This Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole is a sweet morning treat! It combines warm bread, ripe bananas, and a hint of brown sugar to make a delicious breakfast you’ll love.
What’s great is that you can prepare it the night before. In the morning, just pop it in the oven and enjoy the yummy smell wafting through the house. Who can resist that? 🍌🥖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Day-old Bread: French bread or brioche gives a lovely texture. If you don’t have those, sourdough or even a plain white bread will work. Just make sure it’s a bit stale so it can soak up the custard without falling apart.
Bananas: Ripe bananas are essential for sweetness and flavor. If you don’t have bananas or want a twist, try using cooked apples or berries for a fruity variation.
Eggs: They are the base for the custard mixture. If you’re avoiding eggs, a mix of 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce per egg can be a good substitute, though it might slightly change the texture.
Milk & Heavy Cream: Whole milk adds creaminess, but you can use any milk like almond, oat, or low-fat milk instead. For a lighter version, just stick to milk and skip the cream.
Brown Sugar: I love using dark brown sugar for its rich flavor, but light brown sugar works too. You can also use coconut sugar or maple sugar for a different taste.
How Do I Ensure My Casserole is Perfectly Soaked?
Getting the bread well-soaked is crucial for a creamy casserole. You want each piece to absorb that tasty custard mix, leading to a fantastic texture.
- When pouring the egg mixture, take your time and pour it slowly over the bread.
- Press the bread down gently with your hands or a spatula so the custard seeps in.
- Let it sit in the fridge for a couple of hours or overnight. This step is key—more time means better flavor absorption!
Following these tips will really help you achieve a wonderful breakfast treat that everyone will love!
Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1 loaf day-old bread (such as French bread or brioche), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 large ripe bananas, sliced
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For Serving:
- Whipped cream
- Maple syrup
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 2 hours for chilling (or overnight for best results). Baking takes about 45-55 minutes, so you need to plan for a total of around 3 hours from start to finish, including chill time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, take your baking dish (a 9×13-inch works best) and butter it well to prevent sticking.
2. Layer the Bread and Bananas:
Spread half of the cubes of bread evenly in the bottom of the prepared dish. Next, arrange half of your banana slices over the bread. Use the remaining bread cubes to create another layer on top of the bananas.
3. Mix the Egg Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg (if using), and salt until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Soak the Bread:
Pour half of the egg mixture over the layered bread, then gently press down with your hands to help the bread soak up the liquid. Afterward, place the remaining banana slices on top and pour the rest of the egg mixture over everything. Press down lightly one more time to ensure all the bread absorbs the custard.
5. Add Butter:
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the casserole. This will add a nice richness and help with browning.
6. Chill Before Baking:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 2 hours, but if you can, overnight is even better! This allows the bread to absorb the egg mixture fully and meld the flavors.
7. Bake the Casserole:
When you’re ready to bake, remove the casserole from the fridge and take off the cover. Bake it uncovered for about 45-55 minutes until the top becomes golden brown and the middle is set, but still slightly jiggly—this means it’s perfectly custardy!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Then, slice into pieces and serve warm, topped with a dollop of whipped cream, extra banana slices, and a generous drizzle of maple syrup. Enjoy this delicious breakfast treat!
This Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole is a delightful way to start the day, infused with rich cinnamon and sweet banana flavors, perfect for gatherings or a cozy family breakfast. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Whole-Wheat Bread for This Casserole?
Absolutely! Whole-wheat bread can add a nutty flavor and a healthier twist to the casserole. Just ensure it’s a bit stale, as this helps absorb the custard mixture better.
What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute the heavy cream with additional milk or use a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or almond milk. Just keep in mind that this might alter the richness a bit.
How Long Can I Refrigerate Leftovers?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through, adding a splash of milk if needed to refresh the texture.
Can I Freeze the Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking! Just assemble it, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.
