Brunch
I usually make breakfast for dinner once a week. I rarely make a big breakfast FOR breakfast, but I love to host a big Brunch a couple of times a year. Many years ago, I saved a recipe from a coupon magazine for this delicious Banana Bread French Toast. The first time I made it I knew it would be a staple in my recipe collection. With layers of delicious flavor, this one is a winner in my book!
Back in November, I hosted the first Brunch in almost two years and decided this would be the centerpiece of the menu. One really great thing about this recipe is that you SHOULD make the bread a couple of days ahead of time. This actually makes it taste better. The Banana Bread recipe is not one that is good by itself. It is perfect for the right texture and flavors for the French toast though!
The Caramel Rum Sauce and candied pecans can also be prepared days in advance.
Ramekins…
This year, I decided to prepare individual Ramekin dishes for my guests. I found mine at Marshalls but here is a link to something similar on Amazon. (https://www.amazon.com/Delling-12-Oz-Ramekins-Porcelain/dp/B08P1Q6LZL/ref=sr_1_27?gclid=CjwKCAiAuOieBhAIEiwAgjCvclEUpSJ1FtDgAt9rvLkh6f9Z_F3rz5TVzqPcBEd65wHt1PLU-Q5qBxoC0voQAvD_BwE&hvadid=241604853303&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9013229&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=8758606412548283740&hvtargid=kwd-302686637481&hydadcr=13934_10209289&keywords=mini%2Bbaking%2Bdishes&qid=1675291518&sr=8-27&th=1)
I find myself using these all the time now for side salads, soups and other side dishes. They are the perfect size!
I buttered these little baking dishes and then layered the custard dipped slices of Banana Bread in the Ramekin until they were almost full, leaving enough room for some sliced bananas and candied pecans to garnish each dish. I filled a baking sheet with the prepared ramekins and baked just before my guests were to arrive.
The Recipe
Banana Bread French Toast
Equipment
- 3 medium bread pans, greased and floured
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl or Kitchen Aid Mixer
- 2 mixing spoon
- measuring cups and measuring spoons
Ingredients
Banana Bread
- 3/4 Cup Sugar
- 1/4 Cup Cream Cheese
- 1/2 Cup Butter, softened
- 1 TBSP Vegetable Oil
- 1/4 Cup Sour Cream
- 3 Bananas, ripe, mashed
- 1 Cup Plain Flour
- 1 Cup Self Rising Flour
- 3/4 tsp Baking Powder
Custard
- 1/2 Quart Heavy Cream
- 4 Eggs, beaten
- 1/2 Cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
Caramel Rum Sauce
- 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 3 TBSP Butter, sliced into thin slices
- 3/4 Cup Heavy Cream
- 2 TBSP Rum
Instructions
Banana Bread
- Preheat Oven To 350 Degrees. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, sour cream, sugar, vegetable oil and mashed bananas until smooth and creamy. Slowly add 1 Cup Plain Flour and mix well. Finish mixing in 1 Cup Self Rising Flour and 3/4 tsp Baking Powder.
- Pour mixture into lightly greased loaf pans and bake for approximately 1 hour. Allow to completely cool before removing from pan.
- Refrigerate for 2 hours minimum before slicing for French Toast.
Custard
- Combine all ingredients until mixed well. Refrigerate until ready to make French Toast.
Caramel Rum Sauce
- In a heavy bottom sauce pan, heat sugar on medium high heat until sugar begins to melt. Continuously stir the sugar until it is melted and turns to a dark amber color. Slowly add the slices of butter, whisking until butter is melted. Very Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking until smooth. Be Careful to not add the cream too fast! It will steam burn your hands and cause the sugar to ball up. Whisk constantly and add the rum. Allow to cool before serving. Refrigerate to store.
Preparing French Toast
- Slice the bread into 3/4 inch thick slices. Soak each side in the French Toast Custard. Cook each side of soaked Banana Bread on 375 degree buttered griddle until each side is browned. Top with Rum Caramel sauce, fresh sliced bananas, and chopped pecans.
- *OPTIONAL BAKING METHOD: Slice the bread into 3/4 inch thick slices. Cut the slices in half. Dip each half slice and place in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with Rum Caramel sauce, fresh sliced bananas, and chopped pecans.
Family and Friends
I love hosting these special times with family and friends! What are some of your favorite brunch recipes? I’d love to hear from you, just leave a comment below!
