Bananas Foster French Toast
Thick slices of brioche bread soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla custard and pan-fried until golden, then topped with a decadent sauce of caramelized bananas, dark rum, and butter. A classic New Orleans brunch, right in your kitchen.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Custard
- b.In a shallow dish wide enough to fit a slice of bread (like a pie plate), whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and salt until smooth and fully combined.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook the French Toast
- b.Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large non-stick skillet or on a griddle over medium heat until it shimmers.
- c.Working one slice at a time, dip the brioche bread into the custard for about 15-20 seconds per side. Allow excess to drip off.
- d.Immediately place the soaked bread onto the hot skillet. Cook for 2-4 minutes per side, until deep golden brown and cooked through.
- e.Repeat with the remaining slices, adding more butter to the skillet for each batch. Transfer cooked toast to a wire rack set on a baking sheet and keep warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Make the Bananas Foster Sauce
- b.In a separate large skillet, melt the 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat.
- c.Stir in the brown sugar and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the sauce begins to bubble, about 2-3 minutes.
- d.Gently add the sliced bananas to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 1 minute per side, carefully flipping once, until they are warmed through and coated in the caramel sauce.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Flambé the Sauce (Optional but Recommended)
- b.SAFETY FIRST: Turn off the heat source before adding alcohol. Never pour directly from the bottle into the pan.
- c.Carefully pour the dark rum and optional banana liqueur over the bananas.
- d.Return the pan to medium heat. To ignite, carefully tilt the edge of the pan towards the flame on a gas stove, or use a long-handled lighter for an electric stove. Stand back as it will flame up.
- e.Allow the flames to burn out on their own, which should take about 30-60 seconds. This cooks off the harsh alcohol taste, leaving the flavor.
- f.If you choose not to flambé, simply let the sauce simmer for 1 minute to cook off some of the alcohol.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Assemble and Serve
- b.Arrange two slices of the warm French toast on each of four plates.
- c.Immediately spoon the hot Bananas Foster sauce and bananas over the toast.
- d.Serve right away, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use slightly stale, thick-cut bread like brioche or challah. It absorbs the custard better without becoming soggy.
- 2Do not oversoak the bread. A quick dip ensures the center stays slightly firm and doesn't turn to mush.
- 3Use bananas that are yellow with a few brown spots. They should be ripe for sweetness but still firm enough to hold their shape when cooked.
- 4When flambéing, always turn off any overhead exhaust fans and keep a pan lid nearby to smother the flames in an emergency.
- 5This dish is best enjoyed immediately. The toast will lose its texture if it sits too long under the sauce.
Adapt it for your goals.
Bread Choice
If you can't find brioche, thick-cut challah or Texas toast are excellent alternatives.
Spice it UpSpice it Up
Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the custard for a warmer spice profile.
Alcohol SwapAlcohol Swap
Bourbon or spiced rum can be used in place of dark rum for a different flavor dimension.
Add a CrunchAdd a Crunch
Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts over the top before serving for added texture and nutty flavor.
Non Dairy VersionNon-Dairy Version
Use full-fat coconut milk in place of heavy cream and milk, and coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Provides Quick Energy
Bananas are a great source of natural carbohydrates and sugars, providing a quick and effective energy boost to start your day.
Source of High-Quality Protein
The eggs in the custard provide high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance.
Potassium for Heart Health
Bananas are rich in potassium, a mineral that is vital for heart health and blood pressure regulation.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving (2 pieces with sauce) is quite indulgent and can range from 700 to 900 calories, depending on the exact ingredients used, bread thickness, and optional toppings like ice cream.