Bananas Foster French Toast Casserole Recipe
This Bananas Foster French Toast Casserole is a luscious, overnight baked breakfast treat combining the rich flavors of caramelized bananas and spiced French toast. Featuring a gooey brown sugar-butter sauce infused with cinnamon and vanilla, the casserole is baked to golden perfection and perfect for a special brunch or holiday morning.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including overnight refrigeration)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Banana Sauce:
- 1 stick Butter
- 3/4 cup Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 5 Bananas, peeled and sliced
For the French Toast Mixture:
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray and set aside.
- Cut Bread: Cut the French bread loaf into cubes and place in a large bowl.
- Make Banana Sauce: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens slightly and becomes syrupy.
- Add Bananas: Add the sliced bananas to the skillet and stir gently until all slices are coated with the sauce. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Beat Eggs and Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly. Add the remaining brown sugar (3/4 cup), 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Stir to combine.
- Add Spices and Dairy: Mix in the nutmeg, half and half, and milk. Whisk the mixture until smooth and fully blended.
- Soak Bread Cubes: Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes in the bowl. Gently stir to ensure all pieces of bread absorb the custard mixture.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the soaked bread cubes evenly into the prepared baking dish. Then pour the banana and sauce mixture evenly over the top of the bread.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to fully soak.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
- Bake: Remove the plastic wrap and bake the casserole for approximately 50 minutes until it is puffed up and golden brown on top.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving warm as a decadent breakfast or brunch item.
Notes
- For best results, use day-old French bread or brioche for better absorption.
- You can prepare the casserole up to 24 hours ahead for convenience.
- Optional: Serve with maple syrup, whipped cream, or toasted pecans.
- Ensure even slicing of bananas to prevent mushy texture.
- Use whole milk or half and half for a richer custard.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days.
