This Banana French Toast Casserole incorporates the rich flavors of sweet bananas, dairy-free cream cheese, and a hint of cinnamon into your morning routine. Indulge in a gluten-free breakfast delight that promises a delightful start to your day.

Banana French Toast Casserole: A Delicious Gluten-Free Breakfast

Are you looking for a mouthwatering breakfast recipe that will leave your family or guests craving for more? This Banana French Toast Casserole is a delightful treat that combines the goodness of ripe bananas with the rich flavors of a classic French toast.

Our banana french toast bake recipe is a versatile brunch suitable for all dietary preferences with gluten-free options and various customizable elements. Whether you’re serving this delightful breakfast for a special occasion for the holidays or a just a cozy weekend morning, this banana baked french toast casserole is bound to become a favorite at your breakfast table and sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

The key to crafting the perfect baked banana french toast lies in choosing the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and why each ingredient is essential:

• Gluten-Free Crusty Loaf: Opt for a gluten-free crusty loaf, preferably day-old bread for the best texture. We recommend brands like Unbun, Thornbury Bakery, Schar, Bread Srsly, AWG Bakery, or California Country Gal. If you’re not gluten-free, regular French bread, sourdough bread, or challah will work beautifully.
• Dairy-Free Cream Cheese: We love Kite-Hill’s dairy-free cream cheese, but you can also use regular cream cheese or cottage cheese if you prefer.
• Eggs: Use seven large eggs for that perfect custardy texture. If you have dietary restrictions, feel free to substitute with your preferred egg substitute.
• Almond Milk: We recommend unsweetened almond milk, but any milk of your choice will do.
• Coconut Sugar: For sweetness, use coconut sugar. Alternatively, you can substitute it with a granulated brown sweetener like Swerve or golden monk fruit sweetener for a lower sugar option. Light brown sugar also works.
• Bananas: Overripe bananas add natural sweetness and a luscious banana flavor to the casserole.
• Vanilla Extract and Ground Cinnamon: These spices add warmth and depth of flavor to your casserole.

Streusel Topping Ingredients

To create the scrumptious streusel topping for your Banana French Toast Casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Vegan butter: You can also use coconut oil, ghee, or regular unsalted butter if you’re not following a dairy-free diet.
• Gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour: Alternatively, you can substitute this with gluten-free finely ground oat flour, fine blanched almond flour, or even all-purpose flour if you don’t require a gluten-free option.
• Coconut sugar: Feel free to replace this with a granulated brown sweetener like Swerve or golden monk fruit sweetener if you want to reduce the sugar content. Light brown sugar is another suitable alternative.
• Ground cinnamon
• Chopped pecans (optional): If you enjoy the nutty crunch, add these in. However, they are entirely optional if you prefer a nut-free option.

Instructions: How to make Banana French Toast

• Prepare the Baking Dish: Begin by spraying a 9×13″ baking dish with non-stick spray.
• Blend the Cream Cheese Mixture: Blend the dairy-free cream cheese until smooth, then mix in sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Add 1/3 cup of milk and set aside 1/2 cup of this mixture.
• Layer the Casserole: Layer half of the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish. Add the reserved 1/2 cup cream cheese mixture over the bread, followed by a layer of sliced bananas. Layer the remaining bread on top.
• Blend the Egg Mixture: Combine the rest of the milk and eggs with the cream cheese mixture in the blender until smooth.
• Create the Streusel Topping: In a medium bowl, mix vegan butter (or your choice of butter), gluten-free baking flour, coconut sugar, and cinnamon until you have a crumbly streusel. Add chopped pecans if desired.
• Top the Casserole: Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the bread.
• Bake to Perfection: If making in advance, cover the dish and refrigerate. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees and bake for 43-52 minutes, or until the streusel is set and slightly dried. Monitor closely as baking times can vary based on ingredients and conditions.
• Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and serve warm with your favorite toppings, such as caramel sauce, powdered sugar, chopped pecans, coconut chips, or extra banana slices.

Tips for Success

• Blend the cottage cheese until smooth for a creamy texture.
• Layer the ingredients in the specified order for even distribution of flavors.
• Bake the casserole until the streusel topping is set and slightly crispy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delectable banana bread french toast casserole warm with your choice of toppings. Drizzle it with caramel sauce or syrup, dust it with powdered sugar or your favorite powdered sweetener, sprinkle some chopped pecans, coconut chips, or add extra banana slices for an irresistible finish.

Variations and Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with this banana french toast casserole recipe! Here are some ideas:

• Fruit Medley: Add other fruits like berries in our Strawberry French Toast Bake, Blueberry French Toast Bake or apple slices like our Apple French Toast Casserole for a fruity twist.
• Nut-Free: Skip the pecans if you have nut allergies.
• Dairy Options: Use regular butter and cream cheese if you’re not dairy-free.

Storage, Make-ahead and Freezer Instructions

Storing your leftover Banana French Toast Casserole properly is essential to keep it fresh and safe for consumption. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Cool to Room Temperature: Allow any leftover casserole to cool to room temperature before storing it.
2. Refrigeration: If you anticipate consuming the leftovers within a few days, place them in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate the casserole. It can typically be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
3. Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them in the oven or microwave until they are heated through. The oven is the preferred method as it helps maintain the casserole’s texture and flavor. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the casserole with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until it’s warmed to your liking.

This Banana French Toast Bake can easily be prepared in advance.

• Simply cut the bread in advance
• Mix the egg and milk mixture the night before.
• Assemble the night before, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate it overnight or for several hours.
• When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and follow the baking instructions.

Freezing: For longer-term storage, consider freezing individual portions. Wrap the portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place them in airtight containers. Make sure they are well-sealed to prevent freezer burn. Properly frozen, the casserole should stay good for up to 1-2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use regular bread instead of gluten-free bread?

Absolutely! You can use any regular loaf of French bread, sourdough bread, or challah if you don’t require a gluten-free option.

Q2: Is dairy-free cream cheese essential, or can I use regular cream cheese?

You can use either dairy-free cream cheese, regular cream cheese, or cottage cheese based on your dietary preferences.

Q3: How long can I store leftovers, and can I freeze them?

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for a few days. To freeze, wrap portions well in plastic wrap or foil and store in the freezer for later enjoyment.

Q4: Can I adjust the sweetness of this casserole?

Certainly! You can substitute coconut sugar with a sweetener of your choice, such as Swerve or golden monk fruit sweetener, to control the sweetness level.

Q5: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. It’s a convenient option for busy mornings or brunch gatherings.

More make make-ahead breakfast recipes you will love:

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Print

Banana French Toast Casserole

Prep Time

20 mins

Cook Time

50 mins

Total Time

1 hr 10 mins

 

This Banana French Toast Casserole incorporates the rich flavors of ripe bananas, dairy-free cream cheese, and a hint of cinnamon into your morning routine. Indulge in a gluten-free breakfast delight that promises a delightful start to your day.

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Keyword: french toast bake, recipe for brunch, strusel topping

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 256 kcal

Author: Kelly

Ingredients

• 1 large gluten-free crusty loaf of choice , cut into 1" cubes, with the two hard ends of the loaf discarded (day old bread works best). We like unbun, thornbury bakery, schar, bread srsly, awg bakery or california country gal for gluten-free / grain-free. Can also use any regular loaf of French bread, sourdough bread, or challah.
• 6 ounces softened dairy-free cream cheese we like Kite-Hill or you can also use regular cream cheese or 2/3 cup of cottage cheese
• 7 large eggs or sub with egg-substitute of choice
• 2 1/3 cups unsweetened almond milk or use preferred milk of choice
• 1/2 cup coconut sugar you can also sub with granulated brown sweetener of choice such as Swerve or golden monk fruit sweetener for a lower sugar option. Light brown sugar works too.
• 1 large or 2 small overripe bananas sliced divided (depending on size of your dish)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Streusel Topping:

• 5 tablespoons unsalted vegan butter you can also use coconut oil, ghee or unsalted butter if you're not dairy-free
• 1/4 cup gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour you an also sub with gluten-free finely ground oat flour, fine blanched almond flour or even all-purpose flour if you're not gluten-free
• 1/4 cup coconut sugar you can also sub with granulated brown sweetener of choice such as Swerve or golden monk fruit sweetener for a lower sugar option. Light brown sugar works too.
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans optional

Optional Toppings:

• organic or powdered sugar / powdered sweetener of choice for dusting
• your favorite caramel sauce or syrup
• chopped pecans
• coconut chips
• extra banana slices

Instructions

1. Spray a 9x13" baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Blend the cream cheese in a blender, food processor, or using a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Mix in the sugar, cinnamon and vanilla extract. Blend in 1/3 cup of milk. Scoop out 1/2 cup of the mixture in small cup or bowl and set aside. Add the rest of the milk and eggs to the blender mixture and blend until smooth. Set aside.
3. Layer half of the bread cubes in prepared baking dish.
4. Add the 1/2 cup reserved cheese/milk mixture over bread cubes.
5. Top with a layer of sliced bananas. Layer evenly with the rest of the bread.
6. Pour the liquid blender mixture evenly over the top of the bread.

For the streusel topping

1. To a medium bowl, add the butter, flour, sugar, cinnamon and using two forks or your clean hands, cut/crumble the butter into dry ingredients until small pebbles and crumbly bits form. Mix in chopped pecans if using. Evenly sprinkle the streusel over the bread.

2. If making in advance, cover baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store in the fridge overnight or for several hours. When you are ready to bake, remove the dish from fridge and uncover.
3. Preheat oven at 350 degrees and bake for 43-52 minutes or until streusel is set and appears to have dried out some. Watch oven time carefully as it may vary. You can try a small bite and if it seems too wet, moist, or under-done for your liking, bake longer. Baking times will range greatly based on the type of bread used, baking dish used, climate, and oven variance.
4. Remove from oven and serve warm with your favorite caramel sauce/syrup or a dusting of confectioner's sugar, chopped pecans, coconut chips or extra banana slices (we like to cook the extra banana slices in a pan with some caramel sauce for about 1 minute for extra flavor).

Recipe Notes

Storing your leftover Banana French Toast Casserole properly is essential to keep it fresh and safe for consumption. Here's what you need to do:

1. Cool to Room Temperature: Allow any leftover casserole to cool to room temperature before storing it.
2. Refrigeration: If you anticipate consuming the leftovers within a few days, place them in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate the casserole. It can typically be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
3. Reheating: When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them in the oven or microwave until they are heated through. The oven is the preferred method as it helps maintain the casserole's texture and flavor. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the casserole with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until it's warmed to your liking.

This Banana French Toast Bake can easily be prepared in advance.

• Simply cut the bread in advance
• Mix the egg and milk mixture the night before.
• Assemble the night before, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate it overnight or for several hours.
• When you're ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and follow the baking instructions.

Freezing: For longer-term storage, consider freezing individual portions. Wrap the portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place them in airtight containers. Make sure they are well-sealed to prevent freezer burn. Properly frozen, the casserole should stay good for up to 1-2 months.

Nutrition Facts

Banana French Toast Casserole

Amount Per Serving (1 serving (1/8 recipe))

Calories 256 Calories from Fat 153

% Daily Value*

Fat 17g26%

Carbohydrates 22g7%

Fiber 3g12%

Sugar 13g14%

Protein 7g14%

* Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy using the WPRM recipe calculator. It is best to make your own calculations to ensure accuracy. We expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.