This Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole is a warm and inviting dish that combines sweet bananas with a fluffy, custardy base and a hint of brown sugar. Perfect for breakfast or brunch!
What’s not to love? It’s like a hug for your taste buds! 🍌 Plus, it’s easy to prepare ahead of time, so you can spend more time enjoying your morning with family and friends.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
French Bread: This adds a perfect texture since it absorbs the custard well. If you can’t find French bread, challah or brioche work wonderfully too. They also add a richer flavor!
Bananas: Use ripe bananas for sweetness and best flavor. If you’re out of bananas, you might consider using apples or berries instead; just slice them up and place them in the dish.
Eggs: Large eggs are key for structure. If you need a substitute for dietary reasons, you can use flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer, but the texture may vary slightly.
Brown Sugar: This gives a lovely caramel flavor. If you’re looking for a less sweet option, light brown sugar can work, or you can try coconut sugar for a more natural alternative.
Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch. If you have a nut allergy or just don’t prefer them, you can leave them out altogether!
How Do I Ensure My Casserole is Perfectly Soaked?
Soaking the bread is crucial for that custardy texture. To make sure every piece gets enough liquid, follow these tips:
- After pouring the egg mixture, use a spatula to gently press down on the bread cubes. This helps them absorb the custard.
- Allow it to sit for a while, ideally in the fridge, letting the bread soak for at least an hour or overnight. The longer, the better!
- If making ahead, do cover the casserole with foil to prevent it from drying out in the fridge.
How to Make Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Casserole:
- 1 loaf of French bread, cut into cubes (about 6 to 7 cups)
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced (plus extra for topping)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For Serving:
- Maple syrup, for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful casserole takes about 20 minutes of preparation time. You’ll need a little bit of patience to let it chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or overnight if you want to prepare it ahead of time. Then, it takes around 50 minutes to bake. So, all in all, about 1 hour and 10 minutes from start to the table—perfect for a cozy brunch with loved ones!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it well with butter or non-stick spray. This will help your casserole come out nicely without sticking!
2. Make the Egg Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, packed brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, salt, and melted butter until everything is well combined. This mixture is what will give your casserole that delicious custardy goodness.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
Place the cubes of French bread evenly in the greased baking dish. Then, scatter the banana slices over the bread. If you choose to use nuts, sprinkle them over as well, adding some delightful crunch!
4. Pour the Custard Mixture:
Carefully pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and bananas, ensuring every piece of bread is soaked. You can gently press down on the bread cubes with a spatula to help them soak up the custard evenly.
5. Chill in the Refrigerator:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and pop it into the fridge for at least 1 hour. For the best results, let it chill overnight—this allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
6. Bake the Casserole:
When you’re ready to bake, take the casserole out of the fridge. Keep it covered with foil and place it in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. You want it to look deliciously puffed up!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, carefully take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few moments. Before serving, top with additional banana slices and drizzle with maple syrup for that sweet finishing touch. Enjoy your warm, comforting casserole that’s perfect for breakfast or any gathering!
Can I Use Day-Old Bread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Day-old French bread is ideal as it’s drier and will soak up the custard mixture better, resulting in a more deliciously textured casserole. You can even slice it the day before and leave it out to stale a bit more!
Can I Substitute Milk for Another Type?
Yes, you can use any type of milk! Dairy-free options like almond, oat, or coconut milk will work well too. Just note that different milks may alter the flavor slightly, so choose one you enjoy!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place pieces in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of milk if it feels dry, to keep it moist and delicious!
Can This Casserole Be Made Vegan?
Yes! To make a vegan version, you can substitute the eggs with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water (for each egg), use plant-based milk, and replace the butter with a vegan alternative. The flavor will still be delightful!
