When I first tried this Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole, I knew it was going to be a keeper. It’s rich, gooey, and perfectly sweet, with hints of cinnamon and caramelized banana in every bite. The best part? It’s so simple to make!

You can even prep it ahead of time, making those lazy mornings stress-free. Whether I’m serving it up for a weekend brunch or when friends stop by, this dish always gets rave reviews. You can also enjoy similar and other dishes in our recipes for appetizers. Trust me, you’re going to love it too!

Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

French bread (12 oz loaf, preferably day-old)
Bananas (4, ripe)
Eggs (4 large)
Milk (1 cup)
Heavy cream (1 cup)
Brown sugar (½ cup for custard, ¼ cup for topping)
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon)
Salt (a pinch)
All-purpose flour (⅓ cup for topping)
Unsalted butter (cold, 4 tablespoons, cubed for topping)

Note: This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.

Variations

Here are a few tweaks to make this recipe your own or to fit your dietary needs:

Dairy-Free: Swap the milk for almond or oat milk, and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
Sugar-Free: Substitute brown sugar with a natural or calorie-free sweetener like monk fruit.
Gluten-Free: Replace the French bread with gluten-free bread.
Flavor Enhancers: Add a handful of chocolate chips, a sprinkle of nutmeg, or a splash of rum extract for an extra twist.

You can also enjoy cranberry-infused treats like this Orange Cake with Cranberry Filling Recipe, which would complement your brunch table.

Cooking Time

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

Equipment You Need

Baking dish (9×13-inch): Perfect for assembling and baking the casserole.
Mixing bowls: To whisk together custard and prepare the topping.
Whisk: Crucial for a smooth custard mixture.
Knife and cutting board: For slicing bread and bananas.
Plastic wrap: Keeps the assembled casserole fresh overnight.

How to Make Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole?

This casserole serves up a sweet, cozy breakfast with gooey layers of custard-soaked bread, caramelized bananas, and a buttery brown sugar topping. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned cook, it’s easy to perfect!

Prepare the Bread

Start by cutting your French bread into 1-inch cubes. If the bread isn’t stale, spread the cubes out on a tray and leave them overnight. The drier the bread, the better it will absorb the custard, giving you a deliciously soft yet firm consistency.

Assemble the Layers

Grease your baking dish lightly to prevent sticking. Spread the bread cubes evenly across the dish, then layer slices of ripe banana over the top. This step creates the irresistible banana flavor that anchors the entire dish.

Make the Custard

Whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until fully combined. Pour this mixture over the bread and bananas, ensuring everything gets soaked. Use the back of a spoon to lightly press down the bread, so nothing remains dry.

Chill It Overnight

Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight. This allows the bread to absorb all the flavors and ensures a well-set casserole after baking.

Add Topping and Bake

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix flour, brown sugar, and cubed butter with your fingers until crumbly to create the topping. Sprinkle this mix evenly over the casserole and bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the top turns golden and the custard is fully set.

Serve and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, serve the casserole warm. A drizzle of syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream can take it over the top.

Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole

Source: Pinterest

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This recipe is everything you need for a comforting breakfast or brunch.

Perfect for beginners and super easy to make.
Prep it the night before for a no-stress morning.
Endless customization options for flavors and dietary needs.
Crowd-pleasing for both kids and adults alike.
Feels like a warm hug on a plate with its soft, sweet, and gooey texture.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole?

To make this dish truly shine, get creative with the presentation. Serve it warm, topped with whipped cream, powdered sugar, or a drizzle of maple syrup. Add a few fresh berries for a pop of color or garnish with mint leaves for an elegant touch. Pair it with hearty starters like Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread Recipe for an indulgent brunch experience.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick guide to the nutrition per serving:

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

Make Ahead and Storage

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it fits into a busy schedule. You can assemble it ahead of time for ease.

Refrigeration: If you have any leftovers, cover the baking dish tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven before serving.

Freezing: Once baked, you can freeze the casserole. Wrap it tightly in foil and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are a few things I’ve learned while making this dish that might help you too:

Use stale bread for the best texture. If yours is fresh, dry it out overnight or in the oven.
Don’t skip the chilling step. It helps the flavors merge beautifully.
Taste the custard mixture before pouring it over the bread to ensure it’s sweetened to your liking.
Distribute the topping evenly for a perfect golden crust on each slice.

This Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for breakfast or brunch. Its warm, sweet flavors and customizable nature make it perfect for any occasion. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll soon become one of your favorites too!

Check out our step-by-step video on YouTube here: