Ingredients
French Toast Base
- Cooking spray
- 10 oz Challah bread, sliced 1 inch thick (Brioche can be used)
- 7 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups fat-free milk (Fairlife or milk of choice)
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup sugar (monk fruit sweetener preferred)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Meyers rum or rum extract (optional)
Bananas Foster Topping
- 1 tablespoon whipped butter
- ½ cup packed brown sugar (sugar-free brown sugar like Wholesome Yum can be substituted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon Meyers rum or 1 teaspoon rum extract (optional)
- 4 medium ripe bananas, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Spray a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange bread: Place the slices of challah bread in a single layer in the baking dish, gently squeezing them together to fit.
- Make custard mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, fat-free milk, vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, monk fruit sweetener or sugar, salt, and rum extract if using, until fully combined.
- Soak bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the arranged bread. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard fully.
- Preheat oven: Remove the soaked bread from the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake french toast: Bake the dish uncovered in the center rack of the oven until the French toast is puffed up and the edges turn pale golden, about 40 to 45 minutes.
- Prepare bananas foster sauce: While the French toast bakes, heat a large deep skillet over low heat and melt the whipped butter.
- Add sugar and spices: Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and rum extract or rum if using. Cook gently, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves. Add a few drops of water if needed and let the sauce simmer for approximately 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add bananas: Add the sliced bananas to the sauce and simmer for 1 minute, then remove from heat to keep warm and covered.
- Serve: Once the French toast is done baking, divide it among 8 plates and top each serving generously with the warm bananas foster sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy this indulgent breakfast treat.
Notes
- For best results, soak the bread overnight to achieve maximum custard absorption.
- Challah bread is preferred for its texture and richness, but brioche is a great alternative.
- Using sugar-free substitutes like monk fruit sweetener and sugar-free brown sugar can reduce the sugar content without compromising flavor.
- Rum and rum extract are optional but add authentic bananas foster flavor; omit for children or those avoiding alcohol.
- Ensure bananas are ripe but firm to avoid them becoming mushy during cooking.
- Make sure to bring the french toast to room temperature before baking for even cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
