Easy Sugar Free Banana French Toast for Babies

Since starting solids is both exciting and overwhelming (especially if this is your first baby!) you’ll want simple foods for your baby. I get it, I was nervous when I decided to do baby-led weaning with my first baby too. It can be scary not doing the traditional spoon feeding where we, the parents, feel more in control. But the truth is there are a host of benefits to baby-led weaning and it’s easier than you might think!

That’s why I love this easy banana French toast recipe for baby-led weaning! It has no added sugar or salt, which is perfect for babies and toddlers! It’s sweetened with fruit, packed with healthy fats, and easy to make. The whole family will love it! 

Why You’ll Love This Sugar Free French Toast for Babies

This recipe is healthy and baby-friendly. Here’s why:

• Natural sweetness comes from bananas. No need for added sugar.
• Healthy fats from peanut butter is great for brain development.
• This BLW banana French toast is a perfect finger food for babies of all ages. You can cut them into long strips for younger babies with the palmar grasp or squares for older babies that have developed the pincer grasp. 
• It’s packed with protein and fiber which keeps babies and toddlers full longer.
• Toddlers love the independence of choosing their own toppings like fresh fruit, whipped cream, or nut butters and sprinkling on seeds. 

This recipe isn’t just for babies. It’s a hit with the whole family! Pair it with your favorite breakfast sides for a meal.

Ingredients You Need

You’ll need just a few simple ingredients:

• 1 overripe banana
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• sprinkle of nutmeg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 4 slices of bread (whole wheat, Texas toast, brioche bread, or Ezekiel bread)
• Dash of coconut oil or butter (for cooking)

Optional toppings:

• Fresh fruit
• Thinly spread peanut butter, almond butter, or other nut or seed butters (almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter)
• Hemp seeds, chia seeds, or flax seeds
• Cream cheese
• Whipped cream (sugar free for babies)
• Maple syrup (I choose to give syrup to my kids once they are over 2 years)

Use whole-grain wheat bread like Ezekiel bread for more fiber compared to white bread. 

Check out my other recipes for babies like Sugar Free Banana Bread Muffins!

Supplies You Need

• Shallow bowl or square glass dish
• Pan or pancake griddle
• Fork or potato masher
• Spatula
• Airtight container or freezer-safe Ziploc bag

How to Make BLW Banana French Toast

1. Make the Banana Mixture

Mash the banana in a shallow bowl or a square glass dish which is easier to dip bread in. Add the eggs, peanut butter, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla. Whisk until smooth. Mix in the milk. The banana mixture should be slightly thick to coat the bread evenly.

2. Dip the Bread

Thick slices of bread like Texas toast or French bread can work well for French toast. I often use whatever bread I have on hand at the time for French toast. Dip each slice into the banana mixture. Coat both sides evenly. Avoid soaking too long to prevent soggy bread.

3. Cook the Toast

Heat a pan or a pancake griddle over medium heat. Add a butter. Place dipped slices in the pan. Cook 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown.

For a larger batch, bake on parchment paper in a toaster oven. Set to 375°F for 10 minutes. Flip halfway through for even cooking.

4. Cool and Serve

Let toast cool slightly. Cut into finger strips the size and shape of two adult fingers for babies with the palmar grasp. Cut into bite-sized pieces or small squares for babies with the pincer grasp. Serve plain or with toppings.

Toppings like peanut butter, almond butter, or fresh fruit add flavor and nutrients. Sprinkle hemp seeds, chia seeds, or flax seeds for extra protein, fiber, iron, and healthy fats.

Nutritional Benefits of Banana French Toast

This recipe is packed with nutrients:

• Bananas provide potassium and natural sweetness. They’re rich in vitamins B6 and C.
• Peanut butter contributes healthy and filling fat and protein. Peanut butter French toast is also great for exposing babies to a top allergen (peanuts) early.
• Eggs add protein and choline for brain growth.
• Cinnamon and nutmeg exposes babies to more flavors which may reduce pickiness and they add antioxidants.
• Whole-grain bread adds fiber for improved digestion and bowel movements.
• Coconut oil, butter, and peanut butter provide fats for brain development.

Adding hemp seeds, chia seeds, flax seeds or nut butters boosts protein and omega-3s. Including varied toppings also helps expose kids to different textures and flavors. This supports sensory development and reduces pickiness over time.

Tips for Success when Making BLW Banana French Toast

• Store extras in a freezer-safe Ziploc bag. Reheat in a toaster oven or microwave for a quick breakfast or snack.
• Mix it up with toppings like fresh fruit, nut butters, cream cheese, whipped cream, seeds, or ground nuts
• Use cookie cutters to make fun shapes to get your toddler excited about the meal
• Cut the banana French toast into adult finger-shaped strips for younger babies 
• Cut the French toast into bite-sized pieces for older babies
• Make a double batch to freeze for busy mornings and snacks. It’s a quick meal that’s healthy and versatile!