Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole Recipe: Cozy, Sweet & Make-Ahead Friendly
Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole is the perfect blend of caramelized banana flavor, warm spices, and soft custard-soaked bread baked to golden perfection. This cozy breakfast casserole combines all the best parts of French toast and banana bread in one warm, family-style dish. Whether it’s a holiday brunch, weekend breakfast, or breakfast-for-dinner kind of night, this crowd-pleaser is rich, comforting, and irresistibly sweet.
What Makes This Dish Special?
This casserole turns overripe bananas and day-old bread into a breakfast worth waking up for. The brown sugar banana mixture creates a sticky, caramel-like base, while the egg custard soaks into every cube of bread for a fluffy inside and golden top. Best of all, it can be assembled the night before and baked fresh in the morning—ideal for busy mornings or when entertaining guests.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time (Optional): 1 hour or overnight
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (plus chill time if prepping ahead)
- Servings: 8
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf French bread or brioche (about 12 oz), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
- 6 large eggs
- 1 ¾ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
For the Brown Sugar Banana Topping:
- 2 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
Optional Garnish:
- Powdered sugar
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- Maple syrup
Instructions
1. Prepare the Banana Topping
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and stir until bubbly. Add sliced bananas and cook for 1–2 minutes until soft and caramelized. Pour this mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Layer the Bread
Add cubed bread on top of the banana mixture, spreading evenly.
3. Make the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined.
4. Pour & Chill
Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes, pressing slightly to help the bread absorb the liquid. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.
5. Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
6. Serve
Let cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, or sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired.
Variations
- Chocolate Banana: Add a handful of chocolate chips between bread layers.
- Nutty Crunch: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the bread layer.
- Banana Foster Style: Add a splash of dark rum to the topping mixture.
- Berry Boost: Mix in sliced strawberries or blueberries for a fruity twist.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Knife and cutting board
Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 20g
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers covered for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave or oven.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
My Cooking Experience
This casserole has become a weekend favorite in my home. The caramelized banana base transforms it into something truly special, and it smells amazing while baking. I love prepping it the night before for a stress-free morning, especially when we have guests or need something hearty to start the day.
Conclusion
Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole is the definition of cozy comfort food. With its sweet banana flavor, soft custard-soaked bread, and golden-baked top, it brings all the warmth of homemade breakfast with minimal effort. Whether you serve it on a holiday morning or just treat yourself, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy.
Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and stir until bubbly. Add sliced bananas and cook for 1–2 minutes until soft and caramelized. Pour this mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add cubed bread on top of the banana mixture, spreading evenly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined.
- Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes, pressing slightly to help the bread absorb the liquid. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, or sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired.
Notes
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers covered for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave or oven.
