If you’ve ever wished to merge the nostalgic joy of a classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich with the warm, fluffy delight of French toast, this Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast Recipe is about to become your next breakfast obsession. Imagine the creamy peanut butter and sweet jelly tucked between thick, golden slices of brioche or Texas toast, then lovingly dipped and cooked to a perfect golden brown. Each bite offers an irresistible blend of flavors and textures that make mornings feel a little more special. Trust me, this recipe is comfort food elevated, perfect for lazy weekends or a fun twist on your weekday routine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this dreamy Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast Recipe, you’ll only need a handful of simple ingredients that work beautifully together. Each one plays a vital role, from the richness of creamy peanut butter to the aromatic cinnamon that adds a warm spice hint. These staples come together to make a colorful, flavorful, and comforting dish.
- 8 slices thick-cut bread (brioche or Texas toast): The soft, sturdy base that soaks up the egg mixture perfectly without falling apart.
- 0.5 cup creamy peanut butter: Adds a luscious, nutty creaminess that pairs beautifully with the jelly.
- 0.5 cup strawberry or grape jelly: Provides sweet, fruity bursts to balance the peanut butter’s richness.
- 3 large eggs: The magic ingredient that creates the custardy coating for the toast.
- 0.75 cup whole milk: Helps lighten the egg mixture, making the French toast fluffy and tender.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the egg mixture with a subtle, sweet aroma.
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for cooking: Creates a golden, slightly crispy crust on the outside of the toast.
- Powdered sugar for serving (optional): A delicate dusting that adds an elegant finishing touch.
- Fresh berries (optional): Perfect for a burst of freshness and a beautiful pop of color on the plate.
How to Make Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sandwiches
Start by spreading creamy peanut butter generously on four slices of your chosen bread. Next, spread an even layer of your favorite jelly—whether strawberry or grape—onto the remaining four slices. Carefully press the peanut butter and jelly slices together to form four perfect sandwiches. This is the base of all that deliciousness, so don’t skimp on the spread!
Step 2: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a shallow bowl, whisk together three large eggs with whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This mixture will soak into your sandwiches to create that irresistible custard coating that defines great French toast.
Step 3: Heat the Skillet
Set your skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt the unsalted butter until it bubbles gently. This buttery surface is what will give your French toast a golden, crispy crust that’s simply irresistible.
Step 4: Dip and Cook the Sandwiches
Carefully dip each peanut butter and jelly sandwich into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated but not soggy. Place the dipped sandwiches onto the hot skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. You’re aiming for a beautiful golden-brown color and warm, melty filling. Keep an eye on the heat to avoid burning.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked to perfection, remove the sandwiches from the skillet. Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar and a handful of fresh berries if you want to add a bright, fresh touch. Dive in while it’s warm to fully enjoy that gooey peanut butter and fruity jelly harmony.
How to Serve Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes elevate your Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast Recipe from tasty to spectacular. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and a snowy visual charm. Fresh berries such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries bring color and bright, tart bursts that perfectly contrast the rich peanut butter and sweet jelly.
Side Dishes
Pair this French toast with crispy bacon or breakfast sausages for salty, savory balance. Fresh fruit salad or a simple yogurt parfait can add refreshing lightness. If you want to indulge, a drizzle of maple syrup goes surprisingly well, enhancing the sweetness without overpowering the classic flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or brunch, cut the sandwiches into bite-sized fingers for easy sharing. Layer them on a platter with dollops of peanut butter and jelly on the side for dipping. Serve alongside small bowls of toasted nuts and whipped cream to take this Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast Recipe to brunch superstar status.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (though unlikely!), wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to two days to keep the peanut butter and jelly French toast moist and flavorful without drying out.
Freezing
To freeze, place cooled sandwiches on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to one month. This is perfect for quick weekday breakfasts—just thaw and reheat!
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a little butter to restore crispiness. Alternatively, use a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep the bread from becoming too soggy or chewy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread?
Absolutely! While brioche and Texas toast are ideal because of their thickness and softness, you can use challah, sourdough, or any sturdy bread that soaks up the custard nicely without falling apart.
Can I substitute peanut butter for allergies?
Yes, almond butter or sunflower seed butter are excellent alternatives. They offer a different but equally delicious flavor profile, especially when paired with your favorite jelly.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Definitely! Kids love the combination of peanut butter, jelly, and French toast. Just make sure to watch for any nut allergies before serving.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can assemble the sandwiches and store them covered in the refrigerator overnight, then cook them fresh in the morning for the best texture and flavor.
What’s the best way to keep French toast crispy?
Cooking over medium heat with enough butter helps. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan so each sandwich cooks evenly and crisps up nicely on both sides.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the warm, nostalgic hug you get from this Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast Recipe. Bringing together two beloved childhood flavors with the cozy charm of French toast creates a breakfast that’s both playful and comforting. Whether you’re making it for family, friends, or just treating yourself, it’s a recipe that delights every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover why it’s become one of my all-time favorites!
Print
Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious twist on classic French toast, featuring creamy peanut butter and sweet jelly sandwiched between thick-cut brioche or Texas toast slices, dipped in a cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture and cooked to golden perfection on the stovetop. Perfect for a comforting breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
Sandwich Ingredients
- 8 slices thick-cut bread (brioche or Texas toast)
- 0.5 cup creamy peanut butter
- 0.5 cup strawberry or grape jelly
Egg Mixture
- 3 large eggs
- 0.75 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For Cooking & Serving
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for cooking
- Powdered sugar for serving (optional)
- Fresh berries for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sandwiches: Spread peanut butter evenly on four slices of bread and jelly on the remaining four slices. Sandwich the slices together to form four peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
- Make the Egg Mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt the unsalted butter, ensuring it coats the surface evenly to prevent sticking.
- Dip the Sandwiches: Dip each peanut butter and jelly sandwich into the egg mixture, coating both sides thoroughly but gently to avoid breaking the bread.
- Cook the French Toast: Place the coated sandwiches onto the hot skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and heated through.
- Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and serve warm. Dust with powdered sugar and top with fresh berries if desired for added sweetness and presentation.
Notes
- For extra crunch, use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy.
- You can substitute almond butter or sunflower seed butter if preferred.
- Use brioche or Texas toast for best texture and sturdy sandwiches.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
