Surrey’s Cafe: Bananas Foster French Toast

My first visit to New Orleans was a blur of beignets, jazz, and a hazy summer humidity that clung to everything. But one memory stands crystal clear: the moment I tasted Bananas Foster French Toast at Surrey’s Cafe. The sheer indulgence – the creamy filling, the golden-brown bread, the intoxicating rum sauce – was an experience that instantly cemented itself as one of my all-time favorite breakfast treats. Recreating this iconic dish at home allows me to revisit those delightful NOLA vibes, one delectable bite at a time.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: 4 servings
• Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

Bananas Foster Mix

• 3 bananas
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

French Toast Batter

• 2-3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 cup half-and-half

Bananas Foster Sauce

• 1 lb butter
• 3 ounces dark brown sugar
• 1⁄2 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1⁄4 cup rum
• 2 ounces heavy cream

Other

• Oil (for frying)
• 1 loaf French bread, cut in 4 pieces
• Powdered sugar, for garnish

Equipment Needed

• Handheld blender
• Whisk
• Large pot
• Large sauté pan
• Kitchen match or lighter

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bananas Foster Mix: In a medium-sized bowl, combine 2 of the bananas, the dark brown sugar, softened cream cheese, and vanilla extract. Using a handheld blender, thoroughly mix all the ingredients until they are well combined and uniform. Reserve the remaining banana for later use.

2. Make the French Toast Batter: In a separate bowl, whip the eggs and sugar together with a whisk until light and frothy. Add the vanilla extract and continue to whisk until the sugar has completely dissolved. While continuously whisking, gradually add the half-and-half until everything is nicely incorporated.

3. Craft the Bananas Foster Sauce: In a large pot set over medium heat, melt the butter and dark brown sugar together with the vanilla. Wait until the butter is completely melted and the mixture is simmering gently. Remove the pot from the heat.

4. Add the Rum and Flambé: Carefully pour the rum into the pot. Using a long kitchen match or lighter (exercise extreme caution!), ignite the rum. The mixture will burst into flames – this is normal. Stand back and allow the flames to die down completely on their own.

5. Finish the Sauce: Once the flames have subsided, immediately add the heavy cream to the pot. Whisk vigorously until the sauce is completely smooth and emulsified. Set aside to keep warm.

6. Assemble the French Toast: Heat some oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. While the oil is heating, prepare the French toast. Slice the reserved banana into thin rounds.

7. Stuff the French Bread: Take the 4 pieces of French bread and carefully make a horizontal slice into each, creating a pocket. Divide the sliced bananas evenly among the 4 pieces of bread, stuffing them inside the pockets. Top the bananas with a generous amount of the prepared cream cheese mixture, filling the pockets completely.

8. Slice and Dip: Slice each stuffed piece of bread diagonally into 4 pieces. Dip each piece into the prepared French toast batter, ensuring all sides are coated evenly.

9. Pan-Fry the French Toast: Carefully place the battered French toast pieces into the preheated sauté pan with the oil. Pan-fry on all sides until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; you may need to work in batches.

10. Serve: Pour a generous amount of the warm Bananas Foster sauce onto a plate. Arrange the golden-brown French toast pieces on top of the sauce. Garnish generously with powdered sugar. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is properly softened at room temperature before mixing; this will prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, creamy filling. You can microwave it briefly in 10-second intervals, but watch it carefully to avoid melting.
• Rum Choice: Using a good quality dark rum will significantly enhance the flavor of the sauce. Avoid using cheap, overly sweet rums.
• Flambé Safety: The flambé step is crucial for that authentic Bananas Foster flavor, but always exercise extreme caution when working with open flames. Ensure there are no flammable materials nearby, and keep a fire extinguisher close at hand.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Overcrowding the pan will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy French toast. Cook in batches to ensure each piece is properly browned and crispy.
• Bread Selection: Using day-old French bread is ideal. It absorbs the batter better and prevents the French toast from becoming too soggy.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this Bananas Foster French Toast immediately while it’s warm and the sauce is still glossy and rich. A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside wouldn’t be amiss! Leftover French toast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. The sauce can also be stored separately in the refrigerator and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The texture of the bread may change slightly upon refrigeration.

Nutritional Information

Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	750 kcal	38%
Total Fat	50g	77%
Saturated Fat	30g	150%
Cholesterol	200mg	67%
Sodium	400mg	17%
Total Carbohydrate	75g	25%
Dietary Fiber	2g	8%
Sugars	40g	N/A
Protein	10g	20%

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free French bread to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and use a dairy-free butter alternative for the sauce. Replace the half-and-half and heavy cream with coconut milk or another plant-based alternative.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the French toast batter or the Bananas Foster sauce for a warm, spicy twist.
• Different Fruits: While bananas are traditional, you can experiment with other fruits like peaches, strawberries, or blueberries.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make the Bananas Foster sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Q: Is the rum flavor too strong after flambéing?
A: The flambé process burns off most of the alcohol, leaving behind a rich, caramelized flavor. However, if you are concerned about the alcohol content, you can reduce the amount of rum slightly.

Q: Can I bake the French toast instead of frying it?
A: While frying provides the best texture, you can bake the French toast. Place the dipped pieces on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Q: What if I don’t have French bread?
A: Challah or brioche bread can also be used as substitutes for French bread, providing a similar rich and slightly sweet flavor.

Q: Can I skip the flambé step?
A: Skipping the flambé step will still result in a delicious sauce, but it won’t have the same depth of flavor. If you prefer not to flambé, simmer the sauce for a few extra minutes to allow the rum to cook down and the flavors to meld.

Final Thoughts

This Bananas Foster French Toast is a truly special treat that brings the vibrant flavors of New Orleans right to your kitchen. Don’t be intimidated by the flambé – with a little caution, it’s a simple and impressive technique that adds so much to the final dish. I highly encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your creations. Serve it with a strong cup of coffee or a classic New Orleans cocktail for the ultimate indulgence. Bon appétit!