Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole is a dream come true for breakfast lovers. The combination of caramelized brown sugar and ripe bananas adds a natural sweetness, while the custard-soaked French bread creates a rich and decadent texture. The best part? You can prep it the night before and pop it in the oven the next morning, making it perfect for holiday brunches or weekend get-togethers. The crispy brown sugar topping is an irresistible touch, providing a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, custardy bread. Whether served with a dusting of powdered sugar, maple syrup, or whipped cream, this casserole is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 1 loaf of French bread (about 12 ounces), preferably stale or day-old

• 4 ripe bananas, sliced

• 6 large eggs

• 1 ½ cups milk

• ½ cup heavy cream

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• A pinch of salt

For the Brown Sugar Topping:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• ½ cup brown sugar

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

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

Directions

1. Prepare the Bread: Slice the French bread into 1-inch cubes. If the bread is not stale, leave the cubes out on a baking sheet overnight to dry them out.

2. Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and layer the cubed bread in it. Then, layer the sliced bananas over the bread cubes.

3. Prepare the Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined.

4. Pour the Custard: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and bananas, making sure all the bread cubes are soaked. Press them down slightly to ensure even soaking.

5. Cover and Chill: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or, ideally, overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard mixture.

6. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

7. Make the Brown Sugar Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cubed unsalted butter, and ground cinnamon. Use a fork or your fingers to mix the ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

8. Bake the Casserole: After chilling, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and sprinkle the brown sugar topping evenly over the top. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown.

9. Serve Warm: Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)

• Cook Time: 45-55 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour (with chilling time)

Variations

• Add nuts: For added crunch, try adding chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the casserole before baking.

• Use different fruit: Substitute bananas with other fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, or apples for a fruity twist.

• Add chocolate chips: If you're a chocolate lover, mix in some chocolate chips between the bread and bananas for a rich, chocolatey flavor.

• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread to make this casserole suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

• Vegan version: Swap the eggs and dairy with plant-based alternatives like almond milk, coconut cream, and flax eggs.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQs

How can I make the casserole ahead of time?

You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it the next morning for a hassle-free breakfast.

Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread?

Yes, but it's best to leave the bread out to dry overnight if it's fresh. Stale bread soaks up the custard mixture better and results in a more delicious texture.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. To bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Can I make this casserole without the brown sugar topping?

Yes, if you prefer a lighter version, you can skip the brown sugar topping. The casserole will still be delicious, though the topping adds a lovely crunch.

Can I substitute bananas with another fruit?

Yes! Apples, berries, or even pears would work well as a substitute for bananas. Just adjust the cooking time if you're using firmer fruits like apples.

How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and the custard has set. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.

Is this recipe suitable for a large crowd?

Absolutely! This recipe makes 8 servings, but you can easily double or triple it for a larger group. Just use a larger baking dish.

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, you can use challah, brioche, or any other bread that is sturdy enough to soak up the custard. French bread works best, but feel free to experiment.

How do I make the casserole more crispy on top?

For a crispier top, you can broil the casserole for a few minutes at the end of baking, but be careful not to burn it.

Can I make a smaller version of this casserole?

Yes, you can halve the ingredients and use a smaller baking dish, such as an 8x8-inch square pan, to make a smaller batch.

Conclusion

This Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole is the perfect blend of sweet, comforting, and indulgent flavors. Whether you're preparing it for a family brunch or a holiday gathering, it’s sure to be a hit. With minimal prep and a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. So, get ready to enjoy this delicious casserole with your loved ones!

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