Overnight Bananas Foster French Toast Bake

Looking to step-up your French toast game? Look no further! This Bananas Foster French Toast Recipe is inspired by the classic Bananas Foster that we all know and love. It’s sweet and full of delicious, flavorful layers!

Do you want to join me for a delicious brunch?! When it comes to breakfasts, I am a firm believer that French toast is a must-have staple! Recently, I whipped up a Bananas Foster inspired recipe and I am so eager to share it with you! It’s delicious and you make it the night before to make your morning a snap!

Dreaming of French Toast but don’t want to actually make French Toast? Make French Toast Cookies instead!

Where Did French Toast Come From?

French toast is known as French toast because of its historical roots. The name originates from the French tradition of soaking bread slices in egg and frying them, which is said to have been served as far back as the 16th century. It’s believed that this dish was initially called “pain perdu” which translates to “lost bread,” a reference to using up leftover or stale bread. Over time, the name evolved and today it is universally recognized as French Toast. From it’s humble beginnings, now French Toast is combined with every flavor you can imagine and has become a must have brunch menu item.

What Does Bananas Foster French Toast Taste Like?

My recipe is directly inspired by Bananas Foster – a 1950s dessert made up of bananas, vanilla ice cream, sugar, rum, and banana liqueur. My Bananas Foster French Toast consists of large pieces of French bread, bananas, cream cheese, pecans, rum extract and other delicious ingredients. Everything marinates together as it is baked to perfection on top of a homemade caramel sauce base.

What Ingredients Do I Need To Make Bananas Foster French Toast?

There are a good list of ingredients required to make this Bananas Foster-inspired French toast, but that’s because you’re making everything from scratch (including its delicious caramel base!). Don’t forget that the specific measurements are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post:

• Brown sugar
• Heavy cream
• Butter
• Salt
• Vanilla extract
• Ripe bananas
• French bread
• Cream cheese
• Chopped pecans or walnuts
• Eggs
• Milk
• Sugar
• Rum extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Powdered sugar
• Whipped cream

More Brunch Inspo!

Do you love hosting brunch get-togethers? So do I! Take a look at these breakfast/brunch recipes that your guests will absolutely adore:

Cranberry Bliss Overnight French Toast Bake

Overnight Blueberry French Toast Bake

How to Make Easy Fluffy Pancakes

Overnight Breakfast Enchilada Casserole

Are There Any Ingredient Alternatives?

For this recipe, feel free to use a milk that best suits your preferences. You can take the non-dairy route and use almond milk, oat milk, etc.

Also, I used walnuts in my French toast banana recipe, but feel free to use pecans (as suggested in the recipe card) or any other nuts that you like.

I topped mine with whipped cream, but you can also use powdered sugar (or both!).

How to Make Bananas Foster French Toast

Step 1: Make the Caramel Sauce

Begin by melting butter, brown sugar, heavy cream and salt in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Cook and stir until sugar is completely dissolved. Once it is dissolved, remove from heat and add vanilla.

Step 2: Prep Your Pan

Next, butter your 8×8 baking pan and then pour in the caramel sauce and make sure it is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Cut the Bananas

Peel your bananas. Cut into thin slices and evenly place over the sauce.

Step 4: Start to Layer

For the next layer, add half of the bread cubes to the pan.

Evenly distribute the cream cheese and chopped nuts (of your choice) over the bread cubes. Cover the top with the remaining bread cubes.

Step 5: Make the Egg Mixture

In a small bowl, combine eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, rum extract, cinnamon and salt. Whisk until well-combined.

Pour the egg mixture over the bread and gently press down so that all of the bread can absorb the egg mixture.

Step 6: Allow to Set Overnight

Cover in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or approximately 8 hours).

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Once the French toast has set in the fridge, place it on your counter for about 30 minutes and preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Remove the plastic wrap and cover with foil. Bake for 30 minutes.

Next, remove the foil from the pan and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the center is set.

Step 8: Ready for Serving!

Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 to 10 minutes.

When serving, be sure to flip each portion over on its plate, so that the caramel and sliced bananas are on top. Garnish with powdered sugar or whipped cream, if desired.