Peanut Butter Jelly Stuffed French Toast Recipe

French toast is a beloved breakfast classic—comforting, versatile, and endlessly satisfying. With its origins dating back centuries and its countless adaptations around the world, French toast continues to captivate home cooks and professional chefs alike. Whether served simply with butter and syrup or dressed up with fruit and whipped cream, this dish’s appeal lies in its golden, custardy exterior and tender, flavorful interior.

But what if you could take French toast to an entirely new level of indulgence by combining it with one of the most iconic pairings in culinary history: peanut butter and jelly? The idea of stuffing French toast with peanut butter and jelly brings together nostalgic childhood flavors and sophisticated brunch flair, resulting in a dish that is both playful and decadent.

This stuffed French toast variation is not just a recipe; it’s an experience. The crispy, buttery crust gives way to a warm, gooey center where the creamy peanut butter meets the sweet, fruity jelly. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of textures and tastes — the crunch of the toasted bread, the richness of the peanut butter, and the bright sweetness of the jelly meld into a harmonious symphony.

What makes peanut butter jelly stuffed French toast especially appealing is its versatility. It can be a quick weekday breakfast, a weekend brunch centerpiece, or even a dessert when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Its ingredients are simple and familiar, yet the final result feels special and restaurant-worthy.

Throughout this guide, you’ll discover everything you need to master this delightful dish. From choosing the perfect bread to selecting complementary peanut butter and jelly varieties, from preparing the custard soak to cooking techniques that ensure a crisp outside and a melty center, every step is covered in detail. We’ll also explore creative flavor twists, dietary adaptations, and expert tips to help you avoid common pitfalls.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook looking to impress guests or a novice eager to expand your breakfast repertoire, peanut butter jelly stuffed French toast offers a fun and delicious way to elevate a timeless favorite. So, let’s dive in and start crafting the ultimate indulgence that’s sure to become a staple on your breakfast table.

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions: Peanut Butter Jelly Stuffed French Toast

Step 1: Selecting and Preparing the Bread

• Choose the Right Bread:
  For stuffed French toast, use thick slices of bread that are sturdy enough to hold the filling without falling apart. Brioche, challah, Texas toast, or sourdough are ideal choices because of their texture and absorbency.

• Slice the Bread:
  Cut the bread into slices about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. The thickness allows for a good amount of filling and custard soak without disintegrating.

• Prepare the Bread for Stuffing:
  Option 1: Sandwich Style
  Use two slices of bread, spreading peanut butter on one slice and jelly on the other, then sandwich them together.

  Option 2: Hollowed Bread
  Use a sharp knife to cut a pocket inside a thick slice by removing the soft center, leaving about a ¼ inch border around the edges to contain the filling.

Step 2: Preparing the Peanut Butter and Jelly Filling

• Select Peanut Butter:
  Choose creamy or crunchy peanut butter based on your texture preference. Natural peanut butter with no added sugar or salt gives a rich, nutty flavor.

• Choose Jelly or Jam:
  Traditional grape or strawberry jelly work well, but feel free to experiment with raspberry, blackberry, apricot, or fig preserves for a gourmet touch.

• Optional Add-Ins:
  Consider mixing in chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or a drizzle of honey with the peanut butter or jelly for extra texture and flavor.

• Assemble the Filling:
  Spread 1-2 tablespoons of peanut butter and jelly inside the bread pocket or between slices if making sandwiches.

Step 3: Making the Egg Custard Mixture

• Ingredients:

  • 3 large eggs

  • 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half for richness

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (adjust to taste)

  • Pinch of salt

  • Optional: ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth

• Whisk Together:
  In a shallow, wide bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together until fully combined. Add vanilla extract, sugar, salt, and spices. Whisk again until smooth and slightly frothy.

Step 4: Dipping the Stuffed Bread in Custard

• Dip Each Piece:
  Submerge each stuffed bread sandwich or hollowed bread slice into the custard mixture. Soak for about 15-20 seconds on each side, allowing the custard to penetrate the bread but avoiding over-saturation.

• Drain Excess:
  Hold the bread above the bowl briefly to let excess custard drip off. This prevents sogginess and helps the toast cook evenly.

Step 5: Cooking the French Toast

Option A: Stovetop Skillet Method

• Preheat Skillet:
  Heat a non-stick skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter or oil and let it melt.

• Cook the French Toast:
  Place the custard-coated stuffed bread onto the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side, or until golden brown. Flip carefully and cook another 3-4 minutes on the other side. Adjust heat as necessary to avoid burning.

• Check for Doneness:
  The bread should be crisp and golden on the outside, with a warm, gooey filling inside.

Option B: Oven Baking Method

• Preheat Oven:
  Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Prepare Baking Tray:
  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Place the custard-soaked French toast sandwiches on the tray in a single layer.

• Bake:
  Cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until both sides are golden and cooked through.

Option C: Air Fryer Method

• Preheat Air Fryer:
  Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).

• Arrange French Toast:
  Place the stuffed French toast sandwiches in the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding.

• Cook:
  Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Resting and Serving

• Rest the Toast:
  Remove the French toast from heat and allow it to rest for 1-2 minutes. This helps the filling set slightly and avoids burns when eating.

• Slice and Plate:
  Optionally slice the stuffed French toast diagonally to showcase the peanut butter and jelly filling.

• Garnish:
  Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup or honey, add fresh fruit like berries or bananas, or serve with whipped cream or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.