There is something truly magical about the Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast Recipe. Imagine perfectly golden waffles made from moist banana bread batter, dipped in a fragrant coconut-spiced egg mixture, then lovingly caramelized to crispy, melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Each bite dances with tropical sweetness from the coconut and banana, complemented by a luscious whipped coconut cream and a drizzle of melted chocolate. This is not just breakfast; it’s a weekend celebration on a plate that instantly brings a smile to your morning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With ingredients that are simple yet packed with flavor, this recipe combines pantry staples with fresh tropical touches. Each component plays an essential role, from the tender whole wheat flour giving body and slight nuttiness, to the fresh bananas and coconut milk adding that rich, creamy sweetness and moist texture you crave.
- 2 cups white whole wheat flour or whole wheat pastry flour: Provides a hearty base with a touch of nutty flavor, perfect for a tender waffle.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Gives the waffles lightness and airy texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a warm spice that perfectly complements banana and coconut.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Adds subtle caramel notes to the batter.
- 3 cups mashed bananas (about 1/2 cup): Provides natural sweetness and moistness essential for banana bread texture.
- 1 large egg: Binds the waffle ingredients together for structure.
- 1 cup canned coconut milk: Brings creaminess and a gentle coconut flavor that infuses the batter.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla: Enhances the tropical notes and adds depth.
- 3 large eggs: For the french toast soaking mixture, imparting richness.
- 1/2 cup coconut milk: Combined with eggs to soak the waffles for that perfect custard soak.
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon: Elevates the flavor in the egg soak with a hint of spice.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Used to sweeten and slightly caramelize the outside layer.
- Butter (for the pan): Ensures a golden, caramelized crust during cooking.
- 1 ounce can full-fat coconut milk (cold): The base for the luscious whipped coconut cream topping.
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar: Lightly sweetens the whipped coconut cream.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla: Infuses the whipped cream with extra flavor.
- Melted chocolate, maple syrup, shredded coconut, sliced bananas: Creative toppings to take the dish over the top.
How to Make Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Start by combining all your dry ingredients in one bowl — the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and brown sugar. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the egg, coconut milk, vanilla, and mashed bananas until smooth and fragrant. Then gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry until just blended. If the batter feels too dense, add a splash more coconut milk for the perfect consistency. This batter promises waffles that are tender yet sturdy enough for the next steps.
Step 2: Cook the Waffles
Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Scoop about a quarter cup of the batter onto the hot surface, spreading it evenly with the back of a spoon. Cook according to your waffle iron’s instructions until golden. These banana bread waffles are the heart of this recipe, sporting a delicate crumb and subtle coconut aroma that will wow your taste buds.
Step 3: Make the Coconut Whipped Cream
The secret to that dreamy tropical finish lies in whipped coconut cream, so make sure your can of full-fat coconut milk has been refrigerated overnight. Carefully open the chilled can upside down and scoop out the thick coconut cream, leaving the coconut water behind for another use. Whip the cream with powdered sugar and vanilla for 3 to 5 minutes until soft peaks form. Chill this heavenly topping until ready.
Step 4: Prepare the French Toast Soak
In a shallow pie plate, whisk together the eggs, vanilla, coconut milk, and a dash of cinnamon. This fragrant mixture will coat the waffles, transforming them into a silky, custardy French toast base. The subtle coconut and spice hints promise layers of flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Caramelize the Waffle French Toast
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat and melt some butter to coat the surface. Take each waffle and dip it into the egg mixture, soaking each side for 30 seconds. Lightly sprinkle powdered sugar on one side and place it sugar side down in the pan; if you like, add sugar to the top side too for extra caramelization. Cook slowly until golden and crisp, about 5 minutes per side. The gentle heat is key here to develop a beautiful caramelized crust without burning.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Plate the warm caramelized waffles and top generously with slices of fresh banana and dollops of your whipped coconut cream. Drizzle melted chocolate or maple syrup over the top and sprinkle with shredded coconut for a finish that looks as spectacular as it tastes.
How to Serve Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Adding the right garnishes turns a fantastic dish into a stunning experience. Fresh banana slices echo the banana in the waffles, shredded coconut adds crunch and tropical flair, and a drizzle of melted chocolate or pure maple syrup adds just the right sweetness to balance the caramelized crust. Don’t forget a generous dollop of that fluffy coconut whipped cream—it’s the crown jewel of this recipe.
Side Dishes
This recipe is hearty and flavorful on its own, but pairing it with crisp bacon or a light citrus fruit salad can elevate the breakfast feast. The saltiness of bacon beautifully contrasts the sweet coconut and banana, while a fresh fruit salad adds brightness and juicy textures that keep things exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, cut the waffles into bite-sized pieces, skewer them with fresh fruit, and serve as a brunch kebab. Or arrange the caramelized waffles stacked high, layering whipped cream and fresh fruit between each layer like a decadent breakfast cake. This recipe invites invention and fun at the table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The waffles will remain moist but might lose some crispiness, which you can easily revive at reheating time.
Freezing
Freeze any extra waffles individually on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to one month. When you want a quick breakfast treat, pop a frozen waffle in the toaster or oven to refresh its crispy exterior.
Reheating
To bring back the caramelized crunch, reheat waffles in a 350°F oven or toaster oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep edges crisp. Add fresh toppings just before serving to maintain their texture and freshness.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of coconut milk?
You can substitute regular milk, but coconut milk is key to creating that signature tropical flavor and rich texture in the Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast Recipe. It also helps with the whipped cream, which requires full-fat coconut milk to whip properly.
How do I make sure my waffles come out crispy?
Cooking on a medium-low heat and allowing enough time for the sugar in the coating to caramelize slowly is crucial. Make sure not to rush the cooking process, or the waffles might be soft instead of crisp.
Can I prepare the waffle batter in advance?
Yes! You can make the batter the night before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just give it a gentle stir before cooking. Note that the baking powder starts reacting as soon as it hits the wet ingredients, so you may want to add a bit more right before cooking for extra fluffiness.
What if I don’t have a waffle iron?
If you don’t have a waffle maker, you can bake the banana bread batter in a regular loaf pan or make pancakes with the same batter. Then proceed with the French toast dipping and caramelizing steps for a similar result.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
This recipe uses eggs, so it’s not vegan as is. However, you can experiment by replacing eggs with flax eggs or commercial egg replacers and using plant-based milk substitutes, though the texture and flavor may differ slightly.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast Recipe, it’s hard to go back to ordinary breakfast fare. The combination of tropical flavors, warm spices, and that irresistible caramelized crust really brings joy to any morning meal. Whether it’s a lazy weekend brunch or a special occasion, treat yourself to this delight and watch smiles light up around your table.
Print
Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Stovetop and Grilling (Waffle Iron)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast is a delightful fusion of flavors that transforms classic banana bread into a crispy, golden waffle, dipped in a coconut-infused egg batter and cooked to caramelized perfection. Topped with luscious coconut milk whipped cream, sliced bananas, melted chocolate, and shredded coconut, it’s a tropical breakfast treat that perfectly balances sweetness and texture.
Ingredients
Waffles
- 2 cups white whole wheat flour or whole wheat pastry flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 3/4 cup mashed bananas (about 1–2 ripe bananas)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup canned coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Coconut Milk Whipped Cream
- 1 (15-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk, chilled overnight
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
French Toast Batter
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Butter (for greasing the pan)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for sprinkling)
Toppings
- Sliced bananas
- Shredded coconut
- Melted chocolate or maple syrup
Instructions
- Refrigerate Coconut Milk: Refrigerate the can of coconut milk overnight to chill it, which is necessary for making the whipped cream.
- Prepare Waffle Batter: In a small bowl, combine the white whole wheat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and brown sugar. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the egg, coconut milk, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir until just combined. If the batter is too thick, add a little more coconut milk to thin it.
- Cook Waffles: Preheat and lightly grease the waffle iron. Scoop about 1/4 cup of the batter onto the hot waffle iron, spreading it evenly with the back of a spoon if needed. Cook according to the waffle iron instructions until golden and cooked through.
- Make Coconut Milk Whipped Cream: Flip the chilled can of coconut milk upside down and open it. Pour out the coconut water and scoop the solid coconut cream into a bowl. Whip the cream for 3 to 5 minutes until soft peaks form. Beat in powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Refrigerate while preparing the French toast.
- Prepare French Toast Batter: In a circle pie plate or wide shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, coconut milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Dip and Cook French Toast Waffles: Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium-low heat and brush with butter. Working one waffle at a time, dip each waffle slice into the egg mixture for about 30 seconds per side until coated. Lightly sprinkle powdered sugar on one side (and the other side if desired). Place waffle slices in the skillet and cook until golden brown and caramelized, about 5 minutes per side. Keep the heat moderate to ensure slow caramelization without burning.
- Serve: Serve the caramelized waffle French toast topped with sliced bananas, coconut milk whipped cream, a drizzle of melted chocolate or maple syrup, and a sprinkle of shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Make sure to chill the coconut milk overnight to successfully whip the cream.
- If the waffle batter is too thick, gradually add more coconut milk to reach a pourable but thick batter consistency.
- Use medium-low heat when caramelizing the waffles to avoid burning and ensure a crispy outside.
- Leftover coconut water from the whipped cream can be saved and used in smoothies or other recipes.
- Vegetarian recipe, but contains eggs and dairy-free coconut milk.
