Delicious and Easy Tonga Toast Recipe

Are you looking for a scrumptious breakfast recipe that will satisfy your sweet tooth and make your taste buds dance? Look no further because I have the perfect recipe for you – Rainforest Cafe’s Tonga Toast! This delicious french toast is a world-renowned breakfast item served at Disney’s Polynesian Resort and Animal Kingdom. But why travel all the way to Disney when you can make this breakfast treat in the comfort of your own kitchen?

Tonga Toast is a thick slice of fresh sourdough bread, stuffed with slices of banana and then deep-fried until crispy on the outside and warm and gooey on the inside. The finished product is then coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture that gives it an irresistible aroma and flavor. It is topped with whipped butter, powdered sugar, and drizzled with maple syrup, making it an indulgent treat that will leave you feeling satisfied and happy.

With this recipe, you don’t need to go all the way to Rainforest Cafe at Disney or even Kona Cafe to enjoy this delicious breakfast item. You can make it right at home with these easy-to-follow steps that I will provide in this article. So buckle up, grab your apron, and let’s get started on making Tonga Toast!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tonga Toast (Rainforest Cafe)
Tonga Toast (Rainforest Cafe)

Attention all breakfast lovers! I have a delicious recipe that will make your taste buds dance with joy. The Tonga Toast from the Rainforest Cafe is an epitome of indulgence and comfort. This sweet French toast is a signature breakfast item at the Rainforest Cafe that you cannot miss. But don’t sweat it! Now you can recreate this beloved breakfast dish from the comfort of your own kitchen.

So, what makes this recipe so special? For starters, it’s an explosion of flavors in every bite. The combination of bananas, strawberries, cinnamon, and maple syrup will leave your mouth watering for more. Plus, the use of sourdough bread adds a tangy flavor and chewy texture that perfectly complements the sweetness of the other ingredients.

Another great thing about this recipe is its versatility. It’s perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a lazy weekend brunch or a special holiday breakfast. Moreover, you can easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences by altering the toppings or adding extra ingredients such as pecans or whipped cream.

Lastly, making Tonga Toast at home means you can skip the long waiting lines at the Rainforest Cafe and instead enjoy this delightful breakfast in your comfy pajamas.

In short, if you love comfort food that’s easy to make and packed with flavor, then you’re going to fall in love with Tonga Toast.

Ingredient List

Here are the ingredients you need to make the delicious Tonga Toast recipe that you can try at home. These ingredients are very common, and you won’t have to go through any hassle looking for them:

  • 4 slices of good white bread (1 inch thick). Try Texas toast bread; it’s the best!
  • 2 bananas, sliced
  • 8-12 strawberries, sliced
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup of whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Sourdough bread (cut into 1-inch thick slices)
  • Whipped butter or regular butter (for cooking)
  • Chopped pecans (optional, for topping)
  • Maple syrup (for topping)

Note: this recipe makes enough for about per pound of bread. If you’re making more or less than that, adjust the quantities accordingly.

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s move onto the recipe steps!

The Recipe How-To

Step 1: Prepare the Toast
1. Cut 4 slices of good white bread (sourdough works as well) to a thickness of 1 inch. If you want a thicker slice, try Texas Toast bread.
2. Cut one banana into 8-12 slices (depending on the size). Also, slice up 12 strawberries.
3. In a shallow pan, mix 1 egg, 1/4 cup of milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla.
4. Dip each slice of bread in the egg mixture until moistened on both sides.

Step 2: Get it Toasted
1. Heat your oven to 350 degrees.
2. On a griddle or in a large skillet over medium-high heat, toast two sides until golden brown in equal parts of butter and oil. Go for just long enough to have enough crust to hold everything together.
3. In another shallow plate, mix cinnamon and sugar in a 3:1 ratio, and then roll the toasted bread into the mixture making sure it sticks on both sides.
4. Place the toasted bread in a lightly greased baking dish.

Step 3: Get it Sweet
1. Add some sliced bananas on top of each piece of toast and sprinkle with chopped pecans.
2. Drizzle with melted whipped butter (find it packaged at grocery stores), followed by some maple syrup. Make sure to pile it high so every piece has a lot!

Step 4: Bake Time
Bake for about 10-15 minutes; Place in the preheated oven and bake until nicely golden brown.

That’s it! A simple but amaaaazing recipe which is easy to customize your way including throwing in your favorite fruits and toppings! This will make you feel like you are dining out at Disney’s Rainforest Cafe or Kona Cafe but all from the comfort of your own home!

Substitutions and Variations

Are you looking to get creative and switch things up with the classic Tonga Toast recipe from Rainforest Cafe? Fear not! There are plenty of substitutions and variations that can help you tailor this recipe to your liking.

First up, let’s discuss the bread. While sourdough bread is the traditional choice, you can use any type of bread that you have on hand. Thick slices of good white bread or even Texas toast can also work well. For a unique twist, try using cinnamon raisin bread or even brioche to give your Tonga Toast an extra rich texture.

Now onto the toppings! While bananas and strawberries are the go-to for this recipe, feel free to mix things up with different fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or sliced peaches. Pecans are a great addition if you’re looking for some extra crunch, but if nuts aren’t your thing, consider topping your toast with some toasted coconut instead.

If you want to make Tonga Toast even sweeter, consider adding some flavored syrups to the mix such as blueberry or raspberry syrup. You can also experiment with whipped butter flavors such as honey or cinnamon butter instead of regular butter.

For those who prefer a savory option, omit the sugar and cinnamon mixture and instead top your Tonga Toast with eggs and bacon for a breakfast sandwich. Or swap out the sweet toppings for a savory option like avocado and tomato.

When it comes to variations of Tonga Toast, possibilities are endless. Incorporate your favorite flavors or experiment with new ingredients until you find the perfect combination that suits your taste buds. Remember that this recipe is not set in stone, let these suggestions be your starting point for culinary creativity!

Serving and Pairing

Serving Tonga Toast is a time-honored tradition at the Rainforest Cafe. To enjoy this treat at home, I suggest pretty much any drink you like, but my top pick is iced coffee or a hot cappuccino. The tasty combination of a fluffy French toast and maple syrup pairs incredibly well with a steaming cup of coffee, especially in the morning. Additionally, adding pecans and strawberries will make it even more special.

Tonga Toast tastes best fresh out of the kitchen, ideally topped with vanilla whipped butter and sprinkled with powdered sugar. If you’re making this dish for a crowd, place several slices on a platter and cover them in warm maple syrup. Slices of bananas and strawberries are perfect toppings that create an appealing display that’s nearly too beautiful to want to eat.

You can serve this recipe as a decadent brunch or breakfast alongside crispy bacon or juicy sausage patties. Toasted coconut shavings, which add an exotic flavor to your French toast, make it an excellent dessert option for those who crave something sweet.

In conclusion, Tonga Toast is highly versatile and can be paired with many other dishes depending on fortitude or preference.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

If you want to prepare this Tonga Toast recipe in advance, you can make the toast ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer. For storing, wrap the toast tightly with plastic wrap and put it in an airtight container or resealable bag. You can store the toast in the fridge for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month.

When reheating the stored toast, you can either use a toaster oven or a skillet. Toaster ovens are ideal because they help the toast get crispy again. If you’re using a toaster oven, set it to the lowest setting and heat the toast for about 5 to 7 minutes or until it is heated through and crispy. If you’re using a skillet, melt some butter over medium heat and cook each side of the toast for about 2-3 minutes until heated through and crisp.

Another great option for storing leftovers is to make French toast sticks by cutting them into strips before storing them in the fridge or freezer. This makes it easy to grab and go when you’re in a hurry on busy mornings.

Just remember that reheated Tonga Toast won’t be as good as freshly made, but it’s still delicious and a great way to save time on busy mornings.

Tips for Perfect Results

If you want to achieve the best results when making Tonga Toast, then you should follow these tips. First, make sure to use fresh ingredients for this recipe to ensure that the flavors are at their peak. Secondly, instead of using regular white bread, opt for sourdough bread as it can hold up better to the egg mixture and other toppings.

When cutting your bread slices, aim for a thickness of 1 inch. This will allow the egg mixture to soak in without getting too soggy. If you prefer thicker slices of bread, try using Texas toast instead.

When mixing the egg and milk together, make sure to incorporate them well. I find that adding vanilla extract to this mixture also gives the dish an extra layer of flavor. Additionally, when preparing your toppings mix the cinnamon and sugar together before sprinkling it on the bananas and strawberries.

To make sure that your toppings stay in place when cooking your Tonga Toast, gently press them down into the egg-soaked bread before placing it onto the griddle or frying pan. Speaking of cooking, make sure to cook your toast over medium heat until it is golden brown on both sides.

If you want to add extra texture and flavor, try adding some chopped pecans or toasted coconut on top of your Tonga Toast. Lastly, always serve with a generous drizzle of maple syrup and whipped butter on top for an indulgent treat.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to create the perfect Tonga Toast every time, just like they do at Rainforest Cafe!

Bottom Line

In conclusion, the Tonga Toast recipe from Rainforest Cafe is a must-try for any breakfast lover. This unique French toast recipe with its crispy exterior and soft interior stuffed with bananas and flavors of cinnamon sugar is a satisfying dish that will start your day off right.

With the detailed instructions, tips, and recommendations provided in this article, you can easily recreate this restaurant favorite at home. You can even experiment with making substitutions and variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Overall, the Rainforest Cafe recipe for the Tonga Toast is a perfect choice for any special occasion or an indulgent weekend breakfast treat. So fire up the griddle, gather your ingredients, and get ready to make this unforgettable meal at home. Who knows? You might even be able to impress your friends and family with your cooking skills!

Tonga Toast (Rainforest Cafe) Recipe

We had this when we visited Disneyland…so yummy! Mine came w/o pecans but the last time my friend had this it came with them so it’s in the recipe as an option.

  • 4 slices of good white bread (1 inch thick, try texas toast bread)
  • 2 bananas (sliced)
  • 8 -12 strawberries (sliced)
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/2-1 teaspoon vanilla
  • whipped butter
  • maple syrup
  • chopped pecans
  1. Mix the sugar, milk, cinnamon, egg, and vanilla in a shallow pan. ( Another way I’ve seen this is to leave the sugar and cinnamon out of this step mix them together and then sprinkle them over the toast after it has cooked, whatever sounds good to you, I’ve done them both).
  2. Dip each slice of bread, flipping it over to saturate both sides.
  3. Fry in a frying pan that has been preheated on medium heat with a little butter in the bottom of the pan.
  4. Brown both sides, remove from heat and garnish each slice of bread with 1/2 a banana and 2-3 strawberries and desired amounts of butter and syrup and nuts — enjoy.
Breakfast
American
< 15 Mins, Beginner Cook, Berries, Breads, Breakfast, Brunch, Easy, Fruit, Healthy, Kid-Friendly, Low Protein, Strawberry, Toddler-Friendly, Tropical, Yeast

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