Banana Bread French Toast Bake (Printable)

Comforting breakfast casserole with banana bread and cinnamon-vanilla custard, baked until golden and warm.

# Components:

→ Banana Bread

01 - 1 loaf banana bread (approximately 14 ounces), preferably day-old, cut into 1-inch cubes

→ Custard

02 - 4 large eggs
03 - 1 2/3 cups whole milk
04 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
05 - 1/3 cup light brown sugar
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
09 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Topping

10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
11 - 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
12 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
13 - 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
14 - Sliced bananas, for serving (optional)
15 - Maple syrup, for serving (optional)

# Method:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - Spread the banana bread cubes evenly across the prepared baking dish.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
04 - Pour the custard over the banana bread cubes, gently press to submerge and saturate all bread. Allow to rest for 10 minutes for optimal absorption.
05 - In a small bowl, stir together melted butter, light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Drizzle evenly over soaked bread mixture and scatter nuts on top if using.
06 - Transfer dish to oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the custard is set and the surface is golden brown.
07 - Let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced bananas and drizzle with maple syrup as desired before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses leftover or day-old banana bread which means less food waste
  • Easy to prep and bakes up in one dish for less mess
  • Customizable with nuts fruits or chocolate to please everyone
  • Richly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg for serious comfort-food energy
  • Preps ahead and feeds a crowd
02 -
  • Makes the house smell incredible
  • Easily doubles for a bigger group
  • Great use for banana bread that is a little past its prime
03 -
  • Use slightly stale banana bread to avoid a soggy center
  • Soak the bread for at least ten minutes for best custard absorption
  • Rotate your pan halfway through baking for even browning

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