Caramel Banana French Toast Bake
Overnight Caramel Banana French Toast bake filled with a layer of caramelized bananas, a hint of rum and topped with toasted walnuts! Make this in advance for a stress free brunch entree for your family or guests.
My three day weekend went by so fast! For you too?!! I guess it’s true that time goes by when you’re having fun!
I planned on spending some time writing up recipes and taking photos, but my days got away from me.
Instead of getting ahead of my blogging/recipe sharing, I enjoyed the warm California wave of February summer sun that suddenly appeared, caught up on some sleep, walked and cuddled with our new furry family member, Abby, and today Alan and I went on a bike ride along the beach.
After a long ride, which caused me to have spaghetti legs (what a hilarious sight!) after getting off the bike, I popped this Banana French Toast Bake in the oven! Â
I put this breakfast casserole together the night before and it sure hit the spot for brunch! This dish can serve a crowd. It’s enough for 6-8 so share with some lucky friends or family members.
Our son happened to come by the house to visit, so we sent him off with enough for him and his roommates. Otherwise, I think we would have nibbled on this for dinner!
I love the crunchy texture of the nuts that I decided to add at the last minute, and the nice gooey layer of caramel and bananas in the middle of the casserole! This combination of flavors are delicious enough to be served as a dessert too, just top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Caramel Banana French Toast
Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons 1 stick butter, unsalted
- 1 cup dark brown sugar packed
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 Tablespoons dark rum or spiced rum – optional
- 3 medium ripe bananas sliced
- 1 loaf challah cut in 1/2 inch pieces
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup fat-free half and half
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup walnuts toasted and chopped
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, and rum (optional) and cook until blended and smooth. Remove from heat just as the mix begins to bubble and fold in bananas.
- Put half of the diced bread in a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish. Top with caramel banana mixture. Top with remaining bread.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, half and half, vanilla and salt. Pour over casserole ensuring all pieces are soaked in the egg mixture by pressing down on the bread pieces with a large spoon. Top with walnuts.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight or at least 4 hours.
- Uncover baking dish and bake at 350F° for 40-50 minutes or until egg is set and top is light golden brown.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that the nutritional information provided are guidelines and may vary based on the brand of products used. For your specific nutritional goals use My Fitness Pal or Verywell Fit recipe calculators. All content within this site is not intended as medical diagnosis or treatment and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical expertise.
CARAMEL banana? I had to double check the recipe when I saw this. YES PLEASE!
Coming right up, Nagi 🙂
ooooh there’s rum in there? I’m sold. Looks delicious!
yep, rum! Just a tiny bit, but what a flavorful addition!
I just adore make ahead french toast casseroles! 🙂 And this one looks amazing- love the flavors happening here.
Thanks, Carrie! This one is a crowd pleaser.
I beat this is so good it doesn’t need syrup. Caramel is so much better.
No syrup needed at all!
I hope this treat made your spaghetti legs stronger 😉 It looks yummy!
heehee! Fueled those muscles for sure!
I’m pretty sure I’d have no problem eating half the pan! Looks seriously amazing!!
Thanks, Sheena! Yes, this one requires a little restraint…or hungry kids 🙂
Looks and sounds yummy. Love that it is a prep ahead recipe.
Isn’t overnight meals a timesaver? I always feel so relaxed when all I have to to is turn on the oven
I just adore this dish and hope to try it very soon!
I hope you do, Linda! I would love to hear how you like it!
Wow this sounds fabulous!
Thanks, Rachel. It’s goes on the yummy spectrum for sure!
Yum! This looks delicious! I haven’t had french toast in ages
I know, we don’t make French toast as often as I would like!
Delicious! I can just tell this would be so cozy and comforting. I am glad you took 3 days for yourself, blogging can wait! I always feel like I am behind and can never catch up…
Me too, Bam, me too! Sigh, so much I always want to do!