Meet your new obsession: Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast. Imagine the flavor of homemade banana bread, transformed into golden, crispy waffles, then crowned with a lush blanket of caramelized bananas and a sweet coconut crunch. This decadent recipe transforms classic breakfast staples into an epic brunch treat that feels totally indulgent and impossibly easy at the same time. Whether you’re looking to spoil your friends during brunch or just want to elevate your weekend breakfast, this dish practically guarantees smiles all around.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast is just how effortlessly the ingredient list comes together. Every component is chosen for maximum flavor and texture—from creamy bananas to a sprinkle of coconut, each plays a key role in making this dish absolutely unforgettable.
- Banana bread (4 thick slices): Slightly stale is best, so it holds its shape and takes on that lovely waffle crispiness.
- Large eggs (2): Adds richness and helps bind the custard coating to each slice.
- Whole milk (1/3 cup): Infuses the bread with creaminess and helps the flavors soak in.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Heightens the tropical notes and brings much-needed depth.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Delivers warmth and a cozy spice to the custard.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to balance the sweetness and make everything pop.
- Butter (1 tablespoon, for waffle iron): Ensures a crispy, golden exterior on the waffle French toast.
- Shredded sweetened coconut (1/2 cup): Adds a chewy, toasted sweetness that pairs perfectly with banana.
- Ripe bananas (2, sliced): For caramelizing and piling on top for extra banana bliss.
- Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Turns the bananas into sticky, luscious caramelized jewels.
- Butter (1 tablespoon, for caramelizing bananas): Gives the caramelized bananas that irresistible glossy finish.
- Maple syrup and powdered sugar (for serving): The finishing touches that take each bite over the top.
How to Make Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast
Step 1: Prepare Your Custard Mixture
Start things off by whisking together the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt in a shallow bowl. This rich, fragrant custard is the secret behind the decadent texture of Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast. Make sure to whisk well, so every slice soaks up a consistent flavor in every bite.
Step 2: Soak the Banana Bread
Take your four thick slices of banana bread and dip each one into the custard mixture. Let each slice soak for 10 to 15 seconds per side—just enough to absorb that custard goodness without becoming soggy. The goal is a perfectly creamy interior with sturdy edges that will crisp up beautifully in the waffle iron.
Step 3: Coconut Coating
Liberally sprinkle shredded sweetened coconut onto both sides of each custard-soaked slice, pressing gently so it sticks. The coconut becomes toasted during cooking, adding an irresistible layer of flavor and texture to your Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast.
Step 4: Waffle Magic
Preheat your waffle iron and brush it with a bit of butter for that classic crispy, golden crust. Place one coconut-coated slice inside, close the lid, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes—until the outside is deep golden and the inside is warm and steamy. Repeat with the remaining slices, and don’t be afraid to sneak a taste while you work!
Step 5: Caramelize the Bananas
While your waffle French toast is sizzling away, melt a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced bananas and brown sugar, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bananas are glossed over in a chunky caramel sauce. This topping is pure breakfast dessert energy and totally worth every extra minute.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Transfer your hot Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast to plates, then lavish each stack with the caramelized bananas, a generous drizzle of maple syrup, and a snowfall of powdered sugar. This is the moment your brunch dreams come true.
How to Serve Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast
Garnishes
The right toppings make this already-fabulous Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast even more special. Try scattering toasted coconut flakes, a little extra cinnamon, or even a handful of chopped macadamia nuts for crunch. If you’re feeling tropical, a dollop of whipped cream or a few fresh berries add a fresh, vibrant touch.
Side Dishes
This breakfast showstopper shines alongside lighter sides. Think tangy Greek yogurt, a platter of ripe citrus segments, or a refreshing fruit salad. For coffee lovers, a strong iced latte cuts through the sweetness, while herbal teas work beautifully, too.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your slices high and drizzle with caramelized banana straight from the skillet for dramatic effect. Serve each portion in a shallow bowl with a scoop of coconut ice cream for dessert-worthy French toast, or slice into sticks and serve with maple syrup for dipping—a fun spin for brunch parties or kids.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (though I doubt it!), let your Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast cool completely. Stack the slices with parchment between them and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the caramelized bananas separate to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze fully cooled waffle French toast slices individually wrapped in plastic wrap, then stash them in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight or pop straight into the toaster or oven to warm through.
Reheating
For best results, reheat slices in a toaster oven or on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes until crisp on the outside. Microwave works in a pinch but will make them less crispy. Rewarm the caramelized bananas in a skillet or microwave just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought banana bread?
Absolutely! While homemade banana bread adds a personal touch, a good-quality store-bought loaf works perfectly and makes this recipe even more convenient.
What type Breakfast
Sweetened shredded coconut is ideal, as it toasts beautifully and clings well to the bread, offering just the right amount of chewy sweetness in every bite.
My waffle iron is small—can I cook half-slices?
Definitely! Just slice your banana bread to fit your waffle iron—halves or even thirds work. The important part is making sure the slices are thick enough so they don’t fall apart.
Can I make Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast gluten-free?
Yes, just use your favorite gluten-free banana bread. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy swap for those avoiding gluten.
How do I keep the coconut from burning in the waffle iron?
Make sure your waffle iron is preheated but not too hot, and keep a close eye as it cooks. Grease well with butter, and if needed, lower the temperature slightly for the perfect golden toastiness without burning.
Final Thoughts
If you love surprising yourself with a breakfast that feels both joyous and just a little bit decadent, Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast is calling your name. Each bite truly delivers on flavor, texture, and that unmistakable wow-factor that only happens when simple ingredients are flipped into something extraordinary. Trust me, your future brunches—and your tastebuds—are about to get a very sweet upgrade.
Print
Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Waffle Iron
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a decadent breakfast treat with this Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast recipe. Crisp waffles made from banana bread slices coated in coconut, topped with caramelized bananas, and served with maple syrup.
Ingredients
Banana Bread Waffle French Toast:
- 4 thick slices banana bread (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter (for waffle iron)
- 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
Caramelized Bananas:
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter
Serving:
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Banana Bread Waffle French Toast: In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Dip each slice of banana bread into the egg mixture, coat with shredded coconut, then cook in a preheated waffle iron.
- Caramelize Bananas: In a skillet, melt butter, add sliced bananas and brown sugar. Cook until caramelized.
- Serve: Top waffle French toast with caramelized bananas, maple syrup, and powdered sugar.
Notes
- This recipe works best with slightly stale banana bread for better texture.
- For a tropical twist, add chopped macadamia nuts or rum extract to the egg mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice with toppings
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
