If you love thick and fluffy slices of French toast for breakfast, you have to give this Banana French Toast Casserole a whirl. It has those familiar hints of vanilla and cinnamon in each bite, except there are also bits of chocolate and sweet bananas. The brioche soaks up the custard so it's soft on the inside yet golden on the outside. It's just so mouthwatering!
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This will upgrade brunch or breakfast, especially if you like to have company over! I have made this recipe many times for friends and family, and there's never any left. The best part is that you aren't stuck with this flavor combination; you can get creative with it and switch it up whenever you want.
If you like sweet recipes featuring tasty bananas, you will love strawberry banana cake and peanut butter chocolate bananas.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's budget-friendly: I love creating delicious and beautiful food on a budget! If you don't have a lot of extra money to spare, don't worry. I find that these ingredients aren't very expensive, and many of them are kitchen staples you are likely to purchase anyway.
- It saves time: Gone are the days of cooking individual slices. Turning traditional French toast into a casserole leaves you with less hands-on time in the kitchen and more time to spend with family guests.
- Prep is so easy: This isn't a complicated recipe to follow, which makes it even more appealing! I cook a lot, but if you are someone who doesn't, you can still make this banana French toast bake and achieve a showstopping breakfast.
Ingredients
Essential ingredients for making this recipe are highlighted below. It's fairly simple with the components of the custard, fruit, and chocolate to round out the list.
- Brioche: I love the fluffy texture and sweet flavor of brioche for this recipe. I highly recommend that you don't substitute it, or you won't get the best result.
- Bananas: Ensure the bananas are nice and ripe, but not mushy or too firm. Avoid overly brown or green peels for the best flavor possible.
- Chocolate chips: I use semi-sweet chocolate chips to keep the overall dish from becoming too sweet. They have a subtle bitterness that provides a lovely balance. Some will be reserved to sprinkle on top at the end, too.
- Milk: Whole milk is best if possible because it makes the best custard. Skim is a little too watery, so I would avoid it, but 2% should work well.
- Eggs: These are crucial in a good French toast recipe. They add structure and flavor to the brioche. Ensure they are whisked well so they soak into the bread completely.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Banana peanut butter French toast: Try this French toast casserole with peanut butter chips instead of chocolate chips for a different and slightly savory experience.
- Banana blueberry French toast: Add some fresh blueberries to complement the bananas. Keep or omit the chocolate chips based on your preference.
- Banana caramel French toast: Drizzle the finished casserole with your favorite caramel sauce, or use caramel bits in place of the chocolate chips.
How to Make Baked Banana French Toast
Here are the instructions on how to make this French toast casserole with bananas. When you are ready to bake it, preheat your oven to 325 degrees F.
Step 1: Add melted butter. Melt the butter and pour it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Step 2: Add the bread. Place slices of bread in a single layer on top of the butter. Slice them into smaller pieces, if needed, to make it even.
Step 3: Layer bananas and chocolate. Arrange half of the banana slices on top of the bread, and sprinkle half of the chocolate chips on top.
Step 4: Prepare the custard. Then, combine the milk, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon in a measuring cup or small bowl. Whisk until smooth.
Step 5: Add the second layer and custard. Repeat a second layer of bread, the remaining banana slices, and chocolate chips. Next, pour the custard mixture evenly over the top. Cover the pan and chill it for at least 3 hours.
Step 6: Bake and serve. Remove the pan from the refrigerator, cover it with foil, and bake it for 45 minutes. Increase the temperature to 375 degrees F, uncover the French toast and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Recipe Tips
- Try stale bread: Sometimes, I like to use stale or slightly dried-out bread for this recipe. It has a slimmer chance of becoming soggy, and it browns better in the oven. Plus, it's a great way to use bread you may have sitting in your kitchen.
- All bread must be soaked: When you pour the custard mixture on top of the layers, ensure it soaks through both to saturate the bread. You don't want it to be swimming, but it needs to be coated.
- Rest before serving: Allow the French toast a few minutes to cool and rest when you pull it out of the oven. This helps make serving easier as it will come out of the pan with less effort.
If you love recipes with a delicious chocolate and banana combination, you may also enjoy these banana pudding brownies.
Storage Directions
- Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You may freeze leftover casserole for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: You may reheat it covered in a 325-degree oven for 8-10 minutes or a single serving in the microwave for 45-60 seconds.
- Make Ahead: Since your French toast with chocolate chips casserole will need some time to set in the fridge, feel free to prepare it the day before. Then, it will be ready to bake for Sunday brunch!
Serving Suggestions
- Every tasty French toast needs a delectable syrup. Instead of classic, try this butter pecan syrup or blueberry syrup for a fruity twist.
- Sausage gravy biscuit bombs make a great savory side to balance the sweet banana French toast bake.
- Get fancy and enjoy a strong and citrusy breakfast shot with your French toast.
Recipe FAQs
Sure! Tear it into smaller pieces or cut it into cubes if you prefer. Still follow the steps listed and create two layers.
If you don't mix the custard thoroughly or pour it evenly over the bread so it soaks up, sometimes it will separate and create scrambled eggs at the bottom of the pan. Make sure that you mix it well!
Of course. Kick your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes to get a little extra crunch on top!
More Delicious French Toast Recipes
Do you like French toast? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.
If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!
Banana French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
- ½ stick unsalted butter melted
- 10 slices brioche bread divided
- 4-6 bananas sliced and divided
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips divided
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 6 eggs large
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Spray a 9x13 casserole dish with non-stick spray.
- Add melted butter to the bottom of the dish, then place slices of bread to cover the bottom.
- Add slices of banana on top of the bread, then sprinkle ½ cup chocolate chips.
- Make another layer of bread, banana and chocolate chips. Set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl (it is easier to use one with a spout) add milk, eggs, vanilla and ground cinnamon. Whisk until combined.
- Pour over top, ensuring to get all the bread wet. Cover with foil and set in the fridge for at least 3 hours or overnight.
- When ready to bake, remove from the fridge as the oven preheats to 325F.
- Lightly spray the inside of the aluminum foil with non-stick spray, then bake covered for 45 minutes, then increase the heat to 375F. Once the oven has reached 375F, then carefully remove the tinfoil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top starts to get golden brown.
- Cool slightly and serve warm.
Video
Notes
- Store any extra French toast in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Ensure that you mix the custard well and pour it evenly over the bread so you don't have bits of scrambled egg after you bake it.
- Saturate the bread in the mixture so it soaks in properly, but pour it evenly, so there aren't any pieces that are swimming in it.
Nutrition
This post was originally published, 7/27/19. It's been updated with new content and images.
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