one side of each slice of bread. Follow with a layer of jelly or jam over the peanut butter.
Use the back of a spoon to spread both evenly. Close each sandwich by pressing two slices of bread together.
Make sure you’ve spread the peanut butter and jelly right to the edges; this keeps your filling even and prevents too much leakage while cooking.
Prepare the Batter
In a shallow bowl or pie plate, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until the mixture is smooth.
If you’re using the vegan option, whisk the non-dairy milk, vanilla, and cinnamon, then add the flaxseed mixture (which should have thickened to a gel consistency).
The cinnamon and vanilla add a wonderful depth of flavor to the French toast batter.
Dip the Sandwiches
Carefully dip each peanut butter and jelly sandwich into the batter. Allow each side to soak for a few seconds, making sure the bread absorbs the mixture.
Be gentle, especially if your bread is softer, as it can break apart if soaked too long.
If you’re using sturdier bread like sourdough, feel free to leave it in the batter a bit longer for an extra custardy texture.
Cook the French Toast
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add the butter or coconut oil and let it melt, swirling it around to coat the pan.
Place each sandwich into the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. The goal is to achieve a crispy, caramelized exterior while keeping the inside gooey and warm.
If the bread starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat slightly to ensure the egg mixture cooks fully.
Serve and Garnish
Once the French toast is golden and crispy, transfer it to a plate. For an extra indulgent touch, top with a dollop of whipped cream or vegan whipped topping.
You could also add fresh fruit like sliced bananas or berries to brighten up the dish and add natural sweetness.
Finally, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup takes this stuffed French toast to the next level.
Tips for Success
- Use day-old bread or lightly toast your bread before assembling if you want your French toast to hold together better.
- Avoid overstuffing the sandwiches with too much jelly, as this can cause the filling to spill out and burn during cooking.
- Experiment with other nut or seed butters like almond or sunflower butter for a different flavor.
- To save time in the morning, assemble the sandwiches and mix the batter the night before. Just dip and cook in the morning!
Serving Suggestions
This Peanut Butter and Jelly Stuffed French Toast is a meal in itself, but you can always serve it with sides to make it a full brunch spread. Here are some ideas:
- Fresh fruit salad: A mix of berries, pineapple, and kiwi will add a refreshing contrast to the rich toast.
- Smoothie: A fruit smoothie or a peanut butter banana smoothie would be a nice complement.
- Coffee or tea: Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for the perfect cozy breakfast.
Variations
- Banana and Peanut Butter: Replace the jelly with banana slices for a peanut butter banana stuffed French toast. The warm banana adds natural sweetness and pairs wonderfully with peanut butter.
- Chocolate Lovers: Add a layer of chocolate hazelnut spread along with the peanut butter. You can use dairy-free chocolate spread if you’re making the vegan version.
- Berry Blast: Use fresh berries instead of jam. This reduces sugar content and adds a fresh, tangy flavor.
Nutritional Tips
If you’re aiming to reduce sugar, stick with a low-sugar peanut butter and jam or a naturally sweetened fruit preserve.
For a protein boost, use whole-grain bread, which adds fiber and keeps you full longer. If you’re counting calories, try an egg-white-only batter or use a nonstick skillet to reduce the amount of added fat.
