If you’ve ever dreamed of a breakfast that feels like the ultimate treat, Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast is about to become your new obsession. Imagine slices of banana bread, soaked in a coconut-kissed custard, pressed until crisp in a waffle iron, then crowned with buttery caramelized bananas and toasted coconut. Every bite is pure bliss—tropical, comforting, and just the right amount of indulgent. This is the kind of dish that instantly brightens up any morning, impresses brunch guests, or makes a regular weekend feel like a celebration.

Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast lies in its simplicity—each ingredient brings something special, from the soft banana bread base to the sweet, toasty coconut topping. Gather these essentials and you’re halfway to breakfast magic!

Banana Bread (6 slices, preferably day-old): Slightly stale bread soaks up the custard best and holds its shape in the waffle iron.
Large Eggs (2): These bind the custard and add rich flavor to every bite.
Coconut Milk (½ cup, or regular milk): Brings a creamy, tropical twist—swap with almond or dairy milk as you like.
Brown Sugar (1 tablespoon): Adds gentle sweetness and helps caramelize the edges.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): A splash goes a long way in deepening the flavor.
Cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Warms up the whole dish with cozy spiced notes.
Pinch of Salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and make everything pop.
Butter or Coconut Oil (1 tablespoon, for greasing): Ensures a crisp, golden finish and prevents sticking.
Ripe Bananas (2, sliced): The star of the caramelized topping—choose bananas with freckles for maximum sweetness.
Shredded Sweetened Coconut (2 tablespoons): Toasts up beautifully and adds a chewy, tropical bite.
Brown Sugar (2 tablespoons, for caramelizing): Melts with the bananas and coconut for a dreamy topping.
Maple Syrup and Extra Coconut for Topping (optional): Because more is more when it comes to breakfast decadence!

How to Make Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast

Step 1: Prep Your Waffle Iron

Start by preheating your waffle iron so it’s piping hot when you’re ready to cook. This is the secret to getting those irresistible golden, crisp edges on your Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast.

Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture

In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, coconut milk (or your milk of choice), brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This luscious mixture will soak into the banana bread for a rich, custardy texture.

Step 3: Soak the Banana Bread

Dip each slice of banana bread into the custard, turning gently to coat both sides. Don’t rush this step—let each slice sit for a few seconds so it can soak up all that coconut-vanilla goodness without falling apart.

Step 4: Waffle the French Toast

Lightly grease your waffle iron with butter or coconut oil. Place one or two slices of soaked banana bread into the waffle iron (depending on its size). Close gently and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until the outside is golden brown and crisp. The transformation is magical!

Step 5: Caramelize the Bananas and Coconut

While your waffle French toast cooks, set a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced bananas, shredded coconut, and brown sugar. Stir gently for 3 to 4 minutes until the bananas are caramelized and the coconut is beautifully toasted. The aroma is pure heaven.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Stack the hot, crispy banana bread waffles on plates and pile on the caramelized coconut bananas. Finish with a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of extra coconut if you adore that extra crunch. Welcome to breakfast paradise!

How to Serve Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast

Garnishes

A generous spoonful of the caramelized coconut bananas is a must, but don’t stop there. Scatter extra toasted coconut or a handful of chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, on top for crunch. A dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream takes this Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast to the next level of indulgence.

Side Dishes

Pair your French toast with a platter of fresh berries or a simple fruit salad for a refreshing contrast. Crispy bacon or breakfast sausage makes a savory sidekick, while a hot mug of coffee or spiced chai rounds out this dreamy brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a showstopper brunch, cut the waffle French toast into fingers and serve them stacked on a platter with the caramelized topping in a little bowl for dipping. Or layer the slices with whipped cream and bananas in a tall glass for a breakfast parfait twist. However you serve it, Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast brings big smiles.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast (lucky you!), let the slices cool to room temperature. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the caramelized banana topping separate for best results.

Freezing

These waffles freeze beautifully! Simply place cooled French toast slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to one month. The caramelized topping is best made fresh, but you can freeze banana slices separately if needed.

Reheating

To bring back the crispiness, reheat the French toast waffles in a toaster oven or a 350°F (175°C) oven for a few minutes. Warm the caramelized bananas in a skillet or microwave until just heated through, then pile on top and enjoy as if freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought banana bread?

Absolutely! Store-bought banana bread works great, especially if it’s a bit dry or a day old. The custard will revive it and bring out all the flavors.

What if I don’t have a waffle iron?

No worries! You can cook the custard-soaked banana bread on a nonstick skillet or griddle, just like classic French toast. While you’ll miss out on the waffle ridges, it’ll still taste amazing.

Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

Yes! Use coconut milk (as suggested) or almond milk in the custard, and grease your waffle iron with coconut oil. This will keep your Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast completely dairy-free and delicious.

Can I prepare the custard or topping ahead of time?

You can whisk the custard mixture a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. The caramelized banana topping is best made fresh so the bananas stay tender and the coconut stays crisp.

What other toppings work well?

Try fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla yogurt, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra flair. Even a sprinkle of granola adds a fun crunch to your Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about starting your day with Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast—it’s comfort food with a tropical twist, and every bite feels like a little celebration. Give it a try, share it with someone you love, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new breakfast favorite!

Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 3 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful twist on classic French toast, this Caramelized Coconut Banana Bread Waffle French Toast combines the rich flavors of banana bread with the tropical sweetness of coconut and caramelized bananas. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, this recipe uses day-old banana bread dipped in a spiced coconut milk batter, cooked to golden perfection in a waffle iron, then topped with lush caramelized bananas and toasted coconut for a crispy, flavorful finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Banana Bread Waffle

6 slices banana bread (preferably day-old)
2 large eggs
½ cup coconut milk (or regular milk)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of salt
1 tablespoon butter or coconut oil (for greasing the waffle iron)

Caramelized Coconut Bananas

2 ripe bananas (sliced)
2 tablespoons shredded sweetened coconut
2 tablespoons brown sugar (for caramelizing)

Toppings (Optional)

Maple syrup
Extra shredded coconut

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Instructions

Preheat the waffle iron. Heating the waffle iron beforehand ensures your French toast waffles cook evenly and develop a crisp exterior.
Prepare the batter. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, coconut milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and well combined.
Soak the banana bread. Dip each slice of banana bread into the batter, making sure both sides are well coated but not overly saturated to avoid sogginess.
Grease the waffle iron. Lightly brush or melt butter or coconut oil on the waffle iron to prevent sticking and promote browning.
Cook the waffles. Place one or two slices of soaked banana bread into the waffle iron, depending on its size, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the waffles are golden brown and crisp on the outside.
Caramelize the bananas and coconut. While the waffles cook, heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add sliced bananas, shredded sweetened coconut, and brown sugar. Stir gently and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until the bananas are nicely caramelized and the coconut is toasted.
Assemble and serve. Plate the banana bread waffles then top them with the caramelized bananas and coconut mixture. Drizzle with maple syrup and sprinkle extra shredded coconut for added flavor and texture, if desired.

Notes

This recipe is ideal for using up leftover or day-old banana bread, preventing waste and adding flavor.
For extra texture and richness, consider folding chopped nuts or chocolate chips into your banana bread batter before baking.
You can substitute coconut milk with almond milk or any dairy milk based on your dietary preferences or availability.
Use unsweetened shredded coconut if you prefer less sweetness in the caramelized topping.
Ensure banana bread slices are firm and not overly moist to prevent them from falling apart when dipped and cooked.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Waffle Iron
Cuisine: American