Description
A copycat recipe for Disney’s famous Tonga Toast from the Polynesian Resort, featuring a banana-stuffed French toast with a crispy cinnamon-sugar crust and a fresh strawberry compote topping.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 slices Bakery Style Bread (Sourdough or challah recommended)
- 2 Bananas (or nut butter)
- 2 Eggs (or aquafaba for vegan)
- 1 cup Whole Milk (or almond/oat milk)
- 2 tablespoons Sugar (or brown sugar)
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon (plus more for coating)
- 1 cup Canola Oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup Strawberries (fresh or frozen)
Instructions
- Prepare the strawberry compote: Combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and vanilla in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes until softened and juices are released. Blend until smooth and set aside to cool.
- Cut the bakery-style bread into 2-3 inch thick slices. Hollow out a small section from the top of each slice to create a well for the filling.
- Fill the hollowed-out bread slices with thinly sliced bananas. Gently press them in and replace the top of the bread slice.
- Make the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, cinnamon, and sugar until well combined and frothy.
- Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat to approximately 350°F.
- Dip each stuffed bread slice into the batter, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Carefully place the battered slices into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fried Tonga Toast from the skillet and drain briefly on paper towels.
- While still warm, roll each piece in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon.
- Serve the Disney Tonga Toast warm, generously drizzled with the prepared strawberry compote.
Notes
- For the best crispy crust, ensure your oil is at the correct temperature (around 350°F).
- Using slightly stale bread can improve batter absorption.
- Avoid overstuffing the bread with bananas to prevent leakage during frying.
- The strawberry compote can be made up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in a skillet for best results.
- For longer storage, freeze cooked Tonga Toast for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg