Rabanada is essentially a Brazilian version of french toast. It's made with thick slices of bread that are soaked in a sweet and creamy custard, then pan-fried and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. It's a popular dessert or breakfast during the holiday season and has quickly become a crowd-favorite at our house. All you need is 6 ingredients for this plant-based version of Rabanada.
1stale baguette,sliced diagonally in 1-inch pieces
Light cooking oil(we used olive, but grape-seed oil or cooking spray might work even better)
2tablespoonsof powdered sugar for garnish
Instructions
Blend bananas, plant-based milk, flour and vanilla in a blender or in a food processor until smooth.
Spread out baguette slices in a single layer on a baking pan.
Pour banana mixture onto the bread and flip slices to coat. Let sit for 10 minutes, then flip over and let soak for 10 minutes more. Sprinkle cinnamon on one or both sides of each piece to preference.
Preheat a large, nonstick skillet over medium heat. Apply cooking spray or a thin layer of oil and begin cooking the soaked bread for 5 to 7 minutes on one side and about 3 minutes on the other.
When ready, the toast should be golden to medium brown and flecked with darker spots. A plate covered with tinfoil will keep cooked pieces warm.
Notes
Use the right bread! The most important part of any french toast recipe is using the right bread. If you have access to vegan-friendly Portuguese Bread rolls like Pão Francês please use it! This will give your Rabanada the most authentic touch. Otherwise, a crusty french baguette with a dense crumb is the next best option.
Be careful not to over soak. When testing this recipe, we used very stale, hearty bread that allowed for a longer soak time. Keep a close eye on your bread and if it appears to be softening too much in the soaking liquid, remove it!
Enjoy immediately while warm. Similar to fried foods, this Brazilian french toast is best when served immediately while it's still warm and crispy on the outside, and soft and custard-like on the inside.