Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole

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This Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole is a delightful breakfast dish that’s perfect for weekend brunches or special occasions. Combining the comforting flavors of ripe bananas, warm spices, and rich brown sugar, this baked casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to prepare and decadent to enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect for make-ahead breakfasts and brunch gatherings.
  • Combines the comforting sweetness of bananas with the caramelized flavor of brown sugar.
  • Easy to customize with your favorite toppings or mix-ins.
  • Bakes to a golden perfection with a soft interior and slightly crispy top.
  • Great way to use up leftover bread and ripe bananas.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Bread (such as brioche or challah)
  • Ripe bananas
  • Brown sugar
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Salt
  • Butter

Directions

this recipe
  1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a casserole dish with butter or cooking spray. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Layer the Bread and Bananas: Cut the bread into cubes and layer it in the dish with slices of ripe bananas.
  3. Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt.
  4. Combine: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and bananas, pressing gently to ensure all the bread absorbs the liquid.
  5. Add Toppings: Sprinkle additional brown sugar over the top and dot with butter.
  6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
  7. Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: Serves 6-8.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes.
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes.
  • Total Time: 1 hour.

Variations

  • Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for a crunchy texture.
  • Chocolate Chips: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the bread layers for a sweet twist.
  • Spiced Option: Enhance the flavor with nutmeg or cardamom in the custard mixture.
  • Dairy-Free: Use almond milk or oat milk in place of regular milk, and a dairy-free butter alternative.
  • Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free bread to make the recipe gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate overnight. Bake it fresh in the morning for best results.

2. What kind of bread works best?

Brioche, challah, or French bread are ideal as they absorb the custard well without becoming mushy.

3. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

4. How ripe should the bananas be?

Use bananas that are ripe but not overly soft. Slightly speckled bananas work best for sweetness.

5. Can I make this without eggs?

You can substitute eggs with a vegan egg replacer or flaxseed meal mixed with water.

6. What other fruits can I add?

Berries, sliced peaches, or diced apples make great additions.

7. Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?

Yes, but the flavor will be less caramel-like and more neutral.

8. How can I prevent the casserole from becoming soggy?

Make sure to use day-old or slightly stale bread to avoid excessive sogginess.

9. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the custard is set.

10. What toppings go well with this casserole?

Try maple syrup, whipped cream, powdered sugar, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Conclusion

Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole is a wonderfully indulgent yet simple dish that will elevate any breakfast or brunch. With its versatility, ease of preparation, and comforting flavors, it’s sure to become a household favorite. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful combination of caramelized bananas and custardy bread.

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Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole

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This Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole is a decadent breakfast or brunch dish that combines the comforting flavors of caramelized bananas and brown sugar with rich, custardy French toast. Perfect for feeding a crowd or indulging in a lazy weekend treat, this dish is easy to prepare and full of flavor.

  • Author: ksuur
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Breakfast, Brunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Casserole:
    • 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cubed
    • 4 ripe bananas, sliced
    • 6 large eggs
    • 2 cups whole milk
    • 1/2 cup heavy cream
    • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
    • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
    • 2 tsp vanilla extract
    • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
    • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
    • Pinch of salt
  • For the Topping:
    • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
    • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
    • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bread:
    Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the cubed bread evenly in the dish. Layer the sliced bananas on top of the bread cubes.
  2. Make the Custard:
    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
  3. Assemble the Casserole:
    Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and bananas, ensuring all the bread is soaked. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
  4. Prepare the Topping:
    In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, melted butter, and chopped nuts (if using). Set aside.
  5. Bake the Casserole:
    Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes. Spread the topping evenly over the casserole.
  6. Cook:
    Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. Check with a toothpick or knife to ensure the custard is fully cooked.
  7. Serve:
    Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with syrup, whipped cream, or powdered sugar.

Notes

  • Substitute brioche or challah with any sturdy bread like French bread if needed.
  • For an extra caramelized flavor, add a drizzle of caramel sauce on top before serving.
  • Make it dairy-free by using almond milk and coconut cream.

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