Imagine waking up to the heavenly aroma of Salted Caramel Banana Nut French Toast Casserole wafting through your kitchen, enticing you to indulge in a breakfast that feels like dessert! This delectable dish combines the soft, buttery goodness of brioche bread with ripe bananas, crunchy walnuts, and a luscious salted caramel drizzle that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Perfect for brunch gatherings or cozy family breakfasts, this recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that will leave everyone craving more. Ready to impress your loved ones? Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe that’s as simple as it is satisfying!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of brioche bread, cubed
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced
- 6 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until fully combined and smooth. This creates the custard base for the casserole.
- Cube the brioche bread into 1-inch pieces. Spread half of the bread cubes evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Layer the sliced bananas over the first layer of bread cubes, ensuring even distribution across the dish.
- Sprinkle half of the chopped walnuts over the banana layer to add crunch and nutty flavor.
- Add the remaining bread cubes on top of the banana and walnut layer, creating a second bread layer.
- Slowly pour the egg custard mixture over the bread, making sure to saturate all the bread cubes evenly. Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the liquid.
- Sprinkle the remaining chopped walnuts over the top of the casserole.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set in the center.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes to allow the casserole to set.
- Drizzle the salted caramel sauce generously over the top of the casserole just before serving.
- Slice and serve warm, optionally garnishing with additional banana slices or a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.
Tips
- Use Day-Old Bread: For the best texture, use day-old brioche bread. It will absorb the custard mixture better, resulting in a creamier casserole.
- Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to swap out walnuts for pecans or almonds if you prefer a different nutty flavor. You can also toast the nuts beforehand for an extra crunch!
- Make It Ahead: This casserole can be assembled the night before. Just cover it with foil and refrigerate. In the morning, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Don’t Skip the Caramel: The salted caramel sauce is what takes this dish over the top! Drizzle generously just before serving for a beautiful presentation and a delicious sweet-salty balance.
- Serve with a Side: Pair your casserole with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the flavors and add a refreshing contrast.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 62g
Protein: 14g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 210mg
