This Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole is a warm and yummy dish that’s perfect for breakfast! It combines fluffy bread, sweet bananas, and a touch of brown sugar for that caramel flavor.
The best part? You can make it the night before and pop it in the oven in the morning! It’s like waking up to a big hug from your kitchen. I love drizzling it with maple syrup for extra yum! 🍌🍯
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
French Bread: The base of this casserole is French bread, which adds wonderful texture. You can swap it for challah or brioche for a richer flavor. If you have day-old bread, it works great too!
Bananas: Ripe bananas give a lovely sweetness. If you have overripe ones, they are perfect here. If bananas aren’t your thing, try using berries or apple slices instead!
Eggs: These provide structure and richness. You can use flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water for each egg) for a vegan option. Just keep in mind that the texture will vary slightly.
Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar adds depth of flavor. You can substitute with white sugar with a tiny bit of molasses mixed in for the same effect, or use coconut sugar for a healthier twist.
Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add crunch. If you have nut allergies, feel free to skip them or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a different crunch.
How Do I Ensure My Casserole is Perfectly Soaked and Fluffy?
The soaking step is crucial for a moist and fluffy casserole. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure to press down the bread after pouring the egg mixture to help it absorb the liquid well.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but if you can do it overnight, that’s even better as it gives the bread more time to soak.
- When baking, start covered to steam the bread, then uncover to let it brown for a crispy top.
These steps will help you achieve that soft inside with a nice golden crust on top! Enjoy your delicious breakfast treat!
Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf of French bread, cubed (about 8 cups)
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For Serving:
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional)
- Maple syrup, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus at least 2 hours of chilling time (or overnight). It will bake for about 45 minutes. In total, plan for around 3 hours, but most of that is hands-off time while it soaks or bakes. Perfect for an easy and delicious breakfast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it well to prevent sticking. This will help your casserole come out easily!
2. Assembling the Bread and Bananas:
Next, spread the cubed French bread evenly in the greased baking dish. Once that’s done, scatter the sliced bananas evenly over the top of the bread. This will distribute the banana goodness throughout your casserole!
3. Mixing the Custard:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until everything is well combined. This mixture is what gives your casserole its creamy texture.
4. Combining It All:
Now, pour this delicious egg mixture evenly over the bread and banana layers. Make sure to press down lightly on the bread to help it soak up the moisture. If you like nuts, sprinkle the chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch.
5. Chilling Time:
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours to let the bread soak up the custard—overnight is even better if you have the time. This step is key for a nice, fluffy casserole!
6. Baking the Casserole:
When you’re ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator. Place it in the oven and bake covered for 30 minutes. After that, take off the foil and continue to bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
7. Ready to Serve:
Once it’s baked, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Then, serve it warm topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, some extra banana slices, chopped nuts, and a drizzle of maple syrup. Enjoy this sweet and comforting treat!
There you go! Your Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole is now ready to impress family and friends. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Stale Bread for This Casserole?
Absolutely! Stale bread works wonderfully in this recipe as it absorbs the custard mixture better without becoming mushy. If your bread is fresh, you can leave it out for a few hours to dry out a bit before using it.
Can I Make This Casserole Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free bread. Just be sure to choose a bread that will hold up well when soaked, and the casserole should come out just as delicious!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Whole Milk?
No problem! You can substitute with 2% milk or even almond milk for a dairy-free option. If using a non-dairy milk, make sure it’s unsweetened to maintain the balance of flavors in the dish.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If it seems dry after reheating, add a splash of milk to help moisten it up again!