Banana French Toast Casserole

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

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 50 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes

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

Spray a 9x13" baking dish with non-stick spray.
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.
Layer half of the bread cubes in prepared baking dish.
Add the 1/2 cup reserved cheese/milk mixture over bread cubes.
Top with a layer of sliced bananas. Layer evenly with the rest of the bread.
Pour the liquid blender mixture evenly over the top of the bread.

For the streusel topping

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.
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.
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.
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:

Cool to Room Temperature: Allow any leftover casserole to cool to room temperature before storing it.
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.
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.