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Thick slices of golden-brown French toast topped with fresh banana slices and glazed walnuts, drizzled with syrup.

Bananas Foster French Toast

This Bananas Foster French Toast features thick challah soaked in a rich custard, griddled until golden, and topped with warm banana–pecan syrup flavored with maple and rum extract for an indulgent brunch-worthy dish.
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Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Bananas Foster French Toast
Servings: 0

Ingredients

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 8 slices challah bread approximately ¾-inch thick
  • ½ cup dark corn syrup
  • ½ cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup maple syrup
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 6 ripe bananas halved crosswise and lengthwise
  • 1 teaspoon rum extract

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Arrange the bread slices on a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 16 minutes, turning the slices halfway through, until the bread is nearly dry throughout. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 200°F (95°C) to keep cooked French toast warm.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and cinnamon. Transfer the mixture to a 9 × 13-inch baking dish.
  • Soak each slice of bread in the egg mixture for approximately 20 seconds per side, until saturated but intact. Lift each slice with a slotted spatula, allowing excess custard to drip off, and place on a baking sheet or platter.
  • Preheat an electric griddle to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease the surface with nonstick spray or butter. Transfer the soaked bread to the griddle and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Move the cooked slices to a baking sheet and place in the warmed oven. Repeat with the remaining bread.
  • In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, combine the corn syrup, brown sugar, maple syrup, and chopped pecans. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 2 minutes. Add the bananas and rum extract, gently coating the fruit with the syrup. Simmer for an additional 1 minute.
  • To serve, spoon the warm banana–pecan syrup over the French toast and serve immediately.

Notes

To prepare this Bananas Foster French Toast as a gluten-free dish, substitute certified gluten-free bread cut into thick slices. Ensure the corn syrup, maple syrup, rum extract, and all other ingredients are labeled gluten free, as formulations may vary by brand. No additional modifications are required.