This overnight baked banana French toast is easy to make and delicious with bananas nestled alongside the custard-soaked bread and a touch of brown sugar and pecans crisped on the top.
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There's not too many times that I buy something for lunch partly because I want to use the leftovers for breakfast in a day or two's time, but that did indeed happen the other day.
I was running low on things to take for lunch for my son and I, but knew that where we were going was near a supermarket that we could pop in and get some bread and cheese to add to what we had. I had rolls in mind, and when I saw brioche rolls I immediately thought baked banana French toast for breakfast (the idea had been brewing before then) and so in the basket they went.
Different kinds of French toast
We have French toast now and again, but tend to go for the quick and easy way of slicing bread, soaking it quickly and frying in a little butter. Usually I just use egg, maybe with just a little milk but don't tend to get round to 'seasoning' the egg/custard.
However, I had often seen baked French toast recipes where you soaked the bread overnight. These seemed to lend themselves to making a bit more of a proper custard. Somehow the fact of preparing it the night before and doing a larger batch, it just made more sense, in my mind. (I've used the idea again in my strawberry French toast bake).
I'm glad I didn't make up this baked banana French toast until after I had already eaten. I needed to be full enough not to start eating it, as the smell from the custard was already delicious, even before I put it in the oven.
What makes this baked banana French toast
I decided to add in bananas because we all love them in our house. Furthermore, the taste when they are baked is intensified to add a fantastic natural sweetness to the dish. I still went for a little brown sugar mixed in with some pecans on top, though, just to give a delicious tasty crisp finish. The pecan-sugar mix goes so well with everything else and really finishes things off.
This baked banana French toast is a lovely mix of soft, comforting egg-custard soaked bread with a gentle spice and a crunchy nutty and sweet topping. The banana goes slightly gooey and has that great baked sweetness.
The fact that it doesn't take long to prepare but is also done in advance, ready to pop in the oven in the morning as you get your coffee or tea ready is all the better. Although it is tough to wait as the delicious smells drift from the oven, but it's worth it once you dig in. And, most likely, come back for some more. It's a perfect brunch dish, especially for a cold day.
Looking for more brunch ideas? Try these:
- Eggs Royale (smoked salmon eggs Benedict)
- Strawberry French toast bake
- Baked eggs with mushroom and asparagus
- Asparagus with easy blender Hollandaise sauce
- Plus get more ideas in the breakfast and brunch recipes archives.
Baked banana French toast
Ingredients
- Β½ tablespoon butter approx, a small knob
- 7 oz brioche 200g, or challah or Portuguese sweet bread
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup milk 240ml
- Β½ cup heavy cream 120ml double cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ΒΌ teaspoon cinnamon
- ΒΌ teaspoon nutmeg
- ΒΌ teaspoon ginger
- 1 banana
- 3 tablespoon pecan nuts
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
- Rub a baking dish with butter to lightly grease it (I used an 8x8in (20x20cm), roughly 2 quart dish).
- Chop bread into chunks around 1-1 Β½in/3-4cm across. Put them in the dish.
- Mix together the eggs, milk, cream, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger and pour over the bread. Toss any pieces that aren't covered in the custard and tuck them in so they form one layer, as far as possible. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- In the morning, preheat oven to 400F/190C.
- Peel and slice the banana and tuck the slices in between the bread. Crumble the pecans and mix with the sugar and sprinkle over the top.
- Bake for around 20 minutes until it's gently crisp on the top and soft but cooked underneath like bread pudding, or another 5-10mins more for a slightly dryer, crisper texture.
Nutrition
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Corina Blum
This sounds so tasty! I'd love to get up in the morning, pop this in the oven and really enjoy my breakfast! It would certainly be a change from plain and simple toast which I usually have.
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks, it's so tasty and I agree even better for the lack of effort in the morning.
Patty
This French toast recipe makes for an awesome brekkie, I like that it can be made the previous night, so easy and fast, will make it tonight for our tomorrow's breakfast!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks, yes it makes such a great, easy breakfast. And so tasty too.
Amanda
This looks so yummy, bananas and breakfast are two words that I love! I featured this post in my creative Valentine's Day breakfast round-up post!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks Amanda, and thanks for including in your roundup - I will head over to take a look!
Dini @ The Flavor Bender
You had me at French Toast! This looks amazing! Perfect brunch for a crowd!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks Dini!
Suchitra
I have always been wanting to make baked French toast but never found the perfect recipe. I am saving this one for trying. Thanks for sharing.
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks Suchitra, I hope you enjoy!
Angie
Very nice, Caroline! I've made French toast casserole several times, but haven't tried adding bananas. It's a great idea. I'll do that next time! π
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks Angie, they're really good in there π
Denise Wright
This looks wonderful. It's just the perfect thing to make when we have people staying with us. Definitely going to make this for guests over the holidays.
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks, Denise, definitely a good one for when you have guests - I hope you enjoy!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks KC, it is indeed delicious!