WW-Friendly Banana Foster French Toast

Introduction

If you’re a fan of indulgent breakfasts that still keep you on track with your health and wellness goals, you’ll love this WW-Friendly Banana Foster French Toast recipe. Inspired by the classic dessert, Bananas Foster, this recipe is a lighter take on the popular dish, designed to fit seamlessly into your Weight Watchers (WW) plan while still delivering rich, comforting flavors.

French toast is a beloved breakfast favorite, and when paired with the decadence of caramelized bananas and a hint of cinnamon, it becomes the ultimate treat. The best part? This WW-friendly version uses some smart ingredient swaps that cut back on the calories and SmartPoints, without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a special brunch, a family breakfast, or just as a delicious start to your day, this Banana Foster French Toast will surely impress.

In this detailed recipe, I will walk you through every step, from ingredients to cooking techniques, to ensure you can recreate this amazing dish in your own kitchen. Along with the instructions, I’ll also provide WW SmartPoints for each serving, as well as some helpful tips to make the recipe even more customizable to your personal preferences.

WW SmartPoints Breakdown

When it comes to WW, it’s all about balance. And with this Banana Foster French Toast, you can enjoy a delicious, indulgent breakfast while sticking to your plan. Here is a breakdown of the SmartPoints per serving (1 slice of French toast with the banana topping):

  • Green Plan: 6 SmartPoints
  • Blue Plan: 5 SmartPoints
  • Purple Plan: 4 SmartPoints

The SmartPoints values may vary based on ingredient substitutions or specific brands used. However, this is an accurate estimate using WW-approved ingredients. The bananas and light syrup keep the dish sweet without contributing too many points, while egg substitute and whole wheat bread add protein and fiber to keep you full for longer.

Ingredients

Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients required to make this WW-friendly Banana Foster French Toast. The following ingredients are carefully selected to help you enjoy a lighter version of this classic dish:

For the French Toast:

  • 2 slices whole wheat bread – Whole wheat bread is a great source of fiber and will keep you feeling satisfied longer. Make sure to choose a brand with minimal added sugar for the healthiest option.
  • 1/2 cup egg substitute (or 2 large eggs) – Using an egg substitute or reducing the number of whole eggs can help cut down on the fat and calories, while still providing the necessary structure and texture for the French toast.
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk – This keeps the recipe low-calorie while maintaining a creamy texture. If you prefer, you can use another plant-based milk or skim milk.
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon – This spice adds warmth and depth to the French toast batter, giving it that comforting, sweet flavor.
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds richness and flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
  • 1 teaspoon light butter – Light butter helps keep the calorie count down while still giving the French toast a golden crispness when cooked.

For the Banana Foster Topping:

  • 2 ripe bananas, sliced – Bananas are naturally sweet, and they caramelize beautifully when cooked. They provide a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional syrup or sugar-laden toppings.
  • 1 tablespoon light butter – This will be used to sauté the bananas and create the caramelized, golden coating that makes this dish so indulgent.
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar substitute (or 1 tablespoon brown sugar) – The brown sugar substitute provides a caramel-like flavor without all the calories. If you prefer, you can use regular brown sugar in moderation.
  • 1 tablespoon light maple syrup – Just a small amount of maple syrup gives the dish a sweet finish without making it overly sugary.
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon – Adds extra warmth and a delightful spice that pairs perfectly with the bananas.
  • Pinch of salt – Balances out the sweetness of the banana topping and enhances the flavors.

Instructions: How to Make WW-Friendly Banana Foster French Toast

Now, let’s get into the fun part – making this delicious Banana Foster French Toast. The recipe is simple and easy to follow, and the result is a delightful breakfast that feels like a treat.

1. Prepare the French Toast Batter

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the egg substitute, almond milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until well combined. The egg substitute gives the French toast a lighter, fluffier texture while keeping the SmartPoints low. The cinnamon and vanilla will infuse the batter with a warm, comforting flavor that makes this dish feel extra special.

2. Dip the Bread into the Batter

Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly coat the pan with light butter to prevent sticking and add a slight crispiness to the French toast. Dip each slice of whole wheat bread into the prepared batter, making sure both sides are coated. Let any excess batter drip off before placing the bread on the heated pan.

3. Cook the French Toast

Cook each slice of bread for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to burn the French toast. The outside should be crisp, while the inside remains soft and fluffy. Once cooked, set the French toast aside on a plate and keep warm.

4. Make the Banana Foster Topping

In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of light butter over medium heat. Add the sliced bananas, and sauté for about 2 minutes, or until they begin to soften and caramelize. The bananas should start to turn golden and fragrant.

5. Add the Sweetener and Cinnamon

Once the bananas are softened, sprinkle them with brown sugar substitute and cinnamon, stirring gently to coat the bananas. Continue to sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the sugar substitute to melt and create a caramel-like sauce around the bananas.

6. Add the Maple Syrup

Drizzle 1 tablespoon of light maple syrup over the bananas and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for another minute, until the sauce thickens slightly, creating a rich and sweet topping for your French toast.

7. Assemble the French Toast

To serve, place one slice of French toast on a plate and spoon a generous portion of the Banana Foster topping over the top. Repeat for additional servings. The caramelized bananas will melt slightly into the French toast, creating a deliciously sweet and satisfying dish.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with extra cinnamon, if desired, and enjoy your WW-friendly Banana Foster French Toast! The warm, gooey banana topping combined with the crispy French toast is the perfect indulgent breakfast or brunch option, without the added calories and SmartPoints.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Here is the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this Banana Foster French Toast (1 slice with banana topping):

  • Calories: 250
  • Protein: 6g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
    • Fiber: 5g
    • Sugar: 14g
  • Fat: 8g
    • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • SmartPoints:
    • Green Plan: 6 SmartPoints
    • Blue Plan: 5 SmartPoints
    • Purple Plan: 4 SmartPoints

Tips for Customization

Here are a few tips to customize this Banana Foster French Toast recipe based on your preferences:

  1. Use a different bread: If you prefer, you can use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free option or low-carb bread to make this dish even more WW-friendly.
  2. Banana substitutions: If you’re not a fan of bananas, you can swap them out for sautéed apples or peaches for a similar texture and sweetness.
  3. Sweetener options: You can use a sugar-free syrup or stevia in place of the maple syrup and brown sugar substitute for an even lower point option.

Conclusion

This WW-Friendly Banana Foster French Toast is the perfect holiday breakfast, weekend brunch, or special treat. With its rich banana topping and crispy French toast, you get the indulgence of a dessert-like breakfast without all the calories. Thanks to the smart ingredient swaps, you can enjoy this dish while still sticking to your Weight Watchers goals.

It’s a great way to treat yourself and your family to something sweet, without feeling guilty. So, gather your ingredients, get your skillet ready, and enjoy this warm, flavorful, and festive dish today!