There’s something about the smell of bananas and brown sugar baking in the oven that brings a sense of comfort and nostalgia. This Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole is a dish that feels like a big, warm hug on a chilly morning or a sweet surprise for a lazy weekend brunch.
For me, this recipe brings back memories of Sunday mornings when the whole family would gather in the kitchen, still wrapped in blankets, waiting for breakfast to finish baking. My mom had a knack for creating dishes that didn’t just fill our bellies—they created moments. And this casserole is one of those dishes. It’s got that golden, custardy richness of French toast, but layered with caramelized bananas and cozy brown sugar flavors that make it feel like a dessert disguised as breakfast.
This dish is especially perfect for when you have a bunch of overripe bananas on the counter (you know, the ones that are too soft for snacking but too sweet to toss). Plus, it can be prepped the night before, so you can enjoy a stress-free morning with your family or guests.
Whether you’re making this for a holiday brunch, a special occasion, or just a quiet morning when you want to treat yourself, this recipe delivers comfort and flavor in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it the night before, pop it in the oven in the morning, and enjoy your coffee while it bakes.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings, brunches, or potlucks.
- Uses Overripe Bananas: A great way to use up those brown bananas on the counter.
- Caramel-Like Flavor: Brown sugar and bananas melt into a dreamy, dessert-like bite.
- Easy to Customize: Add nuts, spices, or different bread to make it your own.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
- 1 loaf French bread, cut into cubes (about 8 cups)
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
HOW TO MAKE BROWN SUGAR BANANA FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE:
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Prep the bread and bananas
Start by slicing your loaf of French bread into cubes. You’ll want them bite-sized, but not too small. Think hearty enough to soak up that delicious custard without turning to mush. Slice your ripe bananas into thick rounds and set them aside.
Step 2: Layer the casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and add half of the bread cubes. Spread out half of the sliced bananas over the bread. Repeat with the remaining bread and bananas, making sure the top has a nice even layer.
Step 3: Make the custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt until everything is smooth and well combined. Slowly pour this custard mixture over the bread and banana layers, pressing down gently with a spatula to help the bread absorb it.
Step 4: Chill or bake
If you’re prepping ahead, cover the casserole tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight. If you’re baking it right away, let it sit for 15–20 minutes so the bread can soak up more of that custard goodness.
Step 5: Add the butter and bake
Before baking, drizzle the melted butter over the top. This helps it get that golden, slightly crispy finish. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set.
Step 6: Cool and serve
Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This gives the casserole time to settle, making it easier to slice and serve. Serve it as-is, or go all out with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream.
HELPFUL TIPS:
- Use day-old bread: Slightly stale bread works best—it soaks up the custard without getting soggy.
- Don’t skip the banana layers: The banana caramelizes slightly during baking and adds such a lovely depth of flavor.
- Add texture: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top before baking for a little crunch.
- Double for a crowd: Easily double the recipe and use a deeper casserole dish if feeding a big group.
- Reheat like a pro: Warm leftovers in the oven for 10 minutes at 300°F or microwave individual slices.
DETAILS:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (+ optional overnight chill)
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (or overnight if prepping ahead)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
NOTES:
This casserole is super forgiving—swap the milk for dairy-free alternatives, change the bread, or adjust spices to your taste. You can even add some dark chocolate chips or shredded coconut for a fun twist.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
(Per serving – approximate)
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 24g
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! It’s actually best if made the night before. Just cover and refrigerate, then bake in the morning.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it after baking. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.
Can I use a different type of bread?
Sure! Brioche, challah, or any crusty bread works well. Just make sure it’s a bit stale for the best texture.
What if my bananas are too ripe?
Perfect! Overripe bananas are actually ideal here—they add extra sweetness and a creamy texture once baked.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
To freeze, wrap individual portions or the entire casserole tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
Related Recipes
If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cozy delights:
- Easy Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups
- Nutella Stuffed French Toast
- Nutella-Stuffed French Toast
- Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole
CONCLUSION
This Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole is more than just a breakfast—it’s a memory-maker. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or treating yourself to a little comfort food, it’s guaranteed to warm hearts and tummies alike. So grab that bunch of bananas and a loaf of bread, and let your kitchen fill with the smell of something truly special.
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Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole
Description
There’s something about the smell of bananas and brown sugar baking in the oven that brings a sense of comfort and nostalgia. This Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole is a dish that feels like a big, warm hug on a chilly morning or a sweet surprise for a lazy weekend brunch.
For me, this recipe brings back memories of Sunday mornings when the whole family would gather in the kitchen, still wrapped in blankets, waiting for breakfast to finish baking. My mom had a knack for creating dishes that didn’t just fill our bellies—they created moments. And this casserole is one of those dishes. It’s got that golden, custardy richness of French toast, but layered with caramelized bananas and cozy brown sugar flavors that make it feel like a dessert disguised as breakfast.
This dish is especially perfect for when you have a bunch of overripe bananas on the counter (you know, the ones that are too soft for snacking but too sweet to toss). Plus, it can be prepped the night before, so you can enjoy a stress-free morning with your family or guests.
Whether you’re making this for a holiday brunch, a special occasion, or just a quiet morning when you want to treat yourself, this recipe delivers comfort and flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
1 loaf French bread, cut into cubes (about 8 cups)
4 ripe bananas, sliced
6 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the bread and bananas
Start by slicing your loaf of French bread into cubes. You’ll want them bite-sized, but not too small. Think hearty enough to soak up that delicious custard without turning to mush. Slice your ripe bananas into thick rounds and set them aside.
Step 2: Layer the casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and add half of the bread cubes. Spread out half of the sliced bananas over the bread. Repeat with the remaining bread and bananas, making sure the top has a nice even layer.
Step 3: Make the custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt until everything is smooth and well combined. Slowly pour this custard mixture over the bread and banana layers, pressing down gently with a spatula to help the bread absorb it.
Step 4: Chill or bake
If you’re prepping ahead, cover the casserole tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight. If you’re baking it right away, let it sit for 15–20 minutes so the bread can soak up more of that custard goodness.
Step 5: Add the butter and bake
Before baking, drizzle the melted butter over the top. This helps it get that golden, slightly crispy finish. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set.
Step 6: Cool and serve
Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This gives the casserole time to settle, making it easier to slice and serve. Serve it as-is, or go all out with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
This casserole is super forgiving—swap the milk for dairy-free alternatives, change the bread, or adjust spices to your taste. You can even add some dark chocolate chips or shredded coconut for a fun twist.