Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole Recipe | Sweet Brunch

I can’t wait to share this recipe with you because it’s an absolute game-changer for breakfast and brunch! The first time I made this Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole recipe, I knew it was going straight into my recipe hall of fame.

It’s gooey, sweet, and carries the comforting flavors of cinnamon and caramelized bananas. Imagine waking up to the smell of freshly baked French toast with the rich aroma of brown sugar in the air. That’s exactly what this casserole delivers! What I love most is how ridiculously easy it is to put together, and the best part?

You can prepare it the night before and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready. Trust me, whether you’re serving your family on a lazy Sunday or impressing friends at brunch, this recipe will steal the spotlight every single time — or you can also enjoy a sweet twist with this Chocolate Pretzels Recipe.

Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole has so much going for it that you’ll want to make it again and again. Here’s why it stands out:

1. Easy to Prepare

Even if you’re not a seasoned cook, this recipe is almost foolproof. The step-by-step instructions are simple, and most of the work involves layering ingredients. Plus, with just a bit of mixing and baking, you’ll end up with a decadent dish that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

2. Make Ahead Magic

Not a morning person? No problem! You can assemble the whole dish the night before. Just refrigerate it overnight, and in the morning, it’s ready to go in the oven. It’s perfect for holiday mornings or busy weekends when you want a no-hassle breakfast.

3. Customizable Flavors

This casserole is like a blank canvas for delicious creativity. Want to add some crunch? Toss in pecans or walnuts. Craving a fruity twist? Try adding blueberries or raspberries. The possibilities to make it uniquely “yours” are endless.

4. Family and Crowd Favorite

This recipe is guaranteed to win over anyone who tries it. The rich banana flavor combined with the caramelized brown sugar topping creates a showstopper that’s hard to resist. Whether it’s kids or adults, everyone will be asking for seconds.

5. Perfect Comfort Food

With its warm, gooey texture and balanced sweetness, this casserole brings comfort to your table. It’s the ultimate companion for a cozy morning, paired with your favorite coffee or tea.

Cooking Time

Here’s how quickly you can whip up this delicious casserole:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this indulgent dish:

French bread (12 oz loaf, preferably day-old)
4 ripe bananas
Eggs
Milk
Heavy cream
Brown sugar
Vanilla extract
Ground cinnamon
Salt

All-purpose flour
Unsalted butter
Brown sugar

Variations

Want to tweak the recipe to fit your dietary preferences or personal taste? Here are some great options:

Dairy-Free: Use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk, and swap the heavy cream for coconut cream.
Sugar-Free: Replace brown sugar with a natural sweetener like monk fruit or a low-calorie alternative.
Flavor Enhancers: Add a splash of rum extract, sprinkle chocolate chips, or include a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread to make the recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

For another cinnamon-inspired delight, check out this Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites Recipe.

Equipment You’ll Need

To bring this recipe to life, you’ll need the following tools:

9×13-inch baking dish – To bake and assemble the casserole.
Mixing bowls – For whisking the custard and mixing the topping.
Whisk – To combine the custard ingredients smoothly.
Knife and cutting board – For slicing bread and bananas.
Plastic wrap – To refrigerate the dish overnight.

How to Make Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole?

This Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole is the ultimate sweet and comforting breakfast dish! With caramelized bananas, a rich custard, and a golden brown sugar topping, it’s a must-try for brunch lovers.

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Cut the French bread into 1-inch cubes. If it’s not stale, leave the cubes on a tray overnight to dry out. Stale bread soaks up the custard better, giving you that perfect mushy yet firm texture.

Step 2: Assemble the Layers

Grease your baking dish and spread the bread cubes evenly in it. Next, layer the sliced bananas across the bread pieces. This adds sweetness and that signature banana flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Make the Custard

Whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Pour this tasty mixture over the bread and bananas. Give the bread a gentle press to help it soak up all the liquid goodness.

Step 4: Chill It

Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight. This step is crucial to help the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Preheat and Make the Topping

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While waiting, prepare the brown sugar topping by mixing flour, brown sugar, and cubed butter until crumbly. Use your fingertips for the best texture.

Step 6: Bake and Enjoy!

Remove the casserole from the fridge, sprinkle the topping evenly over it, and bake for 45-55 minutes. It’s ready when the top turns golden brown, and the casserole is set. Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Stale Bread: Stale bread absorbs custard better, so it’s worth using day-old bread or drying it out beforehand.
Don’t Skip Refrigeration: Chilling the casserole ensures the bread soaks in all the flavors.
Sweetness Balance: Taste the custard mixture before pouring to ensure it’s to your liking.
Even Topping Distribution: Crumble the topping mixture evenly for a perfect golden crust.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole

Presentation matters! Serve this casserole warm, topped with powdered sugar, whipped cream, or maple syrup for an extra indulgent touch. You can even garnish it with fresh fruit like strawberries for added color and flavor. Pair it with freshly brewed coffee or a mimosa for a complete brunch experience.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick snapshot of the nutrition per serving:

Calories: 310
Protein: 8g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 12g

Make Ahead and Storage

Making this casserole ahead is one of its best features. Assemble it the night before to save time in the morning. Leftovers store well too.

Refrigeration

Cover the casserole tightly and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Warm individual servings in the microwave or oven before enjoying.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the baked casserole in foil and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

This Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole is easy, versatile, and downright delicious. Whether you make it for your family, a special occasion, or just because you’re craving a comforting breakfast, this recipe is bound to impress. Happy baking!

Ash Tyrrell