Description
This Banana Bread Pudding Casserole is a delightful twist on French toast, featuring layers of day-old bread, ripe bananas, and a rich custard. Perfect for brunch or breakfast, it’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead for a stress-free meal. Enjoy it warm with maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar for a delicious treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 loaf of day-old bread (preferably brioche or challah)
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut the loaf of day-old bread into 1-inch cubes. If using fresh bread, let it sit out for a few hours to dry or toast the cubes lightly in the oven for about 10 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced bananas with a sprinkle of lemon juice to prevent browning. Set aside.
- In another large bowl, crack the 6 eggs and whisk until well beaten.
- Add the 2 cups of whole milk, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk until smooth.
- Pour in the 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter and mix until fully incorporated.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and layer the bread cubes evenly across the bottom.
- Gently fold in the sliced bananas and optional chopped walnuts or pecans, distributing them evenly.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread and banana layers. Use a spatula to gently press down on the bread cubes to ensure they soak up the mixture.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and let it sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate overnight.
- Remove the foil and place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes until the top is golden and slightly crispy.
- If the top is browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
- Cut the casserole into squares and serve with warm maple syrup drizzled over each piece.
- Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
- Serve with fresh berries or whipped cream for added freshness.
Notes
- For best results, use day-old bread to prevent sogginess.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite nuts or add-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes