Description
This Banana French Toast Casserole with Streusel Topping is a delightful breakfast or brunch dish combining soft, custardy French bread and ripe bananas baked under a crunchy, cinnamon-spiced streusel topping. Perfectly soaked in a vanilla and cinnamon custard, this make-ahead casserole is baked to a golden finish and served warm with optional toppings like maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 12 oz cubed French bread (brioche or day-old baguette)
- 4-5 ripe bananas, sliced
- 7 large eggs
- 1¾ cups milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For the Streusel Topping:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 12 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with pan spray or butter. Place the well-dried bread cubes evenly in the dish, then layer the sliced bananas on top of the bread cubes.
- Make Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla bean paste, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until fully combined. Slowly pour the custard over the bread and bananas, ensuring it is evenly distributed without splashing. If spices settle, swirl or whisk before finishing pouring.
- Refrigerate to Soak: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, allowing the bread to soak up the custard fully.
- Prepare Streusel Topping: In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cold cubed butter, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Use a pastry cutter or fork to mix until the mixture forms large crumbs.
- Add Topping to Casserole: Remove the casserole from the refrigerator. Sprinkle and spread the streusel topping evenly over the soaked bread and banana mixture, breaking into large pieces as you go.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the custard is set and the streusel topping is golden brown.
- Cool Slightly: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes to set before serving.
- Serve: Serve warm topped with optional maple syrup, powdered sugar, whipped cream, or fresh fruit like additional bananas or strawberries. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread for better custard absorption to avoid a soggy casserole.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and cream with plant-based alternatives and use vegan butter in the streusel.
- Vanilla bean paste adds a rich flavor, but vanilla extract can be used as a substitute.
- The casserole can be prepared the night before and refrigerated for convenience.
- Storing leftovers covered in the refrigerator will keep the casserole fresh for 3-4 days.
- Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to preserve texture and flavor.