Thick slices of bread are soaked in a spiced custard mixture and then cooked until golden brown, and then drizzled with a warm, boozy rum sauce made with brown sugar and bananas to make the best bananas foster French toast! It’s a dish that’s sure to impress and delight absolutely everyone!

Close up view of bananas foster French toast on a large white plate.

Who says breakfast can’t be an indulgent affair? With this Bananas Foster French Toast recipe, you can treat yourself to a sweet and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a dish that’s perfect for those times when you want to indulge in something sweet and satisfying, without having to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, with its warm, spiced custard and gooey rum sauce, it’s a recipe that’s sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who tastes it. So why not treat yourself and your loved ones to a little bit of breakfast luxury?

Bread Options

When it comes to making Bananas Foster French Toast, the type of bread you choose can make all the difference. The key is to select a bread that’s sturdy enough to hold up to the custard mixture and won’t get too soggy when cooked. For this reason, we recommend using thick slices of Challah, Brioche, or Texas Toast, which all have a dense and slightly sweet texture that pairs perfectly with the spiced custard and rum sauce. Not only do these breads hold up well during cooking, but they also provide a rich and buttery flavor that makes this dish even more indulgent.

Rum Sauce

The star of this recipe is the warm and boozy rum sauce, which is made with brown sugar, butter, and sliced bananas. Once the sauce is cooked, you can choose to pour it over the French Toast and serve it as is, or you can ignite the rum for a dramatic flair. To do this, simply add the rum to the sauce, turn off the heat, and then use a long lighter to ignite the rum. Swirl the pan gently until the flames subside.

Rum gives this dish its classic flavor, and it is necessary for the flambé. However, if you prefer not to cook with alcohol, you can substitute with apple juice. 

Flambé

We promise this is easier than it looks, but if you still would rather not flambé your bananas foster, you can always skip it and instead continue to cook on the stovetop for an additional two minutes to let the alcohol cook out. 

Can I Make Bananas Foster French Toast Without Nuts?

The walnut or pecan topping is completely optional. We know you’ll love bananas foster even without them!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I soak the bread in the custard mixture?

The amount of time you should soak the bread can vary depending on the thickness of the bread and how dense it is. As a general rule, aim to soak the bread for about 30 seconds on each side, or until it’s saturated but not falling apart.

Can I make French toast ahead of time?

Yes, you can make French toast ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the French toast in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes or until heated through.

Do I have to add the rum sauce?

Well, you certainly don’t have to. Of course, that would simply make regular French toast!

Bananas foster French toast.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you have any leftover French Toast, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes or until heated through.

If you like this recipe, you may be interested in these other delicious breakfast recipes: