Last updated on August 24th, 2025 at 09:14 pm
This Bananas Foster French Toast feels a little fancy and it takes your breakfast and brunch game to the next level. It combines the iconic New Orleans dessert with thick slices of bread, a rich custard mixture, and a warm sauce made with caramelized banana slices.
One bite of this decadent French toast recipe and you’ll see why it belongs on your list of favorite breakfast recipes.
I first tried a version of Bananas Foster French Toast on Mother’s Day a couple of years ago, and it instantly became one of my family’s go-to sweet recipes. Perfect for the holidays and other special occasions. Easy to make this with challah bread, brioche bread, or thick-cut Texas toast, this dish is a great way to transform stale bread and bananas into something truly irresistible.
What is Bananas Foster French Toast?
Bananas Foster is a classic New Orleans dessert created in 1951 by chef Paul Blangé at Brennan’s Restaurant. Named after Richard Foster, a friend of the family. Traditionally, it’s made by cooking sliced bananas with dark brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and rum. Then flambéing the mixture before serving it over ice cream.
This recipe takes that iconic New Orleans dessert and gives it a breakfast twist. Instead of ice cream, we pour the luscious foster topping over golden brown slices of homemade French toast.
Bananas Foster French Toast Recipe for Special Occasions
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
For the French Toast
- 8 Slices Bread French loaf, brioche bread, challah bread, or thick slices of Texas toast (about 8–10 bread slices)
- 5 Large Eggs
- 1 Cup Whole Milk or heavy cream
- 2 Tablespoons Vanilla Extract
- 1 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
For the Foster Sauce
- 4 Tablespoons Butter melted butter works best
- 1/2 Cup Dark Brown Sugar
- 1/4 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- 3 Bananas cut into banana slices or sliced bananas, divided
- 2 Tablespoons Dark Rum or 2 teaspoons rum extract
- 1 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- Optional: splash of banana liqueur
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture
- In a large bowl, whisk together large eggs, egg yolks, whole milk (or heavy cream), vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Pour this egg mixture into a shallow dish or shallow bowl.5 Large Eggs, 1 Cup Whole Milk, 2 Tablespoons Vanilla Extract, 1 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
Step 2: Dip the Bread
- Place the thick slices of bread into the custard mixture. Let each piece of bread soak, turning to coat both sides of the bread. About 30 seconds on each side. A shallow dish makes it easier to dip.8 Slices Bread
Step 3: Cook the French Toast
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat (or medium-high heat if using thicker bread). Add soaked bread slices and cook until the sides of the bread are golden brown. About 3–4 minutes per side. Place finished slices on a baking sheet in a warm oven to keep them hot while you make the sauce. Continue frying each piece of bread adding a bit more butter as needed for frying.2 Tablespoons Butter
Step 4: Make the Bananas Foster Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the dark brown sugar with a wooden spoon until it dissolves. Add cream and cinnamon, then stir until smooth. Add 2 of the sliced bananas and cook for 1–2 minutes, until they soften and become warm bananas. Carefully add the dark rum (and flambé if desired). Cook another couple of minutes until you have a rich banana sauce.4 Tablespoons Butter, 1/2 Cup Dark Brown Sugar, 1/4 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream, 3 Bananas, 2 Tablespoons Dark Rum, 1 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon, Optional: splash of banana liqueur
Step 5: Assemble
- Place French toast slices on a plate and spoon the foster topping over each piece. Top with slices of fresh banana and whipped cream if desired.
Your Own Private Notes
Nutrition
Recipe Variations and Toppings
- Swap out the sauce for decadent Buttermilk Syrup.
- For an indulgent twist. Top with crunchy pecans, a drizzle of maple syrup, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Foster French Toast Casserole. Turn this recipe into a breakfast casserole by layering soaked bread in a dish, topping with banana slices, and baking until set.
- Caramelized Banana & Nut Crunch. Add crunchy pecans or walnuts to the foster topping.
- Classic Dessert Style. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, just like the traditional bananas foster.
- Banana Sauce Twist. Add banana liqueur for extra depth of flavor.
Different Bread Options. Try French bread, brioche bread, or challah bread for slightly different flavors and textures.
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat on a skillet with a little butter for best results. Avoid microwaving as it makes the French toast soggy.
- Foster sauce can be reheated in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add a splash of cream if it thickens too much.
Delicious French Toast Breakfast
This Bananas Foster French Toast recipe is one of those delicious recipes that instantly makes breakfast feel like a celebration. It’s a great way to use bananas, stale bread, or even turn a simple piece of bread into something unforgettable. From the first bite of custardy French toast to the last spoonful of foster sauce, this dish is pure indulgence.
Perfect for Mother’s Day, Christmas morning, or just because. This is a next level breakfast game changer you’ll come back to again and again.
My family loved this!