Banoffee French Toast Crumpet Bake (Vegan, Easy & Air Fryer Friendly)

Looking for a show-stopping vegan breakfast bake that’s perfect for New Year’s brunch, Veganuary, or feeding a crowd? This Banoffee French Toast Crumpet Bake combines the gooey deliciousness of caramelised bananas, the comfort of custard-soaked crumpets, and a touch of crunch from toasted nuts — all made effortlessly in your air fryer.
It’s quick to prep, easy to make ahead, and delivers bakery-worthy flavour with minimal effort. Whether you're hosting guests or just treating yourself, this recipe will become a new plant-based favourite.

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: Under 30 minutes
Appliance: Air fryer 

Ingredients

Main:

• 2 large ripe bananas
• 8–10 crumpets
• Optional: chopped nuts for topping

For the Vegan Caramel:

• 60 g dark brown sugar
• 1 tin coconut cream (400 ml)
• Pinch of salt
• Or use your favourite vegan caramel sauce as a shortcut

For the Vegan Custard:

• 300 ml plant-based milk (preferably barista-style for creaminess)
• 3.5 tbsp cornflour
• 1 tsp vanilla paste or essence
• 5 tbsp sugar
• Scant ¼ tsp turmeric (for colour)
• Pinch of salt

Preparation Method

Make the vegan caramel
Using the sauté function on your Instant Pot or a small saucepan, heat the brown sugar for 1 minute. Add 125 ml of coconut cream and stir until smooth. Let it boil, then reduce heat and simmer until thickened (about 3–4 minutes), stirring occasionally. Add a pinch of salt to taste and set aside.

Make the vegan custard
In a clean pot or saucepan, whisk a splash of plant-based milk with cornflour until smooth. Then add the rest of the milk, remaining coconut cream, vanilla, sugar, turmeric, and salt. Whisk continuously over medium heat for 6–8 minutes until thick and creamy.

Assemble the bake
Slice the bananas into rounds and place them in a single layer in a baking dish that fits your air fryer. Pour the caramel evenly over the bananas (reserve a bit for topping).
Cut the crumpets in half and place them cut-side down in the dish with the rounded sides facing up. Pour the custard over the crumpets and let them soak for 20 minutes — or cover and refrigerate overnight if making ahead.

Bake in the air fryer
Sprinkle a little extra sugar on top for a crisp finish. Place the dish in your air fryer and bake at 170°C for 20 minutes.

Serve
Drizzle with the remaining caramel and top with chopped nuts if desired. Serve warm straight from the air fryer for the ultimate comfort dessert or breakfast treat.