Banana Nut French Toast Casserole

Few breakfast dishes bring as much warmth and comfort as a perfectly baked French toast casserole. Whether you're hosting brunch, preparing a holiday morning feast, or simply looking for a delicious way to start your day, this Banana Nut French Toast Casserole is a must-try. It features soft, custard-soaked bread, sweet caramelized bananas, and a satisfying crunch from toasted nuts—all baked to golden perfection. Plus, it's an easy make-ahead recipe, making your mornings stress-free and delicious.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it the night before and simply bake in the morning.
• Rich and Comforting: The flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla blend beautifully with bananas and nuts.
• Great for a Crowd: Perfect for holiday gatherings, weekend brunches, or meal prepping.
• Customizable: Works with different bread types, nuts, and dairy options.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 1 loaf of day-old brioche, challah, or French bread, cut into cubes
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 ripe bananas, sliced
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

For the Topping:

• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup melted butter
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ cup additional sliced bananas
• ¼ cup chopped nuts

Optional Toppings:

• Maple syrup
• Powdered sugar
• Whipped cream
• Caramel sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bread Base

1. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Spread the cubed bread evenly in the dish.
3. Arrange sliced bananas and chopped nuts over the bread.

Step 2: Make the Custard

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
2. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, pressing down gently to ensure all pieces absorb the liquid.

Step 3: Refrigerate Overnight (Optional)

• Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor and texture.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon.
3. Drizzle the mixture over the casserole and top with additional banana slices and nuts.

Step 5: Bake

• Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.
• If it starts browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

• Let the casserole cool slightly before slicing.
• Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, whipped cream, or caramel sauce.

Tips for the Best Banana Nut French Toast Casserole

• Use Stale Bread: Day-old bread absorbs the custard better without becoming mushy.
• Layer the Bananas Wisely: Place some inside the casserole and some on top for a mix of caramelized and soft textures.
• Go Nutty: Toasting the nuts before adding them enhances their crunch and flavor.
• Don’t Skip the Refrigeration: Chilling overnight deepens the flavors and improves texture.
• Customize It: Try adding chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or swapping nuts for seeds.

Variations

• Dairy-Free: Use almond, oat, or coconut milk and replace butter with coconut oil.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread.
• Extra Sweet: Drizzle honey or caramel over the top before serving.
• Spiced-Up: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger for a twist on classic flavors.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and beverages:

• Fruits: Fresh berries, orange slices, or a fruit salad.
• Protein: Crispy bacon, sausage links, or Greek yogurt.
• Drinks: A cup of coffee, chai latte, or fresh orange juice.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual slices for 30–60 seconds.

Final Thoughts

This Banana Nut French Toast Casserole is an effortless yet indulgent way to enjoy breakfast. Its combination of rich custard, sweet bananas, and crunchy nuts creates a delightful texture and flavor balance. Whether you're making it for a special occasion or a cozy weekend brunch, it's bound to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it out, and let us know how it turns out!