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- 6 ripe bananas, sliced into rounds - 12 slices of day-old brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes - 6 large eggs - 2 cups whole milk - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (divided) - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - Pinch of sea salt Ripe bananas are the star of this dish. They must be sweet and soft. The day-old brioche or challah bread adds a rich texture. The bread soaks up the custard well. Six large eggs make the base creamy and fluffy. The dairy ingredients play a key role. Whole milk adds a nice richness. Heavy cream gives a smooth, velvety feel. The combo creates a delicious custard that binds everything. Now, let’s talk about flavor. Brown sugar brings a deep sweetness. It pairs perfectly with bananas. Vanilla extract adds warmth and depth. Ground cinnamon and nutmeg bring cozy spice notes. A pinch of sea salt raises the flavor. It balances sweetness and adds complexity. These ingredients create a delightful balance. Each bite offers a mix of sweet, creamy, and spiced goodness. You are sure to love this casserole! - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. - Melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. - Add 6 sliced bananas and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. - Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring gently until golden brown. - In a large bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 2 cups of whole milk, and 1 cup of heavy cream. - Add ½ cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of sea salt. - Make sure the mixture is smooth and well combined. - Incorporate 12 slices of day-old brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes. - Gently fold in the caramelized bananas into the bread mixture. - Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. - Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. - Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. - After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. - The top should be golden-brown, and the center must be set. - Once baked, let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. - Serve warm, drizzled with maple syrup for a sweet touch. - Use ripe bananas with brown spots. They are sweeter and softer. - Heat the skillet to medium. This helps the bananas caramelize evenly. - Stir gently and often to avoid burning. You want them golden, not black. - Soak the bread until fully moist. This gives a rich, creamy custard. - Bake covered for the first half. This keeps the inside soft and fluffy. - Remove the foil for the last part to get a golden crust on top. - Serve slices on plates with extra caramelized banana slices on top. - Dust with powdered sugar for a nice look. It makes it feel special. - Add a small pitcher of warm maple syrup for guests to use. {{image_4}} You can add fun mix-ins to make this dish your own. Nuts bring a nice crunch. Try walnuts or pecans for added flavor. They pair well with the soft bananas. Chocolate chips also work great for a sweet touch. Just sprinkle them on top before baking. Want to change the flavors? Different spices can make a big impact. Cardamom adds a warm, unique taste. You can also swap the bread. Use cinnamon raisin bread for a sweet twist. Sourdough can give a tangy flavor. You can serve this casserole in many ways. Fresh fruits like berries add a nice burst of flavor. Whipped cream makes it feel extra special. This dish can even work as a dessert. Just drizzle with caramel sauce for a sweet finish. To keep your Caramelized Banana French Toast Casserole fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. Place the casserole in a container with a tight lid. This helps prevent drying out. You can also cover it with plastic wrap. Use it within three to four days for the best taste. When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, you can use a microwave or oven. For the microwave, cut a portion and heat it for 30 seconds. Check if it’s warm enough. If not, heat in 15-second bursts. For the oven, preheat to 350°F. Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil and heat for about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the texture nice and soft. You can freeze the casserole for later use. Cut it into squares and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned above. This way, you can enjoy the deliciousness anytime! You can use fresh bananas, but ripe ones work best. Ripe bananas are sweeter and softer. They caramelize nicely, adding a rich flavor. Fresh bananas will not caramelize as well. This change can affect both taste and texture. This casserole can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. Keep it in an airtight container. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Frozen, it can last up to three months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can prepare this casserole a day in advance. Follow the recipe, then cover it and place it in the fridge overnight. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This recipe is great for meal prep! You can portion it into individual servings. It’s easy to reheat and enjoy throughout the week. Consider adding different toppings like nuts or fruits for variety. Enjoy your delicious meals all week long! This post covered the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for making a banana bread casserole. Remember to caramelize your bananas for the best taste. Don't forget about variations like nuts or chocolate chips to make it your own. Proper storage ensures your leftovers stay fresh. Lastly, this dish serves as a delicious dessert or breakfast option. Enjoy your baking and the joy it brings to your table. You’ll love sharing this easy and tasty recipe with others.

Caramelized Banana French Toast Casserole

Indulge in a delightful breakfast with this Caramelized Banana French Toast Casserole that's bursting with flavor! This easy recipe combines ripe bananas, rich brioche, and a creamy custard for a sweet, gooey treat perfect for any occasion. Learn how to create this mouth-watering casserole that will impress your family and friends. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your brunch game!
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Ingredients
  

6 ripe bananas, sliced into rounds

1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for caramelizing bananas)

12 slices of day-old brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

6 large eggs

2 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup packed brown sugar (divided)

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Pinch of sea salt

Maple syrup (for serving)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish generously with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

    Caramelize the Bananas: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the tablespoon of unsalted butter. Once melted, carefully add the sliced bananas and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of the brown sugar. Cook the bananas for about 3-4 minutes, gently stirring them occasionally until they begin to caramelize and are golden brown. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

      Prepare the Bread Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, the remaining 1/2 cup of brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and pinch of sea salt. Ensure the mixture is smooth and well combined.

        Incorporate the Bread: Add the cubed brioche or challah bread into the egg mixture, gently folding to combine until all the bread pieces are saturated with the custard mixture.

          Fold in Caramelized Bananas: Carefully incorporate the cooled caramelized bananas into the bread mixture, folding them gently so that some chunks remain intact for a delightful texture in the final dish.

            Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the entire banana and bread mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Lightly press down to ensure the bread is submerged in the custard, as this will help achieve a rich, gooey texture.

              Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden-brown and the center is set when gently shaken.

                Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm, generously drizzled with maple syrup on top.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 8

                    - Presentation Tips: For a stunning presentation, place slices of the warm casserole on individual plates and garnish with additional caramelized banana slices. A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a touch of elegance. Serve with a small pitcher of warm maple syrup on the side for guests to drizzle as desired.