There is something irresistibly comforting and indulgent about waking up to a warm plate of Bananas Foster French Toast with Banana Bread Recipe. This delightful twist on classic French toast combines the rich, moist texture of homemade banana bread with the luscious, caramelized goodness of Bananas Foster sauce. It’s a breakfast experience that feels both nostalgic and luxurious, perfect for a weekend brunch or a special occasion morning that deserves a little extra love and flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this recipe is a breeze thanks to some humble, yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures that make the Bananas Foster French Toast with Banana Bread Recipe truly unforgettable.
- 1 1/3 cups sugar: Sweetens the banana bread and helps create that golden crust you’re after.
- 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas: Adds natural sweetness and moisture, the star of the banana bread.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature: Provides richness and tenderness to the bread and sauce.
- 2 eggs: Bind the banana bread batter and contribute to its fluffy texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: A subtle depth of flavor that complements the bananas perfectly.
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped: Adds a delightful crunch and earthy contrast.
- 2 1/3 cups gluten-free flour: Makes the banana bread gluten-free without sacrificing texture.
- 1 tbsp baking powder: Ensures the bread rises perfectly and stays light.
- 3/4 tsp cinnamon: Lends a warm, spicy note to the bread batter.
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 1 egg, 1 cup milk, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tsp cinnamon: These combine to form the custard that makes your banana bread slices into French toast perfection.
- 2 tbsp butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, pinch of salt, 1 tsp vanilla extract: Key components of the Bananas Foster sauce, delivering sweet and buttery caramel flavors.
- 1 banana, sliced: Fresh banana slices to gently cook in the sauce and enhance banana richness.
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon: Adds just a hint of warmth to the sauce.
- 1/4 cup spiced rum: Brings a touch of boozy flair to the Bananas Foster topping.
How to Make Bananas Foster French Toast with Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Make the Banana Bread
First things first, preheat your oven to 375 degrees and prepare a loaf pan with nonstick spray. This banana bread is the base of your dish, so it deserves your love and attention. Start by mixing the eggs and sugar until the sugar mostly dissolves, creating a smooth blend. Then add the mashed bananas, room-temperature butter, and vanilla, stirring to combine the flavors beautifully. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Gently fold these dry ingredients into your wet mix, being careful not to overmix — you want a tender crumb, not a dense brick! Finally, stir in your crunchy chopped walnuts for that delightful texture. Spread the batter evenly in your loaf pan and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown. Let it cool completely before slicing to keep those slices intact for the next step.
Step 2: Prepare the Custard and Cook the French Toast
While your banana bread cools, whisk together the egg, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon to create a rich custard perfect for soaking your slices. Once the bread is cooled, slice it into thick pieces — these babies will hold the custard well without falling apart. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a couple tablespoons of butter to coat the pan. Dip each slice of banana bread into the custard, making sure both sides are coated but not soaked through to avoid sogginess. Place the dipped slices in the skillet and cook for about three minutes on each side until they’re beautifully golden. This step transforms the bread into that heavenly French toast texture and flavor we crave.
Step 3: Make the Bananas Foster Sauce
Now, let’s bring the star topping to life. In a skillet over medium heat, combine the butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, spiced rum, salt, and cinnamon, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture bubbles into caramel-y goodness. Add sliced bananas and chopped walnuts, cooking gently for about two minutes until the bananas soften slightly and soak up the sauce’s warmth. This sauce will be the glorious finale on your French toast, adding a lively, sweet, and subtly spiced finish.
Step 4: Assemble the Bananas Foster French Toast with Banana Bread Recipe
Finally, plate up your golden French toast slices, spoon generous amounts of that luscious Bananas Foster sauce on top, and watch your breakfast dreams come true. The warm bananas mixed with softened walnuts envelop the bread in sticky, fragrant sweetness that pairs perfectly with its tender, cinnamon-kissed crumb. This is not just French toast—it’s a showstopper.
How to Serve Bananas Foster French Toast with Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle a few extra chopped walnuts on top for crunch, and maybe a dusting of powdered sugar or cinnamon for a subtle sweetness and a pretty presentation. Whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can elevate this dish into pure brunch decadence.
Side Dishes
Serving this French toast alongside crispy bacon or sausage creates a delightful contrast between sweet and savory, rounding out the meal perfectly. Fresh berries or a vibrant fruit salad add a refreshing burst of color and balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the French toast slices in a tall tower, layering the Bananas Foster sauce in between, or serving individual portions in cute ramekins topped with extra banana slices and a drizzle of warm caramel. Presentation is all about turning a simple meal into a festive occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers of the Bananas Foster French Toast with Banana Bread Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This way, you get to enjoy the rich flavors without compromising freshness.
Freezing
The banana bread itself freezes wonderfully. Slice and wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and then follow the custard dipping and cooking steps to enjoy as fresh French toast.
Reheating
To reheat leftover French toast, the oven is your friend. Place slices on a baking sheet and warm at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes to bring back that crisp exterior. Avoid microwaving as it can make the toast soggy. For the Bananas Foster sauce, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave in short bursts.
FAQs
Can I make the banana bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! The banana bread can be baked a day or two in advance and stored wrapped tightly at room temperature or in the fridge. Just slice and proceed with the French toast steps when you’re ready.
Is there a substitute for spiced rum in the Bananas Foster sauce?
Yes! If you prefer to keep it alcohol-free, you can substitute the rum with an equal amount of orange juice or apple cider vinegar for a similar tang and depth.
Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free flour?
Definitely. This recipe adapts well to all-purpose flour if you have no gluten restrictions. The texture might be just a bit different but still superbly delicious.
What type of bananas work best?
Use ripe bananas with brown spots for the best natural sweetness and depth of flavor. Avoid green or overly mushy bananas to maintain the perfect texture in the bread.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this vegan, swap the eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk, and replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter substitutes. Keep an eye on cook times as textures may vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the Bananas Foster French Toast with Banana Bread Recipe that makes every morning feel like a treat. From the homemade banana bread base to the intoxicatingly sweet Bananas Foster topping, this dish brings cozy, comforting flavors together in the best possible way. If you’re craving a breakfast that’s show-stopping yet approachable, I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe and make your mornings a little sweeter and way more exciting!
Print
Bananas Foster French Toast with Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This delicious Bananas Foster French Toast recipe combines moist homemade banana bread with a rich custard dip and a warm, buttery bananas foster sauce topped with walnuts. Perfect for a decadent breakfast or brunch, it features a gluten-free banana bread base baked to golden perfection, then cooked on a skillet with a spiced custard and finished with a luscious rum-infused sauce loaded with fresh bananas and crunchy walnuts.
Ingredients
Banana Bread
- 2 1/3 cups gluten-free flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas
- 1 1/3 cups sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
Custard for French Toast
- 1 egg
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Bananas Foster Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- pinch of salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup spiced rum
- 1 banana, sliced
- 1/2 cup walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat Oven – Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a loaf pan with nonstick baking spray and set it aside to prepare for the banana bread batter.
- Prepare Banana Bread Batter – In a mixing bowl, add the eggs and sugar and whisk until the sugar is mostly dissolved. Then mix in mashed bananas, softened butter, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients – To the wet mixture, add gluten-free flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and kosher salt. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fold in Walnuts – Gently fold in the chopped walnuts to distribute evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake Banana Bread – Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let it cool completely.
- Make Custard Mixture – In a bowl, whisk together 1 egg, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until fully combined to create the custard for dipping the banana bread slices.
- Slice Banana Bread – Once cooled, slice the banana bread into thick slices suitable for French toast.
- Heat Skillet – Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a couple of tablespoons of butter to melt.
- Dip Banana Bread – Dip both sides of each banana bread slice into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak briefly.
- Cook French Toast – Place the dipped bread slices onto the hot skillet. Cook for about 3 minutes on the first side until golden brown, then flip and cook an additional 3 minutes on the other side until golden and cooked through.
- Prepare Bananas Foster Sauce – In a separate skillet over medium heat, combine butter, brown sugar, pinch of salt, vanilla extract, and cinnamon, stirring until sugar dissolves and mixture is smooth.
- Add Bananas and Walnuts – Add the sliced bananas and walnuts to the sauce and cook for about 2 minutes until bananas soften slightly and walnuts are warmed.
- Add Rum – Stir in the spiced rum and allow the sauce to simmer for a minute to blend the flavors and lightly reduce.
- Serve – Top the cooked banana bread French toast with the warm bananas foster sauce and enjoy immediately for a rich, flavorful breakfast treat.
Notes
- Make sure the banana bread is completely cooled before slicing and dipping to prevent it from falling apart.
- If preferred, use regular all-purpose flour instead of gluten-free flour, but adjust baking time as needed.
- Use ripe bananas with brown spots for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
- The rum in the sauce can be omitted or replaced with rum extract for a non-alcoholic version.
- For added texture, sprinkle extra walnuts on top before serving.
