Save This Banana Bread French Toast Bake brings together everything I love about cozy breakfasts. Sweet banana bread is soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla custard, then baked until the top is golden and the inside is meltingly soft. It is the ultimate treat for a slow weekend morning or when you want to spoil your brunch crowd.
The first time I made this was when I had a half loaf of homemade banana bread that no one was eating. One morning I cubed it up whisked together a quick custard and popped it in the oven. That smell of baking banana bread custard literally drew my family downstairs and now it is our most-requested weekend breakfast.
Ingredients
- Banana bread: cubed day-old is best it will absorb the custard and hold shape
- Eggs: large fresh eggs help set the custard for a creamy texture
- Whole milk: rich and creamy this makes the custard lush
- Heavy cream: adds depth and silkiness
- Light brown sugar: brings a gentle sweetness and a hint of caramel
- Vanilla extract: infuses warmth always use pure extract for best results
- Ground cinnamon: delivers a classic French toast flavor
- Ground nutmeg: offers extra warmth just a pinch does the trick
- Salt: balances the sweetness and lifts the spices
- Unsalted butter: melted for drizzling on top encourages browning and adds flavor
- Optional chopped pecans or walnuts: add crunch and nuttiness
- Optional sliced bananas and maple syrup: bring a fresh finishing touch
Instructions
- Prepare the pan:
- Grease a 23 by 33 centimeter baking dish with butter or oil to prevent sticking and create a golden edge
- Fill the dish:
- Arrange banana bread cubes evenly in the baking dish Try not to pack them too tightly so the custard soaks through
- Make the custard:
- In a large bowl whisk together eggs whole milk heavy cream brown sugar vanilla cinnamon nutmeg and salt for at least thirty seconds until completely combined and no streaks of egg remain
- Soak the bread:
- Pour the custard over the banana bread Slowly press the cubes down gently with the back of a large spoon to help the bread absorb the custard Let it stand for ten minutes
- Add the topping:
- Mix melted butter with brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl Use a spoon to drizzle this evenly over the surface Sprinkle with nuts if using
- Bake:
- Place dish in an oven preheated to one-hundred-eighty degrees Celsius Bake for forty to forty-five minutes Rotate the pan after twenty-five minutes for even color The bake is done when the center feels softly set and the top is deeply golden
- Rest and serve:
- Remove from oven Allow it to cool for five minutes before cutting Serve with sliced bananas and a drizzle of maple syrup if you like
Save My favorite part is how the top gets golden and a little crisp while the bottom is dreamily custardy. The first time I served this my youngest actually asked if we could have breakfast for dinner just so she could have seconds.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge They reheat well in the oven at one-hundred-sixty degrees Celsius for ten to fifteen minutes You can also microwave portions for a quick warm up but the oven keeps the top crisp
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap heavy cream for more whole milk to lighten up Oat or almond milk with vegan butter work great for dairy-free guests Try chocolate chips instead of nuts for an extra-indulgent version
Serving Suggestions
Pair with strong coffee or hot chocolate for a true brunch feast Add a scoop of vanilla Greek yogurt or dollop of whipped cream for extra luxury Fresh berries add brightness to every bite
Save This Banana Bread French Toast Bake is guaranteed to be a hit for breakfast or brunch. Every bite feels cozy and special.
Recipe Guide
- → Can I use store-bought banana bread?
Yes, store-bought banana bread works well. Day-old bread is preferable for best texture and custard absorption.
- → How do I make it dairy-free?
Use plant-based milk and cream, and vegan butter to make this bake suitable for dairy-free diets.
- → What size baking dish is needed?
A 23x33 cm (9x13-inch) baking dish is ideal for evenly cooking and serving six portions.
- → Can I prepare it ahead of time?
You can assemble the dish ahead and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning for convenience.
- → What toppings pair well?
Sliced bananas, maple syrup, pecans, walnuts, or even chocolate chips are delicious finishing touches.
- → Is stale bread better for this?
Yes, slightly stale banana bread soaks up the custard more effectively, leading to better texture after baking.