Prepare to transform your ordinary morning into an extraordinary culinary experience that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This isn't just another French toast recipe - it's a luxurious breakfast masterpiece that combines the rich, buttery softness of brioche, the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, and the warm, comforting embrace of cinnamon. Whether you're looking to impress weekend guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality breakfast at home, this baked French toast promises to elevate your morning meal from mundane to magnificent.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Breakfast
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf brioche bread
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
- 6 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously butter a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Slice the brioche bread into thick 1-inch slices, approximately 6-8 pieces depending on loaf size.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until completely smooth and well combined.
- Arrange a single layer of brioche slices in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping if needed.
- Distribute sliced ripe bananas evenly across the bread layer, ensuring good coverage.
- Carefully pour the egg mixture over the bread and bananas, making sure each slice is thoroughly saturated.
- Allow the bread to soak for 5-10 minutes, gently pressing down to help absorption.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven.
- Bake covered for 20 minutes, then remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until golden brown and slightly puffed.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Optionally, dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, or top with additional sliced bananas before serving.
Tips
- Choose Perfectly Ripe Bananas: Select bananas with brown spots, as they're sweeter and will caramelize beautifully during baking.
- Bread Selection Matters: Use day-old brioche if possible, as slightly stale bread absorbs the egg mixture more effectively.
- Soaking Technique: Allow sufficient soaking time (5-10 minutes) to ensure the bread is thoroughly saturated with the egg mixture.
- Even Distribution: When adding banana slices, aim for consistent coverage to guarantee flavor in every bite.
- Prevent Burning: Covering the dish with foil for the first part of baking prevents over-browning while ensuring the interior remains custardy.
- Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve right after resting to enjoy the perfect balance of crispy edges and soft interior.
- Customization Options: Experiment with toppings like toasted nuts, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 250mg
