This Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole is a sweet and cozy breakfast treat! Made with soft bread, ripe bananas, and a rich brown sugar topping, it’s super comforting.
Imagine waking up to this delicious aroma! I love making it the night before so I can simply bake it in the morning. It’s perfect for lazy weekends or special brunches with friends.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Day-old Bread: Use French bread or brioche for a rich texture. If you can’t find either, sourdough or challah works well too. Just make sure it’s a bit stale to hold the custard without getting mushy.
Bananas: Ripe bananas give the sweetest flavor. If you’re short on bananas, try adding other fruits like blueberries or strawberries for a different twist!
Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the dish. You can substitute it with half-and-half or whole milk if you prefer a lighter option. Just remember, the creaminess will reduce a bit.
Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar works. Dark brown adds a more intense flavor, but if you’re out, granulated sugar can be a substitute—just a hint less rich.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare the Egg Mixture?
The egg mixture is key to soaking the bread and creating a creamy texture. Here’s how to make it perfectly:
- In a large bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them well before adding other ingredients like milk, cream, sugar, and flavorings.
- Make sure to whisk until everything is fully combined. This ensures that every bite is flavorful.
Press down the bread gently after pouring the mixture over it—this helps it soak up all that yummy custard!
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 cubes
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
Custard Mixture:
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt
For Topping:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Whipped cream, for serving
- Maple syrup, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes for preparation, plus at least 2 hours for chilling in the refrigerator, or even overnight if you wish. Baking takes roughly 50-55 minutes. Altogether, you’ll have a delicious breakfast ready to serve in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and greasing it with butter or non-stick cooking spray will help prevent sticking.
2. Layer the Bread and Bananas:
In the prepared baking dish, evenly spread half of the bread cubes. Then, layer half of the sliced bananas over the bread. Repeat the process with the rest of the bread cubes and the remaining banana slices on top.
3. Make the Custard Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Combine and Add Butter:
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and bananas. Gently press down the bread so that it absorbs as much of the custard as possible. Finally, drizzle the melted butter over the top.
5. Chill the Casserole:
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. If you have time, letting it sit overnight will enhance the flavor.
6. Ready to Bake:
When you’re ready to bake, take the casserole out of the refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to take the chill off.
7. Bake Away:
Place the covered casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Then, uncover it and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set perfectly.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool slightly. Now for the best part! Serve it warm with whipped cream, extra banana slices, and a generous drizzle of maple syrup. Enjoy your delightful Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole!
Can I Use Fresh Bread Instead of Day-Old Bread?
While day-old bread is preferred for its ability to soak up the custard without getting too soggy, you can use fresh bread. Just let it sit out for a few hours or briefly toast it to dry it out a bit before using it in the recipe.
Can I Make This Casserole Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the day-old bread with a gluten-free bread of your choice. Just ensure it’s firm enough to hold up well with the custard mixture to avoid a mushy result.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Can I Add Other Fruits or Nuts to the Casserole?
Yes! Feel free to jazz it up by adding other fruits like blueberries, strawberries, or even nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor. Just try not to overload it so the bread can still absorb the custard mix.
