Bananas Foster French Toast with Bourbon Caramel Dust
Some mornings just call for something a little extra, don’t they?
I’ve always been partial to a good bananas foster. That warm, gooey sweetness is just pure comfort food.
And French toast? Well, that’s a weekend staple in my kitchen. So, naturally, I started thinking… Why not combine the two?
That’s how this Bananas Foster French Toast was born. It’s got all the classic flavors you love, but with a little something special up my sleeve.
We’re taking things up a notch with Brioche Croutons with Bourbon Caramel Dust. Think crispy, buttery bites of brioche, coated in a sweet, bourbon-infused caramel.
These crunchy croutons add such a delightful textural contrast to the creamy bananas foster and soft French toast. It’s a taste and texture experience that will have everyone coming back for more.
Trust me, y’all, this is one breakfast you won’t want to miss.
Why This Bananas Foster French Toast Recipe Works
This Bananas Foster French Toast recipe truly sings, y’all. It’s more than just a sweet breakfast; it’s an experience.
The base is a classic French toast, but elevated. Using brioche bread gives it a richness and tenderness that ordinary bread just can’t match. It soaks up the custard beautifully, creating a soft, almost decadent interior.
Then comes the bananas foster element. The combination of caramelized bananas, brown sugar, and rum (or bourbon, in my case!) is pure magic. It’s warm, comforting, and adds a touch of Southern charm.
But here’s where my little twist comes in: Brioche Croutons with Bourbon Caramel Dust.
Instead of just pouring the bananas foster sauce over the French toast, I make brioche croutons, coat them in a bourbon caramel, let them harden, then crush them into a “dust.” The dust adds a delightful crunch and concentrated burst of flavor to each bite.
The textural contrast is wonderful, going from the soft French toast to the slightly crisp bananas, and then the *crunchy* crouton dust. It’s a symphony of sensations!
The bourbon caramel dust is a special touch. It provides a more refined presentation and prevents the french toast from getting too soggy from the banana foster sauce. It’s a subtle enhancement, but it makes a world of difference.
Ultimately, this recipe works because it balances familiarity with innovation. It takes a beloved dessert and transforms it into a memorable breakfast that is truly special. I think y’all will agree.
Ingredients for Bananas Foster French Toast
Before we get started, let’s gather everything we need. I always find it’s easiest to have all my ingredients prepped and measured before I start cooking. That way I can just relax and enjoy the process of bringing this deliciousness to life. You might even want to put on some music!
For this Bananas Foster French Toast, we’re doing things a little differently. We’re not just soaking bread; we’re using Brioche Croutons, which gives it a wonderful texture. And instead of a regular sauce, we’re making a Bourbon Caramel Dust to top it all off. It’s that little something extra that makes all the difference.
- For the Brioche Croutons:
- 1 loaf brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- For the Bananas Foster:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup dark rum
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- For the French Toast Custard:
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- For the Bourbon Caramel Dust:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon bourbon
- Pinch of sea salt
Don’t let the length of the list intimidate you. Most of these are pantry staples, and the Bourbon Caramel Dust is easier than you might think. Trust me; the extra step is well worth it.
With everything in hand, we are ready to begin transforming these simple ingredients into a brunch masterpiece. This Bananas Foster French Toast with Brioche Croutons and Bourbon Caramel Dust is sure to become a new family favorite. Now, let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions For Making Bananas Foster French Toast
Ready to bring a little New Orleans to your breakfast table? This Bananas Foster French Toast is a delightful twist on a classic, and my secret ingredient, Brioche Croutons with Bourbon Caramel Dust, adds a delightful crunch and depth of flavor that you won’t find anywhere else. Let’s get cooking, y’all!
1. Prepare the Brioche Croutons with Bourbon Caramel Dust
First, we’re making those special croutons. If you’ve already made them, great. If not, cube your brioche bread into small, bite-sized pieces.
Toss the brioche cubes with melted butter, brown sugar, and a hint of bourbon extract. Bake until golden brown and crispy, then dust with your favorite caramel powder. Set aside to cool.
2. Make the Bananas Foster Sauce
In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and brown sugar together.
Stir in a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg for that warm, cozy flavor.
Add sliced bananas and cook until softened, then carefully pour in the bourbon. Be careful; it might flame up!
Let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and keep warm.
3. Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
This mixture will create the perfect custardy coating for our French toast.
4. Soak the Bread
Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, making sure both sides are well coated.
Don’t soak them too long, or they’ll become soggy. Just a quick dip on each side is perfect.
5. Cook the French Toast
Heat a lightly oiled griddle or skillet over medium heat.
Cook the soaked bread slices until golden brown on both sides.
6. Assemble and Serve
Place the cooked French toast on a plate. Spoon the warm bananas foster sauce generously over the top.
Sprinkle with those Brioche Croutons with Bourbon Caramel Dust for that extra crunch and flavor.
Serve immediately and enjoy this decadent breakfast treat!
I hope you enjoy every bite.
How To Serve Bananas Foster French Toast
Serving this Bananas Foster French Toast is almost as much fun as making it, y’all.
I like to start with a generous drizzle of the warm bananas foster sauce. Don’t be shy now; that’s the heart of the dish!
Next, arrange the French toast slices artfully on the plate. Overlapping them slightly adds a touch of elegance, don’t you think?
Now, for the star of the show: our Brioche Croutons with Bourbon Caramel Dust. Sprinkle these generously over the French toast and sauce.
The slight crunch and caramel bourbon notes elevate the entire experience. They just add a little something special.
If you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream never hurt anyone. But honestly, it’s pretty perfect as is.
A final dusting of cinnamon or a few fresh banana slices are lovely additions too.
Serve immediately, while the French toast is warm and the sauce is luscious. Enjoy!
How To Store & Reuse Bananas Foster French Toast Leftovers
Now, I know what you might be thinking: “Leftovers? From Bananas Foster French Toast?” Well, sometimes even the best of us can’t quite finish every last bite, especially when there are Brioche Croutons with Bourbon Caramel Dust involved.
If you happen to find yourself with some leftover slices, or even a few extra Brioche Croutons, don’t you fret. There are several ways to keep the magic going.
To store leftover Bananas Foster French Toast, let it cool completely. Then, wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, or place them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating is a breeze. You can warm the slices in a toaster oven or a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through. A quick zap in the microwave works too, but it might lose some of the crispiness. Speaking of crispy, consider adding fresh Brioche Croutons with Bourbon Caramel Dust when serving for extra texture.
Those Brioche Croutons with Bourbon Caramel Dust are precious. Store leftover croutons in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their delightful crunch. They are truly something special, y’all.
As for reusing, get creative! Cold slices of the french toast can be cut into cubes and added to a fruit salad, or even layered in a parfait. The Brioche Croutons, of course, are wonderful on just about anything. I’ve sprinkled them on ice cream, oatmeal, and even yogurt. Don’t be afraid to experiment.
And if you *really* want to repurpose, blend leftover French toast (sans croutons, unless you are feeling adventurous!) into a smoothie for a decadent breakfast treat. Add a little extra banana and a splash of milk to thin it out, if needed.
Waste not, want not, as my dear grandmother always said.
Substitutions & Variations For Bananas Foster French Toast
Now, I know y’all might be lookin’ to tweak this Bananas Foster French Toast recipe to fit what you’ve got on hand, or maybe just to put your own little spin on things. That’s perfectly alright by me. Cooking should be fun and flexible. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
- Bread: While I just adore the way brioche soaks up that custard, challah bread or even a good ol’ Texas toast will work in a pinch. Just adjust the soaking time as needed, thicker bread needs a little longer. Of course, you can use regular brioche bread, but using the Brioche Croutons with Bourbon Caramel Dust adds a wonderful, unexpected crunch and hint of bourbon.
- Milk: Regular milk works just fine, but if you’re looking for a richer custard, try using half-and-half or even heavy cream. For a dairy-free option, almond milk or oat milk are good substitutes.
- Bourbon: If you’re not a fan of bourbon, or just don’t have any on hand, rum or brandy will work beautifully in the sauce. You can also skip the alcohol altogether and use a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic version.
- Sugar: Dark brown sugar lends a deeper molasses flavor, but light brown sugar or even granulated sugar can be used. The caramel will still be delicious, I promise.
- Fruit: While bananas are the star of the show here, you could certainly experiment with other fruits. Sliced peaches, pineapple, or even berries would be lovely.
- Nuts: Pecans are a classic addition to Bananas Foster, but walnuts or even macadamia nuts would be delicious too. Or if you have a nut allergy, just leave them out.
Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with your own variations. That’s how some of the best recipes are born. And if you do come up with something truly special, be sure to share it with me. I’m always lookin’ for new ideas.
5 FAQs About Bananas Foster French Toast
Let’s dive into some common questions I get asked about bananas foster French toast.
What is bananas foster French toast?
Bananas foster French toast is essentially the love child of two breakfast classics. It combines the comforting flavors of French toast with the decadent, boozy sweetness of bananas foster. Think tender slices of bread soaked in a rich custard, griddled to golden perfection, and then topped with caramelized bananas in a luscious rum sauce. I like to add a unique touch with my brioche croutons with bourbon caramel dust for extra crunch and flavor, y’all.
Can I make bananas foster French toast ahead of time?
While the French toast itself is best enjoyed fresh, some components can be prepped in advance. You can certainly whisk together the custard mixture and slice your bread the night before. The bananas foster topping is best made right before serving, though; otherwise, the bananas can get a bit too soft. But my brioche croutons with bourbon caramel dust can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container. They’ll add a delightful textural contrast, even if the bananas are a bit soft.
What kind of bread is best for bananas foster French toast?
A good, sturdy bread is key! Brioche is my personal favorite because of its rich, buttery flavor and ability to soak up the custard without becoming soggy. Challah is another great option. However, if you’re looking for something a little different, my recipe calls for using brioche not just as the base, but also transforming it into brioche croutons with bourbon caramel dust.
Can I make bananas foster French toast without alcohol?
Absolutely! The rum in the bananas foster sauce adds a distinctive warmth, but you can easily substitute it with rum extract or even just a bit of vanilla extract. If you’re skipping the rum, I recommend adding a splash of apple juice or pineapple juice to the sauce for a little extra depth of flavor. Of course, the bourbon in my brioche croutons with bourbon caramel dust is optional too. Feel free to leave it out for a non-alcoholic version.
How do I keep bananas foster French toast from getting soggy?
The key is not to oversoak the bread. Dip each slice briefly in the custard mixture, just long enough to coat it evenly. Also, make sure your griddle or pan is hot enough so the French toast cooks quickly and develops a golden-brown crust. And while the bananas foster topping is delicious, don’t drown the French toast in it! A light drizzle is all you need. The brioche croutons with bourbon caramel dust will also help absorb some of the extra moisture and add a pleasant crunch.

Bananas Foster French Toast with Bourbon Caramel Dust
This bananas foster French toast recipe elevates the classic breakfast dish with a delightful twist. Brioche croutons add a wonderful crunch and texture, while a touch of bourbon caramel dust enhances the rich, caramelized banana flavor. It's the perfect way to start a weekend morning!
Ingredients
- 6 slices brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (for croutons)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 6 slices brioche bread (for French toast)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for cooking)
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons dark rum
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Brioche Croutons: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Toss the cubed brioche bread with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Let cool completely.
- Make the Bourbon Caramel Dust: In a small saucepan, combine the bourbon and heavy cream. Cook over medium heat until slightly reduced, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled croutons, tossing to coat. Let set.
- Prepare the French Toast Batter: In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar.
- Cook the French Toast: Dip each slice of brioche bread into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated.
- Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook the French toast for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Repeat with the remaining butter and French toast.
- Make the Bananas Foster Sauce: While the French toast is cooking, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a separate skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced bananas and brown sugar.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bananas are softened and the sugar has dissolved. Carefully pour in the rum (it may flame up, so be cautious!).
- Let the rum cook off for about 30 seconds, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Assemble and Serve: Top the French toast with the bananas foster sauce and sprinkle generously with the brioche croutons and bourbon caramel dust. Serve immediately and enjoy, y'all!
Try These Recipes Next
Loved this one? You might enjoy these delicious spins on French toast too:
- Croissant French Toast Casserole – Soft, flaky croissants baked in creamy custard.
- Protein French Toast Recipe – A high-protein take that doesn’t taste like cardboard.
- Vegan French Toast Recipe – Egg-free and still crisp on the outside, fluffy inside.
From sweet bakes to health-conscious twists, these recipes give you a little something for every craving.