Name: Bananas Foster French Toast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 stick Butter; 3/4 cup Brown Sugar; 1 tsp Cinnamon; 1 tsp Vanilla Extract; 5 Bananas, peeled and sliced; 1 loaf French Bread, cut into cubes; 8 Eggs; 3/4 cup Brown Sugar; 1 tsp Cinnamon; 2 tsp Vanilla Extract; 1/4 tsp Nutmeg; 1 cup Half and Half; 1 cup Milk

There is nothing quite as comforting and indulgent as a warm, custardy breakfast casserole that feels like a celebration in every bite. This Bananas Foster French Toast Casserole Recipe captures the spirit of classic Bananas Foster with caramelized bananas swimming in a cinnamon-spiced custard-soaked French bread base. It’s a dish that brings together rich, buttery sweetness, cozy spices, and tender, melt-in-your-mouth textures all baked to golden perfection. Trust me, once you make this recipe, it will become your go-to for brunches, holiday mornings, or any weekend when you want to wow your family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a bunch of bright yellow bananas on the left side, resting on a white marbled surface. Next to them is a light brown loaf of bread placed horizontally at the top. Below the bread, there is a white egg carton with a green and white label, filled with several light brown eggs. On the right side, a white container of half & half milk and cream stands upright. In front of these main items, there are smaller ingredients arranged: a small rectangular stick of butter wrapped in yellow paper, a small dark brown spice container, a white bowl filled with light brown sugar, and a white measuring cup holding white milk. The overall color palette is warm with yellow, brown, and white tones, all set on a clean white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right for this Bananas Foster French Toast Casserole Recipe is simple, but each item plays a crucial role in creating the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so special. From the sturdy yet soft French bread cubes to the luscious custard mixture and the signature caramelized bananas, every ingredient complements the others perfectly.

French Bread: Use a sturdy loaf that will absorb custard without falling apart, giving the casserole its perfect texture.
Butter: The base of the caramel sauce, it adds richness and helps create that signature Bananas Foster flavor.
Brown Sugar: Divided to sweeten both the banana topping and the custard mixture with deep molasses notes.
Cinnamon: Adds warm spice in two places for a cozy, fragrant touch throughout the casserole.
Vanilla Extract: Brings out the sweetness and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Bananas: The star ingredient, sliced and caramelized to achieve that glossy, tender finish.
Eggs: Provide the structure of the custard and help bind everything together during baking.
Nutmeg: A subtle hint of nutmeg adds complexity and warmth beneath the dominant cinnamon.
Half and Half: Makes the custard rich and creamy without getting too heavy.
Milk: Balances the custard, keeping it light enough to soak into the bread evenly.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Bananas Foster French Toast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Base

Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking, then cut your French bread into cubes. The cubes should be roughly bite-sized to soak up the custard mixture evenly and provide that perfect texture when baked.

Step 2: Caramelize the Bananas

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted, add half of your brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture thickens slightly, then toss in the banana slices, coating each one with the luscious caramel sauce. Remove from heat and set aside; this will be the sweet topping that brings this Bananas Foster French Toast Casserole Recipe to life.

Step 3: Mix the Custard

In a large bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly. Add the remaining brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla, stirring well to incorporate. Then mix in the nutmeg, half and half, and milk, whisking until fully blended. This custard mixture will soak into your bread cubes and bake into that irresistible custardy texture.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Gently fold the bread cubes into the custard, ensuring all pieces are fully coated but not crushed. Pour this soaked bread mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Then carefully spoon the caramelized banana mixture over the top, letting the syrupy goodness layer beautifully.

Step 5: Refrigerate Overnight

Cover the assembled casserole with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This step is key because it allows the bread to fully absorb the custard and for the flavors to meld together deeply — patience pays off wonderfully with this Bananas Foster French Toast Casserole Recipe.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake the casserole for about 50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. You’ll want to keep an eye on it near the end to achieve that gorgeous color without over-baking.

How to Serve Bananas Foster French Toast Casserole Recipe

A clear rectangular glass dish filled with a baked banana dessert. The top layer is golden brown with caramelized banana slices spread all over, showing a glossy, slightly sticky texture. Underneath, the bread pieces are toasted and soaked, with a mix of light and darker browns, peeking through the banana slices. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, with a bunch of ripe bananas and a clear glass container with dark liquid in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top your freshly baked casserole with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for elegance and some extra sliced bananas or chopped walnuts for crunch. A drizzle of warm maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream can take it up another notch if you’re treating guests to breakfast in style.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a star on its own, but pairing it with fresh fruit salad or a crisp green salad can balance the richness beautifully. For a heartier brunch, serve alongside crispy bacon or breakfast sausage to add savory contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving this Bananas Foster French Toast Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch. Alternatively, layer the banana and custard mixture in a trifle dish for a stunning, layered look that guests will admire before indulging.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors deepen even further after a day, making it just as delightful (if not more) reheated the next morning.

Freezing

If you want to keep this casserole longer, freeze it before baking. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in the freezer for up to one month. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as instructed.

Reheating

Reheat leftover portions in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp on top. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the custard’s texture and the caramelized bananas’ flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread other than French bread?

Absolutely! While French bread works best due to its texture and ability to absorb custard, brioche or challah can also add a rich, buttery twist. Just make sure to use day-old bread to avoid sogginess.

How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?

Use bananas that are ripe but still firm, with bright yellow skins and only a few brown spots. Overripe bananas can become too mushy when caramelized and affect the texture of the casserole.

Can I prepare this recipe the same day I want to bake it?

Yes, but the flavors and custard absorption deepen wonderfully with an overnight soak. If you’re short on time, try to refrigerate it for at least 2-3 hours before baking for the best results.

Is this recipe suitable for guests with dietary restrictions?

This classic version contains dairy and eggs, so it’s not suitable for vegans or those with lactose intolerance unless you substitute with plant-based alternatives carefully. Also, always check for nut allergies if you add extra toppings.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Definitely! This casserole scales up well. Just use a larger baking dish or two dishes, and be mindful that the baking time may increase by 10-15 minutes if doubling in one pan.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Bananas Foster French Toast Casserole Recipe, it’s bound to become a favorite for lazy mornings and special occasions. The combination of sweet, caramelized bananas and rich custard-soaked bread creates something truly magical and comforting. So go ahead, gather your ingredients and start prepping — your taste buds will thank you!

Bananas Foster French Toast Casserole Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need