Overnight Caramel Banana French Toast Bake filled with a layer of caramelized bananas, a hint of rum and topped with toasted walnuts!
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 Caramel Banana French Toast Bake in the oven!  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. Sam 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 too!
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 Bake
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
[email protected] Eats
CARAMEL banana? I had to double check the recipe when I saw this. YES PLEASE!
Sandra Shaffer
Coming right up, Nagi 🙂
Erica (@Erica's Recipes)
ooooh there’s rum in there? I’m sold. Looks delicious!
Sandra Shaffer
yep, rum! Just a tiny bit, but what a flavorful addition!
Carrie @Frugal Foodie Mama
I just adore make ahead french toast casseroles! 🙂 And this one looks amazing- love the flavors happening here.
Sandra Shaffer
Thanks, Carrie! This one is a crowd pleaser.
Christie
I beat this is so good it doesn’t need syrup. Caramel is so much better.
Sandra Shaffer
No syrup needed at all!
Shelby
I hope this treat made your spaghetti legs stronger 😉 It looks yummy!
Sandra Shaffer
heehee! Fueled those muscles for sure!
Sheena @ Hot Eats and Cool Reads
I’m pretty sure I’d have no problem eating half the pan! Looks seriously amazing!!
Sandra Shaffer
Thanks, Sheena! Yes, this one requires a little restraint…or hungry kids 🙂
Norma Chang
Looks and sounds yummy. Love that it is a prep ahead recipe.
Sandra Shaffer
Isn’t overnight meals a timesaver? I always feel so relaxed when all I have to to is turn on the oven
Linda (Meal Planning Maven)
I just adore this dish and hope to try it very soon!
Sandra Shaffer
I hope you do, Linda! I would love to hear how you like it!
Rachael
Wow this sounds fabulous!
Sandra Shaffer
Thanks, Rachel. It’s goes on the yummy spectrum for sure!
Jenny B @ Honey and Birch
Yum! This looks delicious! I haven’t had french toast in ages
Sandra Shaffer
I know, we don’t make French toast as often as I would like!
Bam's Kitchen
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…
Sandra Shaffer
Me too, Bam, me too! Sigh, so much I always want to do!