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Easy Bananas Foster French Toast Casserole Recipe

Easy Bananas Foster French Toast Casserole

A make-ahead French toast casserole made with day-old bread, cinnamon-nutmeg custard, and a warm bananas Foster topping. Serves 8 in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 3 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

French Toast Casserole
  • 1 loaf, about 16 ounces French bread or brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 8 eggs Large eggs
  • 2 cups Whole milk
  • 1/4 cup Granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons Pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
Bananas Foster Topping
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted butter
  • 1 cup Packed light or dark brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup Heavy cream or milk
  • 1/4 cup Dark rum, optional
  • 3 bananas Ripe but firm bananas, sliced
  • 1/2 cup Chopped pecans, optional
  • 1 pinch Salt

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish and add the cubed French bread or brioche in an even layer.
  2. Whisk the eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl. Pour the custard evenly over the bread and gently press the cubes down so they absorb the liquid.
  3. Cover the baking dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  4. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the covered casserole for about 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 15–25 minutes, until puffed, golden, and set in the center.
  5. While the casserole bakes, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, cream or milk, and pinch of salt, then simmer for 2–3 minutes until smooth.
  6. Add the banana slices and pecans, if using. Cook gently for 2–3 minutes, just until the bananas are warmed and lightly coated.
  7. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the rum, if using. Spoon the warm banana mixture and sauce over the baked casserole and serve immediately.

Notes

Day-old or slightly stale bread gives the best texture because it absorbs the custard without becoming soggy. Add the bananas shortly before serving so they remain intact. For a nonalcoholic version, use an additional 1/4 cup cream or 1 teaspoon rum extract instead of rum. Optional toppings include powdered sugar, whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, and extra toasted pecans.