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Bananas Foster French Toast Casserole Bake

Bananas Foster French Toast Casserole - featured image
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This easy overnight brunch casserole combines the classic flavors of Bananas Foster with pillowy French toast, featuring caramelized bananas, buttery brown sugar, and cinnamon. Perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or cozy mornings, it’s a crowd-pleasing comfort food that’s simple to prep and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf brioche or challah bread (16 oz), cut into 1-inch cubes (day-old preferred)
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 ripe bananas, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (or plant-based for vegan)
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (or dark corn syrup)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon dark rum (optional, or rum extract)
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting
  • Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)
  • Fresh berries (raspberries or blueberries), for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cut the brioche or challah bread into 1-inch cubes. If fresh, let sit out for an hour to dry slightly.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until well blended and slightly frothy.
  3. Add bread cubes to the custard and gently toss until coated. Let soak for at least 10 minutes, turning occasionally.
  4. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, and rum (if using). Stir until sugar dissolves and mixture bubbles, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in banana slices.
  5. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half the soaked bread cubes in the dish. Spoon half the banana topping over the bread. Add remaining bread cubes, then pour the rest of the topping evenly on top. Gently press down with a spatula.
  6. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove casserole from fridge and let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
  8. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the center. Tent with foil if edges brown too quickly.
  9. Check for doneness: casserole should be firm with a slight jiggle. Insert a knife in the center—it should come out mostly clean. If too wet, bake another 5 minutes.
  10. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, and/or fresh berries.

Notes

Use day-old bread for best texture. For gluten-free or dairy-free, substitute appropriate bread and milk/butter. Add nuts or swap fruit for seasonal variations. Chill overnight for optimal flavor and texture. If casserole is too dark, tent with foil. For crispier edges, bake uncovered for last 5 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: bananas foster, french toast casserole, overnight brunch, breakfast bake, easy casserole, caramelized bananas, holiday breakfast, make ahead brunch

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/bananas-foster-french-toast-casserole-bake-easy-overnight-brunch-recipe/