If you grew up loving the classic comfort of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, just wait until you try this Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast Recipe. It takes that nostalgic combo and transforms it into a warm, golden, custardy delight that’s crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. Whether you’re cooking for a lazy weekend brunch or surprising the kids with a special breakfast, this recipe has all the familiar flavors you cherish wrapped in a fun, indulgent package that’ll quickly become a new favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple but each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and fluffy in this Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast Recipe.
- 8 slices sandwich bread (thick-cut preferred): Thick bread holds up beautifully and soaks in the egg mixture without falling apart.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: Adds rich, nutty creaminess that’s the star of the show.
- 1/2 cup fruit jelly or jam: Choose your favorite flavor for a sweet burst that pairs perfectly with peanut butter.
- 4 large eggs: The base that gives the toast its custardy texture.
- 1/2 cup milk: Helps create a smooth and tender batter for soaking the sandwiches.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth to the egg mixture.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings a subtle spice that enriches every bite.
- Butter or oil for greasing the pan: Ensures a perfectly golden, crispy crust without sticking.
- Powdered sugar and fresh fruit for serving (optional): Finishing touches that add extra sweetness and color.
How to Make Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Assemble the Sandwiches
Start by spreading creamy peanut butter on half of your bread slices. Then spread your chosen jelly or jam on the remaining slices. Press each peanut butter slice and jelly slice together to form four delicious sandwiches that are bursting with flavor inside.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and fragrant. This custardy blend is what turns the sandwich into heavenly French toast.
Step 3: Heat Your Pan and Grease It
Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil. This step is essential to achieve that golden crust while preventing the sandwiches from sticking.
Step 4: Dip the Sandwiches
Gently dip each peanut butter and jelly sandwich into the egg mixture. Be sure to coat both sides well but don’t soak too long or the bread will get soggy. The goal is a thin, joyful coating that crisps to perfection in the pan.
Step 5: Cook to Golden Perfection
Place the dipped sandwiches on your preheated skillet. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and the sandwich is heated through. The peanut butter will be melting happily inside as you cook.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Remove your peanut butter and jelly French toast from the skillet and slice in half if you want. Dust with powdered sugar for a sweet dusting that looks as good as it tastes. Serve immediately while warm.
How to Serve Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Powdered sugar adds a gentle sweetness and snowy look to your plates. Fresh fruit like sliced bananas, strawberries, or blueberries bring bright, juicy bursts that contrast beautifully with the rich peanut butter and sweet jelly.
Side Dishes
Pair this Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast Recipe with crispy bacon or sausage for a savory balance. A side of scrambled eggs or Greek yogurt can also round out the meal with protein and creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the sandwiches for a playful tower effect, or cut them into fun shapes using cookie cutters. Drizzle with maple syrup or a bit of melted chocolate for special occasions or a children’s party breakfast that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days without losing their delicious flavor and texture.
Freezing
This French toast freezes beautifully! Place cooled sandwiches on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen peanut butter and jelly French toast lasts for up to 1 month and makes for a quick and indulgent breakfast anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the sandwiches in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave to keep the texture from turning soggy.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a wonderful texture contrast and extra nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the soft jelly and creamy French toast batter.
What type of bread works best for this recipe?
Thick-cut sandwich bread is ideal because it holds the fillings well and absorbs the egg mixture without falling apart. Slightly stale or day-old bread even works better for extra crunch.
Can I substitute the jelly for something else?
Yes! Feel free to use any jam or jelly you love, or swap it for fresh fruit preserves or even a swirl of Nutella for a chocolatey twist on this classic combo.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Definitely, this Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast Recipe is a kid favorite and perfect for breakfast or brunch with little ones. The familiar flavors in a fun format make it a great way to start the day.
Can I make this French toast dairy-free?
Yes, swap the milk for almond, soy, or oat milk and use a dairy-free butter or oil for cooking. The flavors will still shine and create a delicious dairy-free breakfast treat.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast Recipe is pure breakfast magic in every bite. It’s easy to make, nostalgic, and just the right amount of indulgent to brighten up your morning or surprise your brunch guests. Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your weekend routine—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
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, Brunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious twist on classic French toast, featuring comforting layers of creamy peanut butter and sweet fruit jelly sandwiched between thick-cut bread slices. Perfect for a kid-friendly breakfast or a cozy brunch, this peanut butter and jelly French toast is cooked on the stovetop to a golden-brown finish and served warm with optional powdered sugar and fresh fruit.
Ingredients
Sandwich Ingredients
- 8 slices sandwich bread (thick-cut preferred)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup fruit jelly or jam (grape, strawberry, or your favorite)
Batter
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For Cooking and Serving
- Butter or oil for greasing the pan
- Powdered sugar (optional)
- Fresh fruit for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the sandwiches: Spread peanut butter evenly on 4 slices of bread and spread jelly on the remaining 4 slices. Press the peanut butter and jelly slices together to form 4 sandwiches, ensuring fillings are sealed well inside.
- Make the egg batter: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Heat the skillet: Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil to prevent sticking and help achieve a golden crust.
- Dip the sandwiches: Dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, coating both sides thoroughly but avoiding soaking the bread to maintain structure.
- Cook the French toast: Place the coated sandwiches on the hot skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until each side is golden brown and the filling is warmed through.
- Serve: Remove the French toast from the skillet and slice each sandwich in half if desired. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with fresh fruit or a drizzle of maple syrup for added sweetness.
Notes
- For added texture and crunch, use slightly stale or toasted bread before assembling.
- Try chunky peanut butter or swirl in Nutella with the jelly for a delicious variation.
- This recipe is ideal for breakfast or brunch and is a hit with kids and guests alike.
