Easy Peanut Butter & Jelly French Toast

There’s something timeless about the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich. It’s nostalgic, easy to make, and beloved across generations. But what if you could take that same comforting flavor and elevate it into a warm, golden breakfast masterpiece? Say hello to Easy Peanut Butter & Jelly French Toast — the ultimate fusion of comfort food and breakfast indulgence. This recipe takes all the joy of a PB&J and wraps it in a crisp, custardy exterior that’s cooked to perfection.

Whether you’re planning a lazy weekend brunch or a surprise weekday treat for the kids, this French toast variation is simple, satisfying, and utterly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a crowd-pleaser for several reasons:

It’s quick to prepare (under 20 minutes)
Kid-approved and fun to eat

Freezer-friendly for future breakfasts
Easily customizable with different jams and nut butters

Plus, it offers a creative spin on two American staples — French toast and PB&J — while staying true to the flavors you love.

Need more reason to try it? Check out the nutritional breakdown of peanut butter to see why it’s not just delicious but also packed with protein and healthy fats.

What’s the Difference Between Jam, Jelly, and Preserves?

Before diving into the recipe, let’s talk spread science. Many people use jam, jelly, and preserves interchangeably, but they’re slightly different in texture and composition.

Jam includes crushed fruit and has a thicker texture
Jelly is made from fruit juice and is more gel-like
Preserves contain whole fruit or large pieces

Want the full scoop? Check out this helpful guide on jam vs jelly.

Ingredients You’ll Need For An Easy Peanut Butter & Jelly French Toast

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy PB&J French toast:

Bread Options

Brioche (recommended for its richness)

Challah
Thick-cut French bread
Texas toast

Peanut Butter

Creamy or chunky (personal preference)
Natural or processed (watch sugar and oil content)

Jam or Jelly

Strawberry, raspberry, or grape work well

Avoid overly watery spreads for best results

Egg Custard Mixture

4 large eggs
1¼ cups whole milk

2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Pinch of salt

How to Make An Easy Peanut Butter & Jelly French Toast

Follow these steps for the perfect sandwich-to-French-toast transformation:

Preheat a griddle or skillet to 350–375°F.

In a bowl, whisk together:
- Eggs
- Milk
- Sugar
- Vanilla
- Cinnamon
- Salt
Make 6 PB&J sandwiches using:
- 2 tablespoons of peanut butter
- 2 teaspoons of jam per sandwich
Dip each sandwich into the egg mixture (don’t soak too long).
Place on the skillet and cook:
- 2–4 minutes per side
- Until golden brown and slightly crisp
Serve warm with toppings of your choice.

Delicious Topping Ideas

Elevate your French toast with these toppings:

Maple syrup
Powdered sugar

Melted peanut butter drizzle
Fresh fruits (bananas, berries)
Whipped cream

Crispy bacon

Nutritional Info & Dietary Substitutions

A serving of this Peanut Butter & Jelly French Toast comes in at around 548 calories.

Substitutions:

Use almond, soy, or oat milk for a dairy-free version

Opt for gluten-free bread if needed
Replace egg with a flaxseed mix for a vegan option

Tips for Perfect Easy Peanut Butter & Jelly French Toast

Making Easy Peanut Butter & Jelly French Toast is simple, but a few expert tips can elevate it from good to absolutely unforgettable. Here’s how to get crisp, golden, and flavorful French toast every time you cook:

1. Choose the Right Bread

Bread is the foundation of any French toast. Opt for thick-sliced brioche, challah, or Texas toast—these absorb the egg mixture without turning soggy and fry up beautifully.

2. Use Day-Old Bread

Slightly stale bread works best. It’s drier and firmer, which helps it soak up the custard without falling apart. If your bread is fresh, leave it out for 30–60 minutes before cooking.

3. Mix the Egg Custard Thoroughly

Make sure your eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar are fully whisked together. Unmixed eggs can lead to uneven coating and patchy texture on your toast.

4. Dip, Don’t Drench

Give each sandwich a quick dip—5–10 seconds per side is enough. Over-soaking leads to soggy centers and undercooked middles.

5. Preheat Your Pan Properly

Cook on medium heat (about 350°F). A properly heated skillet ensures your French toast is crispy on the outside and cooked through on the inside.

6. Use a Butter + Oil Mix

Using both gives you the richness of butter and the high-heat tolerance of oil. This prevents burning and gives a golden crust.

7. Rest Before Serving

Let the toast sit for 1–2 minutes off the heat. This firms it up and improves sliceability—especially helpful for neatly plated servings.

Follow these tips, and your PB&J French toast will be flawless every time!

Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing

Make-Ahead

Assemble sandwiches ahead and refrigerate overnight

Dip and cook the next morning

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge (2–3 days)

Freezing

Freeze cooked French toast between sheets of parchment

Reheat in the toaster or oven for best texture

Kid-Friendly Variations

One of the best things about Easy Peanut Butter & Jelly French Toast is how easily it can be adapted for kids. Whether you have a picky eater or just want to make breakfast more exciting, these kid-friendly variations turn this classic into a fun and customizable meal that children will love.

🥪 1. French Toast Sticks for Dipping

Cut the PB&J sandwich into sticks before dipping it in the custard. Cook as usual, then serve with a side of:

Maple syrup
Strawberry or chocolate sauce
Yogurt for dipping

These bite-sized sticks are perfect for little hands and make breakfast feel like a snack.

🍓 2. Use Cookie Cutters for Fun Shapes

Transform your French toast sandwiches into hearts, stars, or animals by using cookie cutters after assembly. It’s a simple trick that makes breakfast more exciting—and it’s great for themed brunches or birthday breakfasts.

🧁 3. PB&J French Toast Muffins

Cut the sandwiches into small cubes, dip them in the egg mixture, and bake in a greased muffin tin at 350°F for 15–18 minutes. These mini French toast muffins are easy to portion and fun to decorate with fruit or whipped cream.

🍌 4. Add Kid-Approved Fillings

Some great additions to the classic PB&J combo:

Sliced bananas or strawberries
Mini chocolate chips

A thin layer of Nutella

These make the sandwich even more appealing and introduce new flavors subtly.

🧃 5. Serve With a Smoothie

Pair with a colorful smoothie like this strawberry piña colada smoothie for a well-rounded, fun meal your kids will ask for again and again.

With these variations, you’ll turn a basic PB&J French toast into an exciting breakfast experience your kids will love—and beg for every weekend!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though Easy Peanut Butter & Jelly French Toast is a beginner-friendly recipe, a few common pitfalls can impact the final result. Here’s how to make sure your French toast turns out golden, flavorful, and perfectly textured every time:

1. Using Thin or Soft Bread

Thin, flimsy sandwich bread will absorb too much egg mixture and fall apart. Instead, choose thick-cut, sturdy options like brioche, challah, or Texas toast. These provide the right balance of softness and structure.

2. Overstuffing the Sandwich

While it’s tempting to slather on extra peanut butter or jelly, too much filling can cause leaks during cooking and create a messy skillet. Stick to moderate amounts (about 2 tbsp peanut butter and 1–2 tsp jam per slice).

3. Over-soaking the Sandwich

Letting your sandwich sit too long in the custard mixture will make it soggy. A quick dip on each side is enough—just enough time to coat the bread without soaking it through.

4. Cold or Overheated Skillet

A pan that’s too cool will result in soggy toast; too hot and it will burn the outside before the inside cooks. Preheat your skillet to medium or 350°F for even browning.

5. Skipping the Edge Seal

Gently pressing the edges of the sandwich helps seal it slightly and prevents the filling from oozing out. It’s a simple step that improves both look and structure.

Avoid these errors, and you’ll enjoy a flawless, crispy, gooey PB&J French toast every time!

FAQs About This Easy Peanut Butter & Jelly French Toast

Can I use regular sandwich bread?

Yes, but opt for thicker slices to avoid sogginess.

Can I make it without eggs?

Absolutely. Use flax eggs (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water) and plant milk.

Can I bake this instead of frying?

Yes! Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Is this freezer-friendly?

Yes! Freeze after cooking and reheat in a toaster oven for best results.

How do I make this for a large group?

Make sandwiches in advance and cook in batches on a large griddle or baking sheet.

Final Thoughts

Easy Peanut Butter & Jelly French Toast is more than just a fun twist on a classic sandwich—it’s a warm, comforting, and indulgent breakfast that the whole family will love. With its crisp golden crust, creamy peanut butter center, and sweet jelly filling, it brings the nostalgic flavors of childhood into a grown-up dish that’s perfect for mornings, brunches, or even a sweet snack.

This recipe is not only easy to prepare, but it’s also highly customizable. Whether you prefer chunky peanut butter, homemade jam, or want to add a few sliced bananas or berries, there’s plenty of room to make it your own. Plus, it stores and reheats beautifully, making it a smart choice for meal prep or busy weekdays.

If you’re looking for a kid-friendly breakfast that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen, this recipe hits the mark. Try it with your favorite bread, your go-to spread combo, and your preferred toppings. No matter how you serve it, it’s bound to become a new household favorite.

Looking for more indulgent morning ideas? Pair this dish with other reader favorites like easy cinnamon roll pancakes or blueberry French toast casserole for a brunch spread that wows.