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Bananas Foster French Toast
Indulge in a decadent and restaurant-quality breakfast with this Bananas Foster French Toast recipe! This dish combines rich, custardy French toast with a sweet and buttery caramelized banana topping, inspired by the classic New Orleans dessert, Bananas Foster. Perfect for a brunch gathering, special occasion, or a weekend treat, this easy-to-make recipe will surely impress your guests.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Large skillet or griddle
- Medium saucepan
- Spatula
- Baking sheet (optional, for keeping toast warm)
Ingredients
For the French Toast:
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread sliced 1-inch thick
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for frying
For the Bananas Foster Topping:
- 2 ripe bananas sliced
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup dark rum or substitute with orange juice
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Prepare the French Toast
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Dip each slice of brioche into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated.
- Place the soaked bread onto the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Transfer cooked slices to a warm oven (200°F) while preparing the topping.
Make the Bananas Foster Topping
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and stir in brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Add sliced bananas and cook for another 2 minutes until they soften slightly.
- Carefully pour in dark rum (or orange juice) and ignite with a lighter (if desired) to flambé. Let the flames subside naturally.
- Stir in heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Simmer for 1 more minute, then remove from heat.
Assemble and Serve
- Arrange the French toast slices on serving plates.
- Spoon the Bananas Foster topping generously over each slice.
- Serve immediately with optional toppings like whipped cream, chopped pecans, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
Tips & Tricks
- Best Bread Choice: Brioche and challah work best for rich, custardy French toast.
- No Alcohol Option: Replace rum with orange juice or apple cider for a family-friendly version.
- Extra Crispy Toast: Cook the soaked bread slices in a uttered skillet, then bake at 350°F for 5 minutes for a firmer texture.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Keep the French toast warm in a 200°F oven while preparing the topping.
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
Nutritional Comparison (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Bananas Foster French Toast | Traditional French Toast |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~450 | ~350 |
| Protein | ~10g | ~8g |
| Fiber | ~3g | ~2g |
| Healthy Fats | ~18g | ~12g |
| Carbohydrates | ~60g | ~45g |