Confession time! I’ve never been a fan of sweet foods, especially French toast. It wasn’t something I grew up eating back home in the islands either. But when a fan challenged me to put a Caribbean spin on classic French toast, I couldn’t resist. The result? This recipe right here: Coconut French Toast with Banana Passion Fruit Caramel Sauce. If you’re into French toast, you’re going to love this version, especially with that lush caramel passion fruit sauce drizzled on top. Trust me, your brunch game is about to level up!
This Caribbean-style French toast brings a tropical flair to your breakfast table. Thick slices of day-old bread are soaked in a coconut milk and egg mixture, then pan-fried to golden perfection. The dish is elevated with a rich banana and passion fruit caramel sauce, making it a decadent treat for brunch or a special breakfast.
Ingredient Guide
- Bread: Use day-old bread, sliced ¾–1 inch (2–2.5 cm) thick, to absorb the coconut batter without falling apart.
- Coconut Milk: Provides a creamy, tropical flavor base for both the batter and the caramel sauce.
- Passion Fruit: Adds a tangy brightness to the caramel sauce; use the pulp for best results.
- Bananas: Sliced ripe bananas contribute sweetness and texture to the topping.
- Brown Sugar: Golden brown sugar is ideal for creating a rich, amber caramel.
- Spices: Nutmeg, cinnamon, and ground ginger infuse warmth and depth into the dish.
- Maple Syrup: Enhances the caramel sauce with natural sweetness and complexity.
Shopping Made Easy
- Bread: Opt for sturdy, day-old bread like brioche or challah, available at most bakeries or grocery stores.
- Coconut Milk: Found in the international or canned goods aisle; choose full-fat for a richer flavor.
- Passion Fruit: Look for fresh passion fruit in the produce section; if unavailable, check the frozen fruit aisle for pulp.
- Bananas: Select ripe bananas with brown spots for optimal sweetness.
- Spices: Nutmeg, cinnamon, and ground ginger are commonly found in the spice aisle.
- Maple Syrup: Available in the breakfast or natural foods section; use pure maple syrup for best taste.
Cooking Notes from the Kitchen
- Allow the bread slices to soak thoroughly in the coconut batter for maximum flavor absorption.
- Monitor the sugar closely as it melts to prevent burning; aim for a golden amber color before adding other ingredients.
- Cook the French toast on medium-low heat to ensure even browning and thorough cooking without burning.
- Top the French toast with the warm banana passion fruit caramel sauce just before serving for the best texture and flavor
Coconut French Toast with Banana Passion Fruit Caramel Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, 1 cup coconut milk, vanilla extract, nutmeg, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt if using.
- Place the bread slices in the batter, ensuring they are fully submerged. Allow them to soak until the mixture is absorbed.
- In a non-stick saucepan over medium heat, melt the brown sugar until it becomes frothy and amber-colored. Carefully add the coconut milk, whisking continuously. Stir in the ground ginger and a pinch of salt.
- Add the passion fruit pulp and sliced bananas, mixing well to coat. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. Add the butter and maple syrup, stirring until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Heat the butter and coconut oil in a non-stick pan over medium-low heat. Place the soaked bread slices in the pan and cook for about 3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Flip the slices a couple more times, cooking for an additional 2 minutes per side to ensure they are cooked through. Adjust the heat as necessary to prevent burning.
- Cut the French toast slices into triangles if desired and top with the warm banana passion fruit caramel sauce. Serve immediately!
