Imagine waking up to the sweet aroma of warm banana bread paired with rich, caramelized bananas and a hint of rum—all coming together in one unforgettable breakfast. This Bananas Foster French Toast with Homemade Banana Bread Recipe is an absolute showstopper, blending the comforting familiarity of classic banana bread with the indulgent flair of Bananas Foster. Every bite delivers a symphony of textures and flavors that will have you eagerly reaching for another slice. If you’re craving a brunch dish that’s both heartfelt and decadent, this recipe is your new go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is key to bringing this dish to life. Each ingredient plays its part in building flavor, creating texture, or adding that perfect color to this irresistible breakfast treat.
- Ripe bananas: The star ingredient that lends natural sweetness and moisture to the banana bread base.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create the tender crumb of the bread and luscious topping sauce.
- Brown sugar: Provides depth and caramel notes that complement the bananas beautifully.
- Eggs: Essential for structure in both the bread and the French toast batter.
- Vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor with a warm, fragrant sweetness.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the banana bread its classic texture and sturdiness for toasting.
- Baking soda: Ensures proper rise and lightness in the bread.
- Cinnamon: Adds subtle spice and warmth throughout the dish.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Whole milk and heavy cream: Create a rich, creamy custard for soaking the banana bread slices.
- Butter or oil for cooking: Needed to achieve golden, crisp edges on the French toast.
- Dark rum (optional): Infuses the topping with that signature Bananas Foster kick.
How to Make Bananas Foster French Toast with Homemade Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Make the Banana Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth, which helps create a tender texture. Then, add the eggs and vanilla extract followed by the mashed ripe bananas for that unmistakable banana flavor. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt to distribute the leavening and spices evenly. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, making sure not to overmix so your bread stays light. Pour this batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for about 50 to 60 minutes, testing with a toothpick to confirm doneness. The banana bread needs to cool completely before slicing for French toast, so be patient for the best results.
Step 2: Prepare the French Toast Batter
In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This combination forms a rich custard that will soak into the banana bread slices, resulting in a custardy inside with a perfectly crisp outside when cooked. It’s important to balance the soaking time—just enough for the bread to absorb flavor but not so much that it falls apart.
Step 3: Cook the French Toast
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly coat with butter or oil. Dip each slice of banana bread into the custard mixture, allowing a few seconds per side for soaking. Place the slices on the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and beautifully crisped. Transfer cooked slices to a warm plate to keep them cozy as you prepare the topping.
Step 4: Make the Bananas Foster Topping
Using the same skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and cinnamon, allowing the sugar to dissolve into a sticky, fragrant syrup. Add the sliced bananas and cook gently for 1 to 2 minutes until they soften but still hold their shape. If you’re using rum, carefully add it now and let it cook down for about 30 seconds to blend the flavors. Finish by stirring in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance the sauce’s complexity.
How to Serve Bananas Foster French Toast with Homemade Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
This dish truly shines with simple, thoughtful garnishes. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate sweetness and pretty presentation, while a dollop of freshly whipped cream brings a light creaminess that complements the rich topping. For an extra indulgent touch, a scoop of vanilla ice cream transforms this breakfast into a dessert-worthy treat.
Side Dishes
Keep the sides light so the French toast remains the star. Fresh berries or a citrus fruit salad balance the richness with bright, tangy flavors. Alternatively, crispy bacon or sausage links add a savory contrast that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the bananas and bread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning brunch centerpiece, stack the French toast slices and drizzle the Bananas Foster sauce between each layer. Serve in individual cast iron skillets for a rustic vibe, or arrange the slices fan-like on a large platter surrounded by banana slices and toasted nuts for added texture and flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover banana bread or French toast tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator. Up to 3 days in the fridge keeps the flavors fresh and ready for reheating.
Freezing
Banana bread freezes beautifully, so slice and individually wrap pieces before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen French toast is best for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge or gently warm from frozen.
Reheating
Reheat French toast in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to regain crispness without drying it out. Microwaving works quickly but may soften the texture, so it’s best reserved for when you’re in a hurry.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without alcohol?
Absolutely! The dark rum in the Bananas Foster topping is optional. Simply skip it or replace it with a splash of vanilla extract to retain rich flavor without the alcohol.
What if I don’t have ripe bananas for the bread?
Ripe bananas are essential for sweetness and moisture. If your bananas aren’t ripe yet, speed up the process by placing them in a paper bag at room temperature for a few days or popping them in a low oven for a few minutes.
Can I use store-bought banana bread instead of homemade?
You can, but homemade banana bread provides a fresher, more customizable base for soaking and cooking. If using store-bought, choose dense slices without nuts or add-ins for best results.
How do I prevent the French toast from becoming soggy?
Don’t oversoak the banana bread slices in the egg mixture—about 5 seconds per side is enough. Cooking on medium heat ensures a crisp exterior without burning.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
With some substitutions like flax eggs, plant-based milk, dairy-free butter, and vegan sugar, you can adapt the recipe, but results may vary slightly in texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about combining the beloved taste of homemade banana bread with the indulgent charm of Bananas Foster French toast. This Bananas Foster French Toast with Homemade Banana Bread Recipe isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience that elevates your brunch and delights anyone lucky enough to enjoy it. I genuinely can’t wait for you to try it and share in the joy of this classic-yet-elevated breakfast favorite.
Print
Bananas Foster French Toast with Homemade Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful blend of flavors with this Bananas Foster French Toast made from homemade banana bread. This recipe combines moist, cinnamon-spiced banana bread sliced thick and dipped in a rich custard, pan-fried to golden perfection, and topped with warm, caramelized bananas foster sauce. Perfect for a special breakfast or brunch, it offers a creamy, sweet, and comforting treat that will impress any palate.
Ingredients
For the Banana Bread:
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the French Toast:
- 6 slices of banana bread (cut thick)
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- pinch of salt
- butter or oil for cooking
For the Bananas Foster Topping:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 ripe bananas (sliced)
- 2 tablespoons dark rum (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Make the Banana Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time and then stir in the vanilla extract followed by the mashed bananas. In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing. Pour the batter into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan and bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the loaf to cool completely before slicing thickly for the French toast.
- Make the French Toast: In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add butter or oil to coat the surface. Dip each slice of banana bread into the egg mixture, letting it soak for a few seconds on each side to absorb the custard. Place the soaked slices on the hot skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until each side is golden brown and crisp. Transfer the cooked French toast to a warm plate to keep warm while preparing the topping.
- Make the Bananas Foster Topping: In a clean skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the brown sugar and cinnamon, stirring constantly until the sugar has dissolved and a smooth sauce forms. Add the sliced bananas and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until they soften but maintain their shape. Carefully add the dark rum if using, allowing it to simmer for about 30 seconds to cook off the alcohol. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Remove from heat.
- Serve: Place the French toast slices on serving plates and generously spoon the warm bananas foster topping over each portion. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Make the banana bread a day ahead for easier handling and slicing.
- Omit the rum for a kid-friendly version of the bananas foster topping.
- Serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent brunch treat.
