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This Bananas Foster French Toast is a delicious breakfast treat! It features fluffy French toast topped with sweet caramelized bananas and a hint of rum flavor.
Who can resist breakfast that feels like dessert? I love drizzling syrup over my serving, because the more sweetness, the better in the morning!
Making this dish is a breeze! Just whip up the toast, sauté the bananas, and you’re ready to impress your family—even if it’s just yourself!
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Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Thick brioche or challah bread works best for this French toast. If these aren’t available, you can use Texas toast or even day-old bread. The thicker the slice, the better it holds the egg mixture!
Eggs: You can substitute eggs with a mixture of flaxseed meal and water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg) if you’re looking for a vegan option. It won’t be as rich, but it will keep the texture together.
Milk: Any milk works here, but for a dairy-free option, almond milk or oat milk can easily be used. Both add a nice flavor too!
Bananas: Make sure your bananas are ripe; they should have some brown spots for the best sweetness. If you have bananas that aren’t so ripe, consider mashing them slightly or adding a bit of extra sugar while cooking.
Dark Rum: The rum adds depth to the caramelized bananas but it’s optional. You can leave it out or substitute with vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic version.
How Do You Get the Perfect Golden Brown French Toast?
The key to making perfect French toast is in the cooking method. It’s all about the right heat and timing. You want to cook it slowly enough to fully set the egg mixture without burning the bread.
- Ensure your skillet is hot but not too hot; medium heat is ideal. This prevents the outside from burning while the inside cooks.
- Give each slice about 3-4 minutes per side. Flip when you see a lovely golden color and a bit of crispiness.
Letting excess egg mixture drip off before cooking helps prevent soggy French toast and results in a firmer texture. Patience is essential here!
Delicious Bananas Foster French Toast
What You’ll Need:
For the French Toast:
- 4 slices of thick brioche or challah bread
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Topping:
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup dark rum (optional)
- Whipped cream or ice cream (for serving)
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. So, in no time, you could be enjoying a delightful breakfast or brunch treat that’s sure to impress!
Instructions:
First, let’s get that egg mixture ready! In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until everything is combined. This will create a lovely, flavorful custard base for our French toast.
Next, heat up a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Toss in that tablespoon of butter and let it melt, coating the pan with that delightful richness. It’s the perfect base for our bread!
Now, take each slice of bread and dip it into the egg mixture. Make sure both sides are nicely coated, but let any excess mixture drip off before placing them in the skillet. You’ll want to achieve a lovely golden-brown crust, so be sure not to soak them too long!
Place the soaked slices in the skillet and let them cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are beautifully golden brown. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a plate or warming rack to keep them cozy.
Now, in that same skillet, let’s make those bananas shine! Add the sliced bananas and brown sugar, and cook them over medium heat. You want them to soften and caramelize for about 2-3 minutes. Your kitchen will start smelling heavenly!
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to add the dark rum, carefully pour it into the skillet now. Just let it cook for an extra minute. The alcohol will cook off, leaving behind all that rich flavor. But be cautious with the flame if you want to flambé!
It’s time to serve! Take your French toast, top it with that delicious caramelized banana mixture, and drizzle any remaining sauce from the skillet right on top. For an extra treat, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. Don’t forget to sprinkle on some chopped nuts if you like a little crunch!
Enjoy your warm and gooey Bananas Foster French Toast—it’s a breakfast delight that you’ll want to make again and again! Happy cooking!
Can I Use Regular Bread Instead of Brioche or Challah?
Absolutely! While brioche or challah add a nice richness, you can use regular white or whole wheat bread. Just make sure to choose thicker slices so they soak up the egg mixture without falling apart.
What If I Don’t Have Dark Rum?
No worries! You can omit the rum altogether or use a splash of vanilla extract or extra brown sugar for added sweetness. If you want a non-alcoholic alternative, consider using apple juice or a bit of water to help caramelize the bananas instead.
Can I Prepare the Egg Mixture Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can mix the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon ahead of time! Just store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Give it a good whisk again before dipping your bread to ensure everything is well combined.
How Should I Store Leftover French Toast?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a toaster oven or a skillet over low heat until warmed through, adding a fresh touch by briefly reheating the banana topping separately to drizzle on top.
