A Delightful Overnight Delight

Imagine waking up to the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked banana French toast, its golden, crispy crust beckoning you to take a bite. Well, friends, that dream can become a reality with this Baked Banana French Toast Casserole. As a self-proclaimed banana lover, I just had to share this incredibly delicious and easy-to-make recipe with all of you.

Now, I know what you’re thinking – French toast casserole? Isn’t that just a fancier way of saying “baked French toast”? Well, let me tell you, this dish is so much more than that. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.

The Inspiration Behind the Dish

The inspiration for this casserole actually came from a very special occasion – the twins’ first birthday party. With a “Monkeys and Bananas” theme, it was only fitting that the menu featured a banana-centric dish. And let me tell you, this Baked Banana French Toast Casserole was an absolute hit with all the banana lovers in our family (which, let’s be honest, is pretty much all of us!).

The Preparation Process

The beauty of this recipe is that it can be prepared the night before, making it the perfect choice for a weekend brunch or a special holiday breakfast. It all starts with a generous loaf of sourdough bread, which I lovingly chop into bite-sized chunks. Then, in a large bowl, I whisk together the wet ingredients – eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugars, vanilla, and cinnamon – creating a rich and decadent custard.

Next, I add the chopped bananas to the bread chunks and gently stir everything together before pouring it into a greased casserole dish. Once it’s all snugly nestled in, I cover it up and let it sit in the fridge overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the bread to soak up all that delicious custard.

The Baking Process

When it’s time to bake, I preheat the oven and let the casserole do its magic. As it bakes, the scent of cinnamon and banana will fill your kitchen, teasing your senses and making your mouth water in anticipation.

But the real show-stopper happens when I add the streusel topping. By combining flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter, I create a crumbly, sweet, and crunchy layer that perfectly complements the soft and fluffy interior of the French toast.

The Final Result

Once the casserole is golden brown and the streusel is melted and gooey, it’s time to dig in. Serve it up warm, with a generous drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of powdered sugar, and get ready for the ultimate breakfast (or even dessert) experience.

Trust me, one bite of this Baked Banana French Toast Casserole, and you’ll be hooked. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, creamy, and indulgent, with just the right amount of banana flavor to make it truly irresistible.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to your kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get ready to wow your family and friends with this delightful breakfast masterpiece. And don’t forget to check out Home Cooking Rocks for more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration!

Baked Banana French Toast Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 lb loaf Sourdough or French Bread, cut into chunks
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups (480ml) milk (whole or 2%)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup (104g) sugar
• 1/4 cup (36g) light brown sugar, unpacked
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 6–7 medium-sized bananas, chopped
• 3/4 cup (98g) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (169g) firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup (112g) salted butter, cut into pieces

Instructions:

1. Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
2. Add the bread chunks to a large bowl and set aside.
3. In another large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
4. Pour the egg mixture over the bread chunks and add the chopped banana, then gently stir to combine everything.
5. Pour the bread mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
6. Cover the casserole and store in the fridge overnight.
7. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C).
8. Bake the casserole for about 35-40 minutes, or until it’s at your desired level of doneness.
9. While the casserole bakes, combine the dry ingredients for the streusel, except for the butter.
10. Add the butter and mash into the dry mixture until it forms a crumbly mixture.
11. When the casserole looks about done, remove it from the oven and crumble the streusel over the top.
12. Continue baking the casserole for about 5 minutes, or until the streusel is melted over the top.
13. Serve the casserole warm with syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Enjoy this decadent and easy-to-make Baked Banana French Toast Casserole, and don’t forget to check out Home Cooking Rocks for more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration!