This Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole is a warm and cozy treat perfect for breakfast or brunch. It’s layered with sweet bananas, rich egg mixture, and topped with a crunchy brown sugar crust!
Honestly, what’s not to love? It’s like a hug in every bite. I enjoy making it the night before, so when morning comes, I just pop it in the oven and let it work its magic!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Use French bread or challah for a soft, fluffy texture. If you’re gluten-free, try a gluten-free bread that holds moisture well, like a gluten-free baguette.
Bananas: Ripe bananas are best for this dish as they add natural sweetness. If you’re short on bananas, you can use apples or berries as a substitute, but they will change the overall flavor.
Milk and Cream: Whole milk is great for richness, but use skim or almond milk to lighten it up. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream can be a delicious substitute.
Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar gives a lovely caramel flavor. If you don’t have brown sugar, use an equal amount of granulated sugar and add a teaspoon of molasses.
Eggs: Eggs bind the casserole. If you’re looking for an egg-free option, substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce, but the texture may vary slightly.
How Can You Make Perfectly Crunchy Streusel Topping?
The streusel topping is what adds that delicious crunch! To get the perfect texture, make sure your butter is cold. Room temperature butter won’t yield the same crumbly consistency.
- Mix the flour and brown sugar together in a bowl.
- Add the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until you have a crumbly texture.
- Don’t overmix; a few larger pieces are okay as they will bake into crunchy bits.
Sprinkling it on top before baking ensures an even, crispy finish. Enjoy that contrast between the soft casserole and the crunchy topping!
Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf of bread (French bread or challah), cubed (about 8 cups)
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
For Serving:
- Maple syrup
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole requires about 20 minutes for preparation and 50-55 minutes for baking. If you choose to refrigerate it overnight, it’ll soak up the flavors beautifully and be ready to bake the next morning!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Layer the Bread and Bananas:
Place the cubed bread into the prepared baking dish. Next, scatter the sliced bananas evenly on top of the bread.
3. Mix the Custard:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Combine with the Bread and Bananas:
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and bananas, pressing down lightly to help the bread absorb the delicious mixture.
5. Let It Rest:
For the best flavor, let the casserole sit for at least 15 minutes. For optimal results, cover it and refrigerate overnight. This allows the bread to soak in all the goodness!
6. Make the Streusel Topping:
In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of brown sugar and 1/2 cup of flour. Add the cold cubed butter, then use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This will create a delightful, crunchy topping!
7. Add the Topping:
Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the soaked casserole to create that sweet, crunchy layer.
8. Bake:
Bake uncovered in your preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until the custard has set and the top is golden brown and crisp.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. This will make it easier to cut into pieces.
10. Enjoy!
Drizzle warm servings with maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness, then dig in and enjoy the comforting deliciousness!
This casserole has a moist custardy interior with delightful banana flavor, topped off with a crunchy brown sugar crumble—perfect for a delightful breakfast or brunch with family and friends!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread?
Absolutely! While French bread or challah are the best choices for a fluffy texture, you can also use brioche, sourdough, or even whole wheat bread for a healthier option. Just make sure the bread is firm enough to hold up to soaking.
Can I Make This Casserole Without Eggs?
Yes, you can make an egg-free version by substituting each egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a commercial egg replacer. The texture may change slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until heated through.
Can I Add Other Fruits?
Yes! Feel free to mix in or substitute with other fruits like berries, peaches, or apples. Just be mindful that this may alter the overall flavor and sweetness of the casserole.
