If you love the cozy warmth of banana bread combined with the crispy charm of waffles and the indulgent sweetness of caramel, you are in for a serious treat. This Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast Recipe brings all those flavors together in one delightful dish that’s perfect for a special breakfast or brunch. Imagine thick slices of banana bread transformed into golden, crispy waffles infused with cinnamon and coconut milk, then topped with toasted coconut and a luscious caramel drizzle. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate and is sure to brighten any morning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast Recipe plays its own important role to build layers of flavor, texture, and aroma. Simple yet essential, these ingredients come together to create a dish that’s both rich and comforting with a tropical twist.
- Banana bread, 4 thick slices: The base of our recipe, providing moist, sweet, and perfectly spiced flavor.
- Large eggs, 2: Help create the custard mixture that soaks into the bread, adding richness and binding everything together.
- Coconut milk, 1/2 cup: Infuses the custard with creamy tropical notes that complement the banana and coconut beautifully.
- Brown sugar, 1 tbsp: Adds a deep caramel sweetness that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Cinnamon, 1/2 tsp: Brings warmth and spice, a key partner for both banana and coconut flavors.
- Butter, for cooking: Used to grease the waffle iron, ensuring a golden-brown, crispy finish.
- Shredded coconut, 1/4 cup, toasted: Adds crunch and a toasted coconut aroma that elevates every bite.
- Caramel sauce, for drizzling: The luxurious finishing touch that melts into the warm waffles for that irresistible gooey sweetness.
How to Make Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Waffle Iron
Start by preheating your waffle iron so it’s ready to cook those banana bread slices perfectly. Lightly grease the iron with butter to prevent sticking and help your waffles develop that gorgeous crisp golden exterior.
Step 2: Whisk the Custard Mixture
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, coconut milk, brown sugar, and cinnamon until fully combined. This mixture will soak into the banana bread, imparting rich flavor and a slightly custardy texture that’s key to this recipe.
Step 3: Soak the Banana Bread
Dip each thick slice of banana bread into the custard mixture, making sure to coat it well on all sides. Let it absorb just enough of that sweet and spicy mixture without becoming too soggy — this balance is what makes the waffle texture so delightful.
Step 4: Cook the Banana Bread Waffles
Place the soaked banana bread slices into the preheated waffle iron. Close the lid and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until the bread is crisp and golden brown. The heat transforms these slices into waffle-shaped treasures that are crispy on the outside and tender inside.
Step 5: Add Toasted Coconut and Caramel
Once the waffles are cooked, generously sprinkle them with toasted shredded coconut for an extra layer of flavor and crunch. Then, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top for that perfect touch of decadence that finishes off this dish beautifully.
How to Serve Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
To truly make these waffles sing, consider garnishing with a handful of fresh banana slices or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Add a small dollop of whipped cream or a few toasted coconut flakes to amp up the texture and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Serve these waffles alongside fresh fruit like berries or mango slices to add a bright contrast. Crispy bacon or sausage links pair wonderfully to add a savory counterpoint that balances the sweetness of the dish beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, stack the waffles into mini towers and secure with a skewer topped with a cherry or mint leaf. Alternatively, serve them on a wooden board with small bowls of caramel sauce and toasted coconut on the side for a casual and interactive brunch experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from this Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for a delicious quick breakfast or snack later on.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked waffles by placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They freeze well for up to one month, so you have a ready-made treat whenever a craving hits.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the waffles in a toaster or toaster oven for a few minutes until crisp and warm. This method helps maintain the wonderful crispy texture, so they taste just as good as freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of coconut milk?
Absolutely! While coconut milk adds a lovely hint of tropical flavor, regular milk works just fine and still creates a delicious custard. You could even try almond or oat milk for a different twist.
Do I need to make my own banana bread for this recipe?
Nope! Store-bought banana bread works perfectly as long as it is a bit dense and not too crumbly. It’s a wonderful way to use up any extra banana bread you have on hand.
Can I prepare the custard mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the egg and coconut milk mixture a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. Just whisk again before dipping your banana bread slices for the best results.
What type of waffle iron should I use?
Any standard waffle iron will work for this recipe. Non-stick is ideal for easy cooking and cleanup, and a thicker iron helps create those perfectly crisp edges.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
It can be, if you use gluten-free banana bread. Just make sure the other ingredients, such as your caramel sauce, are also gluten-free to keep it safe.
Final Thoughts
This Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast Recipe is a wonderful way to bring new life to banana bread while treating yourself to something truly special. The combination of textures and flavors is downright addictive, whether you’re hosting brunch or just want a breakfast that feels like a celebration. Give this recipe a try—you’ll fall in love bite by bite!
Print
Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in a tropical twist on classic French toast with this Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast recipe. Thick slices of banana bread are dipped in a spiced coconut milk and egg mixture, then crisped to golden perfection in a waffle iron. Finished with toasted shredded coconut and a luscious caramel drizzle, this breakfast treat is perfect for a cozy weekend brunch.
Ingredients
Banana Bread Base
- 4 thick slices banana bread
Egg Mixture
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
For Cooking and Topping
- Butter, for cooking
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut, toasted
- Caramel sauce, for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with butter to ensure the banana bread slices do not stick during cooking.
- Mix the Egg Batter: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, coconut milk, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined to create a flavorful custard for dipping.
- Dip the Banana Bread: Thoroughly coat each slice of banana bread by dipping it into the egg mixture, allowing the custard to soak in but not become soggy.
- Cook in Waffle Iron: Place the coated banana bread slices onto the preheated waffle iron and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until the French toast is crisp, caramelized, and golden brown.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the waffle French toast and top with toasted shredded coconut. Drizzle with caramel sauce generously before serving for a sweet and tropical finish.
Notes
- Use thick slices of banana bread to prevent the bread from falling apart during dipping and cooking.
- To toast the shredded coconut, spread it evenly on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or until golden, stirring occasionally.
- For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter substitute for cooking and ensure caramel sauce is dairy-free.
- If you don’t have a waffle iron, cook the dipped bread slices in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until golden and crisp on both sides.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
