By adding banana slices, peanut butter, and other toppings, you can make toast into a more nutritious and balanced meal in a matter of minutes. It’s great for a light breakfast along with a pre-workout snack.
It’ll keep you energized and full until lunchtime. Preparing this toast will help you satisfy a strong childhood craving as it reminds you of comfort food.
Ingredients
For the Basic Toast:
- 2 slices of bread (whole grain preferred, or any bread of your choice)
- 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter (or any nut butter)
- 1 medium banana, sliced
- Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of sea salt (optional)
Optional Toppings & Upgrades:
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds or hemp hearts
- 1 tablespoon granola
- 1 teaspoon coconut flakes
- Dark chocolate chips
- Sliced strawberries or berries
- Crushed walnuts or almonds
- Greek yogurt drizzle
- A sprinkle of cocoa powder
Instructions
Step 1
Toast the bread to your desired level of crispness.
I prefer medium-golden toast that’s crispy on the outside but still has some softness inside.
This creates the perfect base that can support toppings without getting soggy.
Step 2
Spread the peanut butter while the toast is still warm.
The heat will slightly melt the peanut butter, making it easier to spread and creating a creamy, luscious layer.
Use about 1 tablespoon per slice for good coverage.
Slice the banana into 1/4 inch rounds.
For your best presentation, slice them at a slight diagonal, so you have larger ovals that take up more surface area.
Step 3
Arrange the pieces on the peanut butter toast in a layer.
They can overlap a bit, but not so much that it makes it hard to bite into.
You want enough banana on each bite to get the flavor, but not so thick that it becomes uncomfortable to eat.
A light sprinkle of cinnamon and a bit of sea salt. The warmth of the cinnamon gives a bit of comfort, while the salt elevates and balances the sweetness.
Step 4
Add toppings if you wish. You may drizzle honey, add chia seeds, granola, or any of the optional toppings.
There are many ways to get creative.
Peanut butter banana toast is best served immediately, while the toast is warm and crispy.
You want the contrast of warm toast to cool banana at its peak.
To make it easier to eat, cut and/or slice diagonally in half. Or, leave it whole and dive in.
Recipe Tips & Tricks For Peanut Butter Banana Toast
The temperature for toasting bread is important.
Spread the peanut butter on warm toast to melt the peanut butter a little
And make it easier to spread, but not so hot that the banana gets warm and mushy. Waiting for 30 seconds is the recommended time to wait.
Generosity is encouraged. A generous layer is what makes this toast satisfying and rich in protein. With that said, make it 1 tablespoon per slice and spread it all the way to the edges.
- Slice bananas just before serving: Bananas that are sitting out in the open for long periods brown, and for the freshest looking toast, slice your banana right before assembling. If you absolutely must prep ahead, slice bananas and toss evenly with a wee bit of lemon juice.
- Layering with intention: If making this ahead of time, it is best to keep components separate. To maintain the crunch in the toast, it is best to pack the toast, peanut butter, and banana separately, then assemble all the ingredients at work or school.
- The salt trick changes everything: Yes, a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top might seem odd, but it elevates this toast from good to amazing. Salt enhances sweetness and adds a little more to the complexity.
Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions
For a difference in breads, try sourdough for a bit of tang, whole wheat for extra fiber, and gluten-free bread for gluten-free diets.
For a toasted alternative, use an English muffin or bagel.
Sprouted grain bread is a good choice for extra nutrition and a slightly nutty taste.
For nut butters, almond butter for a more mild and slightly sweet taste, and cashew butter is also mild but extra creamy.
Sunflower seed butter is a good nut-free option. Each of these nut butter alternatives has a distinct taste and texture.
There are plenty of ways to replace sweet additives; Use honey for a more floral taste, maple syrup for more depth, and agave nectar for a neutral sweet taste. Date syrup is also an option and gives more richness with a caramel-like taste.
For a protein increase, try powdered peanut butter with Greek yogurt, or mix in regular peanut butter for a high-protein and low-fat option.
There is always the option of adding a scoop of protein powder to regular peanut butter.
To make it more like a dessert, add a teaspoon of cocoa powder to your peanut butter,
Use chocolate hazelnut spread, or add dark chocolate chips to the top of your dish.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Banana Toast
This toast can be eaten at any time and in any situation.
If you are in a hurry to get out the door and need to eat breakfast, this toast will serve as a quick breakfast.
You can have this toast about 30 to 60 minutes before a workout, as it provides quick energy from the banana and sustained energy from the peanut butter.
This toast works as a nutritious snack for kids after school.
You can serve it to toddlers learning to self-feed by cutting it into strips or small squares.
This toast with a side of fresh fruit or a small salad will be a light lunch.
As a weekend brunch, you can serve the toast on a nice plate and add honey and berries to the side.
You can arrange the toast in a fan pattern to make it serve as a breakfast board.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
For the best taste and texture, a peanut butter banana toast should be assembled and eaten right away.
However, you can prepare parts of it the night before to make the morning assembly quick.
You can toast and store bread in an airtight bag for two days. It won’t be quite as crispy, but it still works perfectly.
For easy portion control, pack peanut butter in small containers for grab-and-go.
Slice bananas fresh each morning to avoid the dreaded brown.
For a packable breakfast or snack, you can create a deconstructed version by packing toast, a small container of peanut butter, and a whole banana separately.
That way, you can make it fresh and keep the bananas from browning.
If you must make it ahead of time, you can wrap the assembled toast in plastic wrap or foil.
It holds for 2 to 3 hours before the toast loses its crispness and the banana browns.
This works for mid-morning snacks but isn’t ideal for overnight storage.
Common Questions
Can I use any peanut butter instead of natural?
Yes, you can. It spreads more easily for the pack. Natural peanut butter is healthier. Both are equally tasty.
What causes my toast to become soggy?
A common reason for this is a thin layer of peanut butter, which lets moisture from the banana escape to the bread.
Using a thicker layer of peanut butter works as a better barrier. Also, make sure the bread is properly and thoroughly toasted.
Can I make this a lower-calorie option?
You can use one slice of bread and two fewer tablespoons of peanut butter.
For a lower-fat option, use powdered peanut butter mixed with water.
You can also use thin-sliced bread, which will also help in reducing calories.
Is this breakfast considered healthy?
It has a balanced distribution of macronutrients.
You get carbs from the bread and the banana, fiber, potassium, and vitamins, plus protein and healthy fats from the peanut butter.
For maximum health benefits, whole-grain bread and natural peanut butter are recommended.
Can kids with nut allergies have this?
They can, with a few changes.
You can use sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter.
Just make sure to replace them with nut butters that have the same calories and nutrition.
Always check labels to make sure they are nut-free, especially if allergies are an issue.
What is the best ripeness for a banana in this dish?
Pick a banana that is slightly under-ripe or perfectly ripe.
Otherwise, it will be too sweet. Overripe bananas with brown spots are mushy and will make the toast soggy.
Conclusion
Toasted peanut butter and banana is the best example to demonstrate the simplicity of breakfast.
You get the most satisfaction and nutrition for the least time and work.
When you master this basic combination, you’ll have a breakfast you can rely on that will have endless possibilities for customization depending on how you feel and what’s in your pantry.
Honey Peanut Butter Banana Toast
By adding banana slices, peanut butter, and other toppings, you can make toast into a more nutritious and balanced meal in a matter of minutes. It’s great for a light breakfast along with a pre-workout snack.
Ingredients
- For the Basic Toast:
- 2 slices of bread (whole grain preferred, or any bread of your choice)
- 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter (or any nut butter)
- 1 medium banana, sliced
- Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of sea salt (optional)
- Optional Toppings & Upgrades:
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds or hemp hearts
- 1 tablespoon granola
- 1 teaspoon coconut flakes
- Dark chocolate chips
- Sliced strawberries or berries
- Crushed walnuts or almonds
- Greek yogurt drizzle
- A sprinkle of cocoa powder
Instructions
Step 1
Toast the bread to your desired level of crispness.
I prefer medium-golden toast that's crispy on the outside but still has some softness inside.
This creates the perfect base that can support toppings without getting soggy.
Step 2
Spread the peanut butter while the toast is still warm.
The heat will slightly melt the peanut butter, making it easier to spread and creating a creamy, luscious layer.
Use about 1 tablespoon per slice for good coverage.
Slice the banana into 1/4 inch rounds.
For your best presentation, slice them at a slight diagonal, so you have larger ovals that take up more surface area.
Step 3
Arrange the pieces on the peanut butter toast in a layer.
They can overlap a bit, but not so much that it makes it hard to bite into.
You want enough banana on each bite to get the flavor, but not so thick that it becomes uncomfortable to eat.
A light sprinkle of cinnamon and a bit of sea salt. The warmth of the cinnamon gives a bit of comfort, while the salt elevates and balances the sweetness.
Step 4
Add toppings if you wish. You may drizzle honey, add chia seeds, granola, or any of the optional toppings.
There are many ways to get creative.
Peanut butter banana toast is best served immediately, while the toast is warm and crispy.
You want the contrast of warm toast to cool banana at its peak.
To make it easier to eat, cut and/or slice diagonally in half. Or, leave it whole and dive in.
Notes
Recipe Tips & Tricks For Peanut Butter Banana Toast
The temperature for toasting bread is important.
Spread the peanut butter on warm toast to melt the peanut butter a little
And make it easier to spread, but not so hot that the banana gets warm and mushy. Waiting for 30 seconds is the recommended time to wait.
Generosity is encouraged. A generous layer is what makes this toast satisfying and rich in protein. With that said, make it 1 tablespoon per slice and spread it all the way to the edges.
- Slice bananas just before serving: Bananas that are sitting out in the open for long periods brown, and for the freshest looking toast, slice your banana right before assembling. If you absolutely must prep ahead, slice bananas and toss evenly with a wee bit of lemon juice.
- Layering with intention: If making this ahead of time, it is best to keep components separate. To maintain the crunch in the toast, it is best to pack the toast, peanut butter, and banana separately, then assemble all the ingredients together at work or school.
- The salt trick changes everything: Yes, a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top might seem odd, but it elevates this toast from good to amazing. Salt enhances sweetness and adds a little more to the complexity.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
2Amount Per Serving: Calories: 365gTotal Fat: 16ggCarbohydrates: 45ggProtein: 13gg