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Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole Recipe

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4 from 9 reviews

This Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole is a decadent, comforting breakfast dish perfect for weekend brunch or holiday mornings. Layers of cubed French bread soak overnight in a rich custard mixture, then topped with a sweet banana and brown sugar filling. A buttery, cinnamon-spiced crumb topping adds a delightful crunch once baked to golden perfection. Serve warm with maple syrup, caramel sauce, whipped cream, or nuts to elevate this crowd-pleasing treat.

Ingredients

Brown Sugar Banana Filling

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • pinch salt
  • 3 ripe-firm bananas, peeled and sliced

French Toast Custard

  • 8 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk (preferably whole or 2%)
  • 1 cup half and half
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Base

  • One 15 oz loaf French bread, cut into large cubes (preferably a day or two old)

Topping

  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar (packed)
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • pinch salt
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)

To Serve

  • Maple syrup
  • Caramel sauce
  • Sliced bananas
  • Chopped nuts
  • Whipped cream

Instructions

  1. Make the Brown Sugar Banana Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add 3/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Stir constantly and cook for a few minutes until the sugar melts completely and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and carefully fold in the sliced bananas. Set the mixture aside to cool to room temperature while preparing the custard.
  2. Prepare the Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together 8 large eggs, 1 cup milk, 1 cup half and half, 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract until well combined.
  3. Assemble the French Toast Layers: Grease a 2 1/2 or 3-quart casserole dish. Spread half of the French bread cubes evenly in the bottom of the dish. Spoon half of the banana-brown sugar filling over the bread. Add the remaining bread cubes to cover the filling layer.
  4. Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press down on the bread to help absorb the custard. Spoon the remaining banana mixture over the top layer of bread. Cover the dish and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to soak fully.
  5. Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup light brown sugar, 1/3 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Add 3 tablespoons softened butter and mix with a spoon until the mixture resembles wet, clumpy sand. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
  6. Preheat and Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and crumble the prepared topping evenly over the surface. Bake uncovered for 40 to 55 minutes until the casserole is puffed, golden brown, and set in the center.
  7. Serve: Serve the warm casserole immediately with your choice of maple syrup, caramel sauce, sliced bananas, chopped nuts, and/or whipped cream. Refrigerate leftovers and reheat before serving.

Notes

  • For best texture, use French bread that is a day or two old so it soaks without becoming too mushy.
  • The soaking step is recommended overnight but can be at least 4 hours to get good custard absorption.
  • Adjust baking time depending on your casserole depth and desired doneness; thicker dishes may need longer baking.
  • The crumb topping adds a delightful texture and sweetness but can be omitted for a simpler casserole.
  • Optional toppings like nuts and whipped cream add extra flavor and texture contrast.
  • This casserole can be prepared the night before, making it ideal for holiday mornings or brunch gatherings.

Find it online: https://bitezly.com/brown-sugar-banana-french-toast-casserole-recipe/