If you’re dreaming of a brunch that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than Bananas Foster French Toast with Homemade Banana Bread. This dish is an irresistible twist on classic French toast, featuring thick slices of rich, moist banana bread soaked in a cinnamon-kissed custard, pan-fried until golden, and smothered in a luscious Bananas Foster sauce. Whether you’re planning a special morning or just want to treat yourself, this recipe turns ordinary ingredients into a showstopping, restaurant-worthy breakfast that’s as impressive as it is comforting.

Bananas Foster French Toast with Homemade Banana Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in Bananas Foster French Toast with Homemade Banana Bread plays a starring role, working together to create layers of flavor and texture. From the ripe bananas in the bread to the indulgent sauce on top, nothing here is extra—every bit is essential in making this dish unforgettable.

All-purpose flour: Gives the homemade banana bread its soft, sturdy crumb that holds up beautifully for French toast.
Baking soda: Ensures the banana bread rises perfectly and stays tender.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out all the wonderful flavors.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and aromatic depth to both the bread and the custard.
Unsalted butter: For a rich mouthfeel in the bread and a silky base for the Foster sauce.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the banana bread just right.
Large eggs: Bind the bread and create a creamy, custardy French toast.
Ripe bananas: The heart of the bread and the star of the sauce; use bananas with lots of brown spots for best flavor.
Sour cream: Keeps the banana bread extra moist and tender.
Vanilla extract: Adds a lovely, mellow sweetness throughout.
Whole milk: Makes the French toast custard rich and creamy.
Nutmeg: Gives the custard a subtle, nutty spice.
Brown sugar: Caramelizes to give the Bananas Foster sauce its signature flavor.
Dark rum: Traditional and adds depth; can be swapped for orange juice if needed.
Banana liqueur (optional): Intensifies the banana flavor in the sauce—skip if you want to keep it simple.
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream: Optional, but highly recommended for serving; they add a luxurious finishing touch.

How to Make Bananas Foster French Toast with Homemade Banana Bread

Step 1: Bake the Banana Bread

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then beat in the eggs one by one. Stir in the mashed bananas, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Gradually add in the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined—overmixing will make the bread dense. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely before slicing; this helps the bread hold together when dipped in custard.

Step 2: Prepare the French Toast Custard

While your banana bread cools, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract in a shallow dish. This mixture will soak into each slice, transforming it into a custardy, golden treat. Using whole milk ensures richness, while the spices add warmth and a gentle kick.

Step 3: Slice and Dip the Banana Bread

Once the banana bread is fully cooled, slice it into thick pieces—about 1 to 1.5 inches is perfect. Carefully dip each slice into the egg mixture, coating both sides. Don’t leave them in too long; just enough to soak up the custard without falling apart. If you made the bread the day before, it will be even sturdier and easier to work with.

Step 4: Cook the French Toast

Melt butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add the soaked banana bread slices and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside. The smell alone will have everyone in the kitchen waiting with forks in hand!

Step 5: Make the Bananas Foster Sauce

In a separate skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, rum, banana liqueur (if using), and cinnamon. Cook until the sugar dissolves and the sauce begins to bubble. Add the sliced bananas and cook for about 2 minutes, just until they’re softened and beautifully glazed. If you’re skipping the alcohol, substitute with orange juice and a splash of vanilla extract for a bright, sweet twist.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Plate your golden French toast slices, generously spoon that warm Bananas Foster sauce over the top, and finish with a cloud of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent. The result is a plate of Bananas Foster French Toast with Homemade Banana Bread that’s as stunning as it is delicious.

How to Serve Bananas Foster French Toast with Homemade Banana Bread

Garnishes

You can keep it classic with a dusting of powdered sugar, or go all out with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts adds a lovely crunch and nutty flavor. For a little extra sparkle, drizzle with maple syrup or even a touch of caramel sauce—because more is more when it comes to brunch!

Side Dishes

Since this dish is rich and decadent, I love to serve it with something light and fresh on the side. Sliced fresh berries, a citrus salad, or even a simple bowl of Greek yogurt with honey can balance out the sweetness. If you’re serving a crowd, crispy bacon or breakfast sausage makes a savory pairing that’s always a hit.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch party, try serving Bananas Foster French Toast with Homemade Banana Bread as individual stacks, layered with sauce and garnishes between each slice. Or, cut the French toast into strips for dipping—perfect for little hands or a fun, interactive breakfast bar. If you’re feeling fancy, arrange the banana slices in a fan on top for a restaurant-style presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the French toast and Bananas Foster sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The French toast will keep well for up to 3 days, while the sauce will stay fresh for about 2 days.

Freezing

Bananas Foster French Toast with Homemade Banana Bread freezes beautifully! Let the French toast slices cool completely, then wrap them individually and freeze for up to one month. For the sauce, freeze it in a separate airtight container; it may separate a little upon thawing but will come back together when gently reheated.

Reheating

To reheat the French toast, simply pop the slices in a toaster oven or oven at 350°F until warmed through and slightly crisp at the edges. Warm the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring gently. Avoid the microwave for the sauce if possible, as it can become grainy.

FAQs

Can I make Bananas Foster French Toast with Homemade Banana Bread ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the banana bread a day or two in advance and even pre-slice it for convenience. The French toast itself is best cooked just before serving, but you can keep slices warm in a low oven if needed.

What can I use instead of rum or banana liqueur in the sauce?

If you’d rather skip the alcohol, substitute with 1/4 cup orange juice and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. You’ll still get that lovely depth of flavor without any alcohol content.

How do I keep the French toast from getting soggy?

Make sure your banana bread is completely cooled (and ideally a day old) before dipping. Don’t soak the slices too long in the custard—just a quick dip on each side will do the trick.

Can I use store-bought banana bread?

While homemade banana bread really elevates this dish, you can use your favorite store-bought loaf in a pinch. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to handle dipping and frying.

Is Bananas Foster French Toast with Homemade Banana Bread suitable for dessert?

Definitely! With its rich sauce, sweet bananas, and option for ice cream, this French toast is just as perfect for a showstopping dessert as it is for brunch.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Bananas Foster French Toast with Homemade Banana Bread enough—it’s the kind of recipe that turns a simple morning into a celebration. Whether you’re sharing it with family, friends, or just treating yourself, each bite is pure joy. Give it a try and let this unforgettable brunch favorite become a new tradition at your table!

Bananas Foster French Toast with Homemade Banana Bread Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes plus cooling
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delicious twist on classic French toast using homemade banana bread topped with a rich and buttery Bananas Foster sauce, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Banana Bread

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
4 ripe bananas, mashed
1/4 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

French Toast

1 loaf cooled banana bread, sliced into thick slices
4 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons butter for frying

Bananas Foster Sauce

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup dark rum
1/4 cup banana liqueur (optional)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
3 ripe bananas, sliced
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare Banana Bread: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in mashed bananas, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Pour batter into the loaf pan and bake for 55 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before slicing.
Make French Toast Custard: In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, whole milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Cook French Toast: Dip thick slices of cooled banana bread into the custard mixture, making sure each slice is fully coated on both sides. Melt butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Fry the soaked banana bread slices until golden brown and cooked through, about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
Prepare Bananas Foster Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in brown sugar, dark rum, banana liqueur if using, and cinnamon. Cook, stirring, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to bubble. Add sliced bananas and cook for about 2 minutes until bananas are softened and coated in the glaze.
Serve: Plate the banana bread French toast slices, generously spoon warm Bananas Foster sauce over the top, and optionally add whipped cream or vanilla ice cream before serving.

Notes

Make the banana bread a day ahead for easier slicing.
If avoiding alcohol, substitute rum and banana liqueur with 1/4 cup orange juice and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness in the banana bread and sauce.
For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in the banana bread.
Store leftover banana bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus banana bread cooling time)
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Method: Baking, Stovetop
Cuisine: American