Description
Delightful brown sugar banana French toast casserole blends comfort and indulgence in one hearty dish. Warm spices and caramelized bananas create a breakfast masterpiece you’ll savor with pure morning joy.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cubed (about 8 cups or 1.9 L)
- 4 large bananas, sliced
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- ¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Maple syrup (optional)
- Powdered sugar (optional)
- ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ cup (55 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- Fresh banana slices (optional)
Instructions
- Preparation: Lavishly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and artfully arrange bread cubes to create a foundational layer, interspersing ripe banana slices throughout for bursts of natural sweetness.
- Custard Creation: Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until the mixture transforms into a smooth, velvety liquid that promises rich, decadent flavor.
- Infusion: Pour the custard over the bread and banana landscape, gently pressing to ensure complete saturation and maximum flavor absorption. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight to allow ingredients to harmonize.
- Topping Technique: Combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and softened butter, working the mixture until it resembles coarse, crumbly terrain. Generously scatter this golden-brown mixture across the casserole’s surface.
- Baking Brilliance: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 35-40 minutes, watching for a caramelized top and set custard center. Rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven to allow flavors to settle.
- Serving Suggestion: Present warm, embellished with a maple syrup cascade, powdered sugar dusting, or additional fresh banana slices for an indulgent breakfast experience that celebrates comfort and creativity.
Notes
- Enhance Bread Texture: Use day-old or slightly stale bread for better custard absorption and a more structured final dish.
- Prevent Banana Browning: Toss banana slices with a touch of lemon juice to maintain their fresh appearance and prevent quick oxidation.
- Customize Sweetness Level: Adjust brown sugar quantity in custard and topping to suit personal preference or dietary needs.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerating overnight for deeper flavor development and convenient meal planning.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg