Bobby Flay Bananas Foster French Toast with Whipped Cream Cheese

This rich and delicious French toast is made with buttery brioche, soaked in a creamy custard, and cooked to golden perfection. It’s topped with warm caramelized bananas in a rum sauce and finished with whipped cream cheese for the perfect balance of flavors. A must-try for a special breakfast or brunch!

Ingredients Needed:

Whipped Cream Cheese:

• 8 ounces of cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
• 1 cup very heavy cream

French Toast:

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons canola oil
• Eight1/2-inch-thick slices of day-old brioche left out overnight on a baking rack

Banana Foster Topping:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed light muscovado sugar
• Pinch ground cinnamon
• 2 small ripe bananas, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
• 1/2 cup dark rum
• 2 tablespoons banana liqueur

Confectioners’ sugar, optional:

• Mixed berries, for garnish
• Mint sprigs, for garnish

How To Make Bananas Foster French Toast with Whipped Cream Cheese?

1. Make the whipped cream cheese: In a mixing bowl, whip the cream cheese, vanilla, and orange zest until smooth and fluffy. Slowly add the cold heavy cream and continue whipping until soft peaks form. Cover and refrigerate until needed.
2. Prepare the French toast mixture: In a bowl, whisk together sugar and eggs until smooth. Add milk, heavy cream, cinnamon, and vanilla, mixing well.
3. Cook the French toast: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Dip 4 brioche slices in the custard, making sure both sides are coated. Let the excess drip off, then place it in the pan. Cook for about 2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Transfer to a baking rack and keep warm in a 300°F oven. Repeat with the remaining butter, oil, and bread.
4. Make the bananas foster topping: Melt the butter in a pan over high heat. Stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon, cooking until the sugar dissolves. Add banana slices and cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat, pour in the rum and banana liqueur, then return to heat and cook until the alcohol burns off.
5. Assemble and serve: Serve 2 slices of French toast per person, topped with bananas foster sauce, a dollop of whipped cream cheese, fresh berries, and a sprinkle of confectioners’ sugar. Garnish with mint and enjoy!

Recipe Tips:

• Use dry bread for the best texture: Fresh brioche can get too soggy in the custard. Let it sit out overnight or lightly toast it before soaking it to help it hold its shape.
• Soak the bread just right: Make sure the bread absorbs enough custard but don’t leave it too long, or it will fall apart. A quick soak on both sides (about 10 seconds each) is enough.
• Cook on medium heat for even browning: Too high heat will burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked. Medium heat gives a golden crust and soft center.
• Make the bananas foster sauce just before serving: If it sits too long, the sauce will thicken too much. For the best texture, cook it fresh and serve immediately.
• Whisk the cream cheese well for a smooth texture: If the whipped cream cheese is lumpy, let it soften at room temperature for a few minutes before whipping. Cold cream also helps it whip up fluffy.

How To Store & Reheat Leftovers?

• Refrigerate: Let the Bananas Foster French Toast cool to room temperature first. Store the toast in an airtight container and keep the banana topping in a separate container. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Cool the French toast completely, then freeze it in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer it to a freezer bag and store it for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Heat a non-stick pan over medium-low heat. Place the French toast in the pan and warm for 2–3 minutes per side, flipping once, until heated through.

Nutrition Facts:

• Calories: 550 kcal
• Total Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Cholesterol: 180mg
• Sodium: 320mg
• Potassium: 250mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 65g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 40g
• Protein: 10g

Try More Bobby Flay Recipes:

• Bobby Flay Bananas Foster French Toast
• Bobby Flay French Toast Recipe​
• Creme Brulee French Toast with Drunken Strawberries