This Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole is a warm and sweet dish that’s perfect for breakfast. With layers of soft bread, ripe bananas, and a touch of brown sugar, it’s simply yummy!
You can prepare it the night before and just pop it in the oven the next morning. I love how the smell fills the kitchen—it’s hard to resist sneaking a bite before breakfast! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Day-old bread: A sturdy loaf like French bread or brioche works best. If you don’t have either, you can substitute with sourdough or whole wheat bread. Just ensure it’s slightly dry to hold up well during baking!
Bananas: Ripe bananas bring sweetness and moisture to the dish. If you have frozen bananas, they can be a great alternative—just thaw them first and drain excess liquid.
Eggs: This recipe uses eggs to create a fluffy custard-like texture. For a vegan option, you could replace eggs with a mixture of flaxseed meal and water (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water per egg).
Heavy cream: It adds richness, but if you want a lighter version, use whole milk instead. Almond milk or coconut milk can work too, especially in a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar: This adds a lovely caramel flavor. If you don’t have it, white sugar can work as a substitute, although it will lack that deep flavor. You can also try coconut sugar for a different twist!
How Do You Ensure the Bread Absorbs the Egg Mixture?
To get the best flavor and texture, it’s important to allow the bread to soak up the egg mixture. Here are a few tips:
- After pouring the egg mixture over the bread, gently press the bread down with your hands. This helps it soak up the liquid.
- Letting it sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours—or ideally overnight—allows the bread to soak up the custard completely.
- If you’re in a hurry, soaking for at least 30 minutes at room temperature can still yield good results, but overnight is best for flavor!
With these tips and adjustments, you can customize this casserole to fit your tastes and pantry! Enjoy your delightful breakfast treat!
Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 8 cups day-old bread, cut into cubes (such as French bread or brioche)
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced (plus extra for topping)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
For Serving:
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
- Maple syrup, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole will take about 20 minutes to prepare. After that, you’ll want to refrigerate it for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results. Baking will take about 55 minutes. So, all in all, plan for around 3 hours for prep and cooking, and enjoy the sweet aromas filling your kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to keep your casserole from sticking.
2. Layer the Bread and Bananas:
Spread half of the cubed bread evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Next, layer half of the banana slices on top of the bread. To make it sweet and flavorful, sprinkle half of the brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon evenly over the bananas.
3. Add More Layers:
Now, add the remaining bread cubes on top of the first layers. Follow it with the rest of the banana slices and finish with a sprinkle of the remaining brown sugar and cinnamon. This will give every bite a delightful sweetness!
4. Mix the Custard:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. This is the custard mixture that will soak the bread and bananas. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered bread and bananas.
5. Soak and Chill:
Using your hands, gently press down on the bread so that it absorbs the egg mixture. Then, drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for an even better soak!
6. Bake It Up:
When you’re ready to bake, remove the casserole from the fridge. Cover it with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After that, carefully remove the foil and bake for another 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes after baking. Then, slice it up and serve topped with fresh banana slices. Don’t forget a generous drizzle of maple syrup and, if you like, a sprinkle of powdered sugar to make it extra special. Enjoy your scrumptious Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole!
Can I Use Fresh Bread Instead of Day-Old Bread?
While day-old bread is best for this recipe as it soaks up the custard better, you can use fresh bread if necessary. Just let it dry out a little by cutting it into cubes and leaving it out for a few hours, or toasting it lightly in the oven.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No worries! You can substitute heavy cream with additional whole milk for a lighter version. Alternatively, use a combination of half milk and half sour cream or yogurt to maintain some creaminess.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! To make a vegan version, replace the eggs with 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg. Use almond milk or any other plant-based milk instead of whole milk and cream, and skip the butter or use a vegan butter substitute.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm them in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Enjoy your delicious leftovers!
