Hey y'all! If you're searching for a show-stopping breakfast or brunch that brings a sweet, caramel-kissed twist to classic French toast, you have to try this Bananas Foster French Toast Casserole. It's everything you love about the iconic New Orleans dessert—bananas, brown sugar, and buttery goodness—baked into a warm, custardy casserole that’s perfect for holidays, weekend mornings, or special occasions. Grab your apron, because this is one recipe you won't want to miss. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Bananas Foster French Toast Casserole
- It’s decadently delicious with gooey caramel sauce, tender bananas, and fluffy bread.
- Perfect for feeding a crowd—easy to prep the night before for stress-free mornings.
- Baked, not fried, so it’s simple and mess-free with all the wow-factor!
- Great for family brunches, holiday mornings, or whenever you want a treat.
- Customizable with your favorite breads or boozy (or booze-free) options.
Ingredients for Bananas Foster French Toast Casserole
- 1 loaf (about 14–16 oz) brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 large bananas, sliced
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar (divided)
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup dark rum (optional)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar, for serving
Directions: How to Make Bananas Foster French Toast Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Bananas Foster Sauce
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt ½ cup butter. Add ¾ cup brown sugar and cook, stirring, until the sugar dissolves and forms a thick caramel sauce (about 3-4 minutes).
- If using, carefully add ¼ cup dark rum (stand back as it may flame briefly) and let cook for 30 seconds, then remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
- Pour the caramel sauce into the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange the banana slices evenly over the sauce.
Step 2: Assemble the French Toast Layer
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, remaining ¼ cup brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined.
- Add bread cubes and toss until all pieces are well coated in the custard.
- Gently layer the soaked bread cubes over the bananas in the casserole dish, spreading them evenly.
Step 3: Rest and Bake
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for best results.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is set.
Step 4: Serve
- Let the Bananas Foster French Toast Casserole cool for 10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar before serving. For extra flair, flip squares upside down to show the gooey banana-caramel base. Enjoy!
Notes for Bananas Foster French Toast Casserole
- If your bread is fresh, cube it and toast on a baking sheet at 300°F for 10 minutes before soaking so it absorbs more custard without becoming mushy.
- Prep the casserole fully the night before and refrigerate—just bake fresh in the morning!
Bananas Foster French Toast Casserole Variations
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Dollop in softened cream cheese between bread layers before baking.
- Nutty Crunch: Scatter chopped pecans or walnuts over the bananas for toasty flavor and crunch.
- Chocolate Lovers: Sprinkle chocolate chips between bread cubes for extra indulgence.
Required Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Medium saucepan
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Knife and cutting board
- Aluminum foil (for covering, if needed)
Storage Instructions for Bananas Foster French Toast Casserole
- Refrigerate any leftovers tightly covered for up to 4 days.
- Reheat slices in the microwave or cover and warm in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
- Not recommended for freezing due to texture changes in bananas, but it may be frozen before baking for up to 2 months.
Suggested Pairings and Serving Recommendations
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for dessert-like decadence.
- Pair with crisp bacon or sausage links to balance the rich sweetness.
- Enjoy with a fresh fruit salad or hot coffee for the ultimate brunch spread.
Pro Tips for the Ultimate Bananas Foster French Toast Casserole
- Use slightly stale bread so it soaks up more custard for that perfect texture.
- Soak the casserole overnight for deep flavor and a creamier bite.
- Cut the casserole into squares and invert when serving to show off the gooey caramelized banana topping!
Bananas Foster French Toast Casserole FAQ
- Can I make Bananas Foster French Toast Casserole alcohol-free?
- Absolutely! Just skip the rum—vanilla and caramel flavors will still shine.
- What kind of bread is best?
- Brioche or challah are best for their rich texture, but thick Texas toast or French bread also work well.
- Can I prepare it in advance?
- Yes! Assemble, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Pop it in the oven when you're ready to bake.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including resting)
Serves: 8-10
Ingredients
- 1 loaf brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons dark rum (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for serving
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
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2In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add brown sugar and stir until dissolved. Add sliced bananas and cook for 2-3 minutes until caramelized. If using, add dark rum and cook for another minute. Remove from heat.
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3Arrange half of the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the caramelized banana mixture. Repeat with remaining bread and bananas.
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4In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread and bananas, pressing gently to soak.
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5Cover and let sit for at least 20 minutes or refrigerate overnight for best results.
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6Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and the custard is set. Let cool slightly, dust with powdered sugar, and serve warm.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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