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Banana Bread French Toast Bagels Recipe

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4.1 from 15 reviews

These Banana Bread French Toast Bagels combine the soft, fluffy texture and sweet flavor of banana bread with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar French toast-inspired topping that bakes into a golden, crispy layer. Finished with a generous smear of cream cheese, they make a warm and cozy breakfast or brunch treat that's nostalgic and delicious.

  • Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 bagels

Ingredients

Dough:

  • 1 cup (240ml) water
  • 2 tbsp (40g) maple syrup
  • 2 1/4 tsp (10g) instant yeast (substitution: active dry yeast)
  • 1/2 cup (120g) mashed ripe bananas (about 1-2 bananas)
  • 1/2 cup (115g) Greek yogurt (substitution: sour cream)
  • 4 1/4 cups (510g) bread flour (substitution: all-purpose flour)
  • 1 1/2 tsp (9g) salt

Cinnamon Swirl:

  • 2 tsp (3g) cinnamon
  • 2 tsp (10ml) water
  • 1 tsp (4g) vanilla extract

French Toast Topping:

  • 1/2 cup (120g) brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp (40g) maple syrup
  • 1 tsp (2g) cinnamon
  • 1 egg + 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)

For Boiling:

  • Large pot of water
  • 2 tbsp (45g) molasses, honey, or maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cinnamon swirl mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon, water, and vanilla extract to form a runny paste. Set this mixture aside for later to incorporate into the dough.
  2. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the water, maple syrup, instant yeast, mashed bananas, and Greek yogurt. If using active dry yeast, warm the water to 110°F, mix it with maple syrup and yeast, and let it rest for 5 minutes until foamy before adding bananas and yogurt. Add bread flour and salt, then mix until a cohesive dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Incorporate the cinnamon swirl: Add the prepared cinnamon swirl paste to the dough and knead thoroughly until the cinnamon mixture is evenly dispersed throughout the dough.
  4. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and allow it to rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size. Alternatively, refrigerate overnight for a slow rise. If refrigerated, let the dough come to room temperature (~1 hour) before shaping.
  5. Shape the bagels: On a floured surface, divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a round ball, then use your thumb to poke a hole in the center, stretching and rotating the dough to form a bagel shape. Dip the bottom of each bagel in flour and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  6. Proof the bagels: Cover the shaped bagels with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel; let them proof in a warm environment for 40-50 minutes until puffy and slightly risen.
  7. Prepare for boiling: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add molasses, honey, or maple syrup to the water to flavor the bagels during boiling.
  8. Boil the bagels: Gently drop each bagel into the boiling water, cooking 1-2 minutes per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and place back on the baking sheet.
  9. Apply French toast topping and egg wash: Mix brown sugar, all-purpose flour, maple syrup, and cinnamon to form the French toast topping. Brush each boiled bagel with the egg wash (1 egg mixed with 1 tbsp water), then generously sprinkle the topping over each bagel, pressing lightly to adhere.
  10. Bake the bagels: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the topped bagels for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and the topping is crisp.
  11. Serve: Let the bagels cool slightly, then generously spread with cream cheese before serving warm for the perfect cozy breakfast or brunch treat.

Notes

  • You can substitute active dry yeast for instant yeast by blooming it in warm water (110°F) and letting it sit for 5 minutes before mixing with other ingredients.
  • Use sour cream as a substitute for Greek yogurt if preferred.
  • The cinnamon swirl is thoroughly kneaded into the dough for a subtle marbling effect.
  • Molasses, honey, or maple syrup added to the boiling water creates a slight sweetness and shiny crust on the bagels.
  • Allow the dough to fully proof before boiling for best texture and rise.
  • The French toast-style topping creates a sweet, crunchy crust reminiscent of classic French toast flavors.
  • Serve warm with cream cheese for the best flavor and texture experience.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://cozykitchenbymaya.com/banana-bread-french-toast-bagels-recipe/