If you’ve dreamed of a tropical brunch twist that brings together everything you love about breakfast pastries, Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast is about to make your day. Imagine plush slices of banana bread, bathed in a creamy coconut custard, pressed into crisp-edged waffle perfection, and topped with golden caramelized bananas and toasted coconut. This decadent morning treat is as easy to make as it is unforgettable, combining familiar flavors with a playful, impressive presentation that’s destined to steal the show at any breakfast or brunch table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Banana Bread Waffle:
- 1 loaf banana bread (about 9×5 inches), cut into 1-inch slices
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Caramelized Bananas:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1/3 cup shredded sweetened coconut, toasted
For Serving:
- Maple syrup
How to Make Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture
Start by whisking the eggs, coconut milk, whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar together in a shallow bowl. This glorious blend becomes your banana bread’s flavor spa, soaking each slice in tropical goodness. Make sure everything is well combined and the brown sugar dissolves.
Step 2: Soak the Banana Bread Slices
Next, dip each thick slice of banana bread into the custard mixture, allowing both sides to absorb that luscious batter. Since banana bread can be delicate, let any excess drip off and handle with care—this step infuses every bite with coconut-cinnamon warmth.
Step 3: Cook in the Waffle Iron
Place your soaked slices onto a preheated, greased waffle iron. Close the lid and let them cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the outside is golden with irresistible waffle ridges. The result? Edges crisped to perfection while the inside stays rich and custardy—a texture triumph for Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast!
Step 4: Caramelize the Bananas
While your waffles are sizzling, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the banana slices and let them cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes on each side. Watch as they turn golden and caramelized, their aroma filling the kitchen with sweet promise. This step takes the dish over the top.
Step 5: Toast the Coconut
Spread the shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium-low heat, tossing gently until golden and fragrant. Keep a close eye—coconut goes from toasty to burnt in a flash. Once you smell that nutty aroma, it’s ready to be showered atop your finished masterpiece.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Arrange your warm banana bread waffles on plates, pile on the silky caramelized bananas, and sprinkle generously with toasted coconut. Finish each serving with a hearty drizzle of maple syrup for a brunch that’s instantly photo-worthy and completely craveable.
How to Serve Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast
Garnishes
Elevate every plate with a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a few fresh berries. For extra color and crunch, add more toasted coconut or a scattering of chopped macadamia nuts. A wedge of lime or a sprinkle of edible flowers brings a playful, tropical touch that makes Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast feel restaurant special at home.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs perfectly with tangy Greek yogurt, a bright fruit salad, or crispy breakfast potatoes. The fresh sides balance the decadent sweetness of the French toast, making your brunch spread feel complete and festive. For a true feast, offer some smoky vegetarian sausage or fresh-cut pineapple alongside your Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast.
Creative Ways to Present
Layer the waffles and toppings in a sundae glass for a parfait-style brunch treat or serve mini waffle bites on skewers for a playful buffet. For a party, set up a “build your own” French toast bar with bowls of caramelized bananas, toasted coconut, whipped cream, and different syrups—everyone gets to customize their own Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast masterpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pieces in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the waffles and toppings separate to prevent sogginess, then just reheat and assemble when ready to enjoy another slice of paradise.
Freezing
Waffles freeze surprisingly well! Let them cool completely, then stack between layers of parchment paper in an airtight freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re craving Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast, just pop a slice in the toaster or oven until warm and crisp again.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat waffles in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F until hot and crisp. Microwave works too (30-second bursts), but the waffles may soften slightly. Warm bananas and coconut separately, then reassemble for instant, fuss-free decadence.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought banana bread?
Absolutely! Store-bought banana bread is a great shortcut—just pick a sturdy, bakery-style loaf that’s not too moist, so it holds up during soaking and waffling.
What if I don’t have a waffle iron?
No worries! You can make this as traditional French toast in a skillet, pressing gently to crisp the sides. You’ll miss the fun waffle ridges but still get all that amazing flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It depends on your banana bread—many bakeries and recipes offer gluten-free banana bread options. Just check your other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free for a safe and delicious Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast experience.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Definitely! Use a dairy-free banana bread, substitute plant-based milk for whole milk, and swap vegan butter for regular. The coconut milk keeps the recipe creamy and delicious, with a naturally tropical twist.
How can I add more tropical flavor?
Try garnishing with chunks of fresh pineapple, adding a splash of dark rum to the caramelized bananas, or using a coconut whipped cream for serving. Each option gives your Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast even more island personality!
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to dive fork-first into Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast—it’s a pure celebration of cozy comfort and sunshiny flavors in every bite. If you’re looking to brighten up a weekend brunch or simply treat yourself to something out of the ordinary, give this recipe a try. You’ll be surprised how easy, impressive, and joyfully delicious it is!
Print
Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delightful twist on classic French toast with these Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast. Crispy waffles made from slices of banana bread, topped with caramelized bananas, toasted coconut, and maple syrup, create a tropical breakfast or brunch treat.
Ingredients
Banana Bread Waffle:
- 1 loaf banana bread (about 9x5 inches), cut into 1-inch slices
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Caramelized Bananas:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1/3 cup shredded sweetened coconut, toasted
For Serving:
- Maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the Waffle Iron: Preheat a waffle iron and lightly grease with nonstick spray.
- Prepare Banana Bread Waffle Mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, coconut milk, whole milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and brown sugar.
- Coat and Cook: Dip each slice of banana bread into the mixture, coating both sides. Place the coated slices into the waffle iron and cook for 3–4 minutes until golden and slightly crisp.
- Caramelize Bananas: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced bananas and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until caramelized. Remove from heat.
- Serve: Top each banana bread waffle with caramelized bananas, toasted coconut, and a drizzle of maple syrup.
Notes
- If your banana bread is very soft, let the slices sit out for a few hours or lightly toast them before dipping for better waffle results.
- For a tropical twist, garnish with fresh pineapple chunks or a splash of rum with the caramelized bananas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Waffle Iron, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
