This Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole is a warm and cozy dish that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch. With ripe bananas and sweet brown sugar, it’s a tasty treat that’s easy to make!
I love how it fills the kitchen with a yummy smell while baking. Just whip it up the night before, pop it in the oven in the morning, and enjoy a sweet start to your day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brioche or Challah Bread: These rich breads soak up the custard beautifully. If you can’t find them, labored white bread or even whole wheat bread can work in a pinch. Just remember, the softer the bread, the better it absorbs the egg mixture!
Bananas: Ripe bananas are key for sweetness. If ripe bananas aren’t available, you can use frozen bananas—just make sure to thaw and drain them first. You can also replace them with sliced apples or pears for a different twist.
Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar adds depth. If you’re out of brown sugar, simply substitute with white sugar mixed with a little molasses, or use coconut sugar for a healthier option.
Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. If you have nut allergies, feel free to skip them, or try adding seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds instead!
Milk: Whole or 2% milk works best, but feel free to use almond milk, oat milk, or any milk alternative if you want to make it dairy-free. Just be aware that flavor and texture might change a bit.
How Do I Get the Perfect Custard Texture?
The custard texture is essential for your casserole. It’s all about the mixture of eggs and milk, and letting the bread soak up that goodness. Here’s how to nail it:
- Whisk the eggs thoroughly with the milk and sugar to ensure everything is well combined.
- Layer the bread and banana slices carefully, and pour the egg mixture evenly over them.
- Press down gently but firmly after each layer. This will help the bread soak up the custard.
- Covering with foil while baking helps it cook evenly, so don’t skip this step. Remove it toward the end for that golden top!
Letting it rest after baking is a good idea. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully before you serve. Enjoy your deliciously creamy casserole!
How to Make Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cut into cubes
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For Serving:
- ½ cup maple syrup
- Whipped cream (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful casserole takes about 15 minutes to prep, and around 50 minutes to bake. Make sure to allow a few minutes for cooling before serving. In total, you’ll need about 1 hour and 5 minutes to whip up this sweet breakfast treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is essential to ensure your casserole bakes perfectly!
2. Whisk the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, crack the 6 eggs and whisk them together. Add the milk, packed brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisk everything until the mixture is well combined and smooth. This will be the custard base for your casserole.
3. Layer the Ingredients:
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray. Begin layering by spreading half of the bread cubes evenly across the bottom of the dish. Follow this with half of the sliced bananas, and sprinkle half of the chopped nuts if you’re using them.
4. Pour the First Half:
Take half of your egg mixture and pour it over the first layer of bread, bananas, and nuts. Repeat this layering with the remaining bread cubes, bananas, nuts, and then pour the remaining egg mixture on top.
5. Press Down:
Gently press down on the layers to help the bread absorb all that delicious liquid. This will ensure every bite is packed with flavor!
6. Bake the Casserole:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and pop it in the preheated oven to bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This makes it easier to serve.
8. Enjoy Your Casserole:
Serve your warm casserole with a generous drizzle of maple syrup and a dollop of whipped cream on top. Enjoy your delicious homemade Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole!
Can I Use Different Bread for This Casserole?
Absolutely! While brioche or challah work beautifully, you can use other types of bread such as French bread, sourdough, or even whole wheat. Just make sure it’s a sturdy bread that can hold up to soaking in the custard mixture.
What If I Don’t Have Ripe Bananas?
If your bananas aren’t ripe yet, you can quicken the ripening process by placing them in a paper bag for a day or so. If you’re really in a pinch, you can also substitute with canned or frozen sliced bananas—just be sure to drain any excess liquid.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge covered with foil. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven straight from the fridge, but you may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time as it will be cold.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of milk before reheating to keep it moist!
