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Overnight Banana-Nut French Toast
A bottom layer of butter and brown sugar creates a sticky, caramelized sauce that coats every slice of this baked breakfast casserole. Preparing the dish the night before allows the thick bread to fully absorb the rich cinnamon and vanilla custard. You'll wake up to a house smelling like a bakery, without having to stand over a hot stove flipping individual slices. It's a brilliant strategy for lazy weekend mornings when you want something sweet and satisfying ready to go.
Equipment
- Microwave
- Oven
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons butter or margarine
- 1½ cups packed brown sugar
- 5 large ripe bananas, cut diagonally into ½-inch-thick slices; or 3 to 4 very ripe pears or peaches (about 1½ pounds), sliced; or 1 cup dried cherries, cranberries, or raisins
- 1 long loaf (12 ounces) French or Italian bread, cut crosswise into 1-inch-thick slices
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup sliced almonds or coarsely chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- 1Melt the butter in a small microwave-safe bowl on high power for about 1 minute. Stir the brown sugar into the melted butter until the mixture is completely moistened.
- 2Press the moistened sugar mixture evenly across the bottom of a 13 by 9-inch baking dish using your fingertips.
- 3Scatter the sliced bananas directly over the sugar layer. Arrange the thick bread slices in an even layer on top of the fruit.
- 4Whisk the eggs in a large bowl, then blend in the milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Pour this custard slowly over the bread, pressing the slices down gently so they soak up the liquid. This ensures the bread absorbs the custard fully for a tender center. Scatter the nuts over the top.
- 5Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- 6Preheat the oven to 350°F and uncover the baking dish. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes. Resting allows the custard to set completely so the slices hold their shape.
Notes
- Swap: Substitute the bananas with sliced very ripe pears, peaches, or a cup of dried cherries, cranberries, or raisins.
- Transport: If taking this to a gathering, cover the hot dish immediately with aluminum foil and place it into an insulated food carrier.
- Make ahead: The casserole must chill for at least 2 hours, but leaving it overnight yields the best texture and flavor.
Recipe Details
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