Description
This Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole is the perfect way to elevate your breakfast game. With layers of rich, caramelized bananas nestled between soft cubes of French bread, this dish is baked to golden perfection and topped with a cinnamon-sugar crumble for added sweetness and texture. It’s an indulgent yet comforting breakfast or brunch option that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Brown Sugar Banana Filling:
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
Pinch of salt
3 ripe-firm bananas, peeled and sliced
French Toast:
8 large eggs
1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
1 cup half and half
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
One 15 oz loaf of French bread, cut into large cubes (preferably a day or two old)
Topping:
⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
To Serve (Optional):
Maple syrup
Caramel sauce
Sliced bananas
Chopped nuts
Whipped cream
Instructions
Prepare the Brown Sugar Banana Filling:
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar, maple syrup, and salt, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat and carefully stir in the sliced bananas. Set aside and let cool to room temperature.
Prepare the French Toast:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, half and half, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
Grease a 2 ½ or 3-quart casserole dish. Place half of the bread cubes into the dish, then spoon half of the cooled banana-brown sugar mixture over the bread. Top with the remaining bread cubes.
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down lightly to ensure the bread absorbs the custard. Spoon the remaining banana-brown sugar mixture over the top. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Prepare the Topping:
In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Add the softened butter and mix until the mixture resembles wet, clumpy sand. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Bake the Casserole:
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Remove the French toast casserole from the refrigerator and crumble the prepared topping evenly over the top.
Bake uncovered for 40-55 minutes until the casserole is puffed, golden brown, and set. Ensure the center is not too wet before removing from the oven.
Serve:
Serve the French toast casserole warm with maple syrup, caramel sauce, whipped cream, sliced bananas, and/or chopped nuts. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus overnight soak)
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 450