Savor the flavors of summer with this Golden Croissant French Toast, filled with honeyed ricotta and bananas. A perfect al fresco brunch recipe for sunny patio mornings and leisurely weekends.
Golden Croissant French Toast with Honeyed Ricotta & Bananas
I love the magic of slow summer mornings—the kind that invite you to linger a little longer, sip tea beneath a large umbrella, and let the day unfold at its own pace. For us, we love starting our weekends with a quiet breakfast outdoors, poolside, while the air is still cool, the birds are still chirping, and the world hasn’t quite stirred. It’s our little ritual—a pause before the heat and hustle of the day—and the perfect excuse to make something a little special.
Enter this Golden Croissant French Toast with Honeyed Ricotta & Bananas—a dish that feels elegant enough for a garden brunch but is casual and simple enough to make any weekend morning feel like a celebration. Buttery mini croissants are gently stuffed with a creamy ricotta-honey filling and slices of ripe banana, then dipped in vanilla-scented custard and crisped to golden perfection in a skillet. It’s rich, comforting, and just fancy enough to make you feel like you’re dining at your favorite café—without ever leaving the patio.
Whether you’re hosting friends or simply treating yourself, this easy, elevated French toast brings the sunshine straight to your plate. All you need is a shady spot, your favorite mug, and someone to share a second helping with.
Enjoy!
Ingredients for Golden Croissant French Toast with Honeyed Ricotta & Bananas:
Mini croissants – 8 of them, preferably a day or two old for best texture
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Ricotta cheese – for the creamy, lightly sweet filling
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Honey – adds floral sweetness to both the filling and as a drizzle on top
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Bananas – sliced thin, folded into the filling and layered on top
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Eggs – the base of your vanilla custard dip
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Whole milk – makes the custard rich and silky
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Vanilla extract – adds warmth and depth to the French toast custard
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Butter – for browning the French toast to golden perfection
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(Optional toppings: powdered sugar, maple syrup, chopped nuts)
Substitutions and Variations
Substitutions
Need to work with what’s already in your kitchen? No problem! This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, and a few thoughtful substitutions can help you customize it to suit your taste, dietary needs, or pantry situation. Here are some easy swaps to keep in mind:
Croissants - Use instead:
- Brioche buns or thick-cut brioche slices
- Challah rolls or sliced challah
- Day-old soft rolls or Hawaiian buns (slightly sweet works best)
Ricotta Cheese - Use instead:
- Mascarpone (for a richer, silkier filling)
- Cream cheese (softened and slightly sweetened)
Honey - Use instead:
- Maple syrup
- Agave nectar
- Brown sugar (mixed into the ricotta filling)
Bananas - Use instead:
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Fresh berries (for a lighter, tangier option)
Whole Milk - Use instead:
- Half & half or heavy cream (for a richer custard)
- Any unsweetened plant milk (such as almond, oat, or soy)
Once you’ve mastered the classic, try putting your own spin on this stuffed croissant French toast! Whether you’re looking to highlight seasonal fruit or explore new flavor profiles, these simple variations are just as indulgent and easy to pull off.
- Summer Stone Fruit & Mascarpone - Swap out the bananas for thinly sliced peaches, nectarines, or plums, and use mascarpone in place of ricotta. Add a touch of almond extract to the custard for a subtle, nutty finish.
- Chocolate Hazelnut & Berry - Spread a thin layer of chocolate hazelnut spread inside each croissant along with the ricotta, and add fresh raspberries or strawberries instead of banana. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with a few dark chocolate shavings on top for a decadent brunch twist.
Kitchen Tips & Notes
A few extra tips can make all the difference when turning a simple brunch into something memorable. Here’s what I’ve learned from making this cozy dish a few too many times (in the best way):
- Choose slightly stale croissants: Day-old croissants work best—they’re a bit firmer and hold up beautifully to the custard without falling apart. If your croissants are super fresh, you can dry them out slightly by placing them in a low oven (300°F) for about 5–7 minutes.
- Don’t overstuff: It’s tempting to load them up with filling, but keeping the stuffing light ensures they seal properly and cook through evenly without spilling in the skillet.
- Low and slow is best: Cook the croissants on medium to medium-low heat. This allows the custard to set inside without burning the outside too quickly.
- Use a nonstick skillet or well-seasoned griddle: You want a golden, even sear without tearing the delicate croissant crust. A bit of butter in the pan helps create that perfect browning.
- Warm your filling for extra indulgence: For a melty center, microwave the ricotta mixture for just 10–15 seconds before stuffing. It makes the contrast between warm filling and crisp exterior extra satisfying.
Brunch Accents: Drinks & Dishes to Complement the Main Event
While this Golden Croissant French Toast shines on its own, a thoughtfully curated side or refreshing drink can turn your morning into a true brunch experience. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply enjoying a quiet meal on the patio, here are a few ideas to elevate your plate:
Fresh & Fruity Sides
- Refreshing Melon Salad - cool mix of sweet melons, onion, feta, over baby spinach. A great compliment to the rich French toast.
- Stone Fruit Salad with Mint & Lime – Peaches, Nectarines, and Plums sliced and tossed with the zest and juicy of 1 lime , a drizzle of honey, and chopped mint.
Savory Balance
- Crispy Bacon or Prosciutto – Adds a salty bite that pairs beautifully with the creamy ricotta filling.
- Tomato-Mozzarella Scrambled Eggs - Healthy & delicious eggs with tomatoes, mozzarella and herbs bring a gentle savory contrast.
- Asparagus and Tomato Frittata – For guests who love a heartier brunch plate.
Sips & Sparkles
- Freshly Brewed Tea or Cold Brew Coffee –
- Peach Bellini or Citrus Mimosa – Lightly bubbly and just sweet enough for a celebratory touch.
- Tropical Green Tea Cooler – A non-alcoholic refreshing summer tea.
A small vase of garden flowers, linen napkins, and a playlist of soft acoustic tunes will set the perfect backdrop. Brunch doesn't need to be elaborate—just thoughtfully delicious.
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