Description
Mouthwatering brown sugar banana French toast casserole delivers comfort and indulgence from breakfast to brunch. Sweet caramelized bananas and rich custard create a delightful morning experience you’ll savor with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 loaf (15 oz or 425 g) French bread, cut into large cubes
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk or 2% milk
- 1 cup half and half
- 3 ripe-firm bananas, peeled and sliced
- 6 tbsps unsalted butter
- 0.75 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsps pure maple syrup
- 1 pinch of salt
- 0.33 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 0.33 cup all-purpose flour
- 1.5 tsps ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 pinch of salt
- 3 tbsps unsalted butter, softened
- Maple syrup (optional)
- Caramel sauce (optional)
- Sliced bananas (optional)
- Chopped nuts (optional)
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Caramelize Banana Mixture: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, blend with brown sugar, maple syrup, and salt until achieving a glossy, smooth consistency. Gently incorporate sliced bananas and allow to cool to room temperature.
- Prepare Custard Base: Whisk eggs, milk, half and half, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until thoroughly blended and silky-smooth.
- Layer Casserole Foundation: Generously grease a casserole dish, creating alternating layers of bread cubes and banana-caramel mixture, ensuring even distribution and complete coverage.
- Infuse Custard: Pour custard mixture over layered bread, gently pressing to encourage complete absorption. Drizzle remaining banana-caramel mixture across the top, creating an enticing pattern.
- Create Crumble Topping: Combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt, then integrate softened butter until the mixture resembles damp, clumpy sand.
- Chill and Prepare: Refrigerate the assembled casserole overnight to allow flavors to meld and intensify. Remove from refrigerator and let rest at room temperature while preheating oven to 350°F.
- Bake and Finish: Sprinkle prepared crumble topping evenly across the surface. Bake uncovered for 40-55 minutes until achieving a golden-brown exterior with a set, custardy center.
- Serve and Garnish: Present the casserole warm, accompanied by optional maple syrup, caramel sauce, whipped cream, additional sliced bananas, or chopped nuts for an indulgent breakfast experience.
Notes
- Overnight Marination Magic: Refrigerating the casserole allows ingredients to deeply infuse, developing richer, more complex flavors that elevate the entire dish.
- Bread Selection Matters: Choose day-old, slightly stale bread like brioche or challah for maximum custard absorption and a more luxurious texture.
- Topping Technique: Press the crumble mixture gently to create varied texture clusters that turn golden and crispy during baking.
- Doneness Detective: Check the casserole’s center for a slight wobble – it should be set but not completely firm, indicating perfect custardy consistency.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus overnight soak)
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg