Banana Croissant “French Toast” Casserole Recipe

If you’ve never made a casserole for brunch, this Banana Croissant “French Toast” Casserole will instantly become a favorite in your rotation. Imagine all the flavors you love in classic French toast—with rich, custardy goodness, soft banana slices, and pillowy, buttery croissant pieces—coming together in one beautifully baked dish. It’s easy enough for weekend mornings, yet impressive enough to wow at any gathering. The best part? All the prep can be done ahead, so you get a truly decadent breakfast with zero fuss in the morning.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Banana Croissant “French Toast” Casserole is pure comfort food with a twist, and you’ll only need a handful of pantry staples plus a couple of simple add-ins. Each ingredient plays an important role, whether it’s adding creaminess, giving banana flavor, or providing the golden, flaky finish that makes this dish irresistible.

• Whole milk: Provides the base for a luscious custard, ensuring every bite is tender and creamy.
• Heavy cream: Adds a level of richness that elevates this casserole far beyond everyday French toast.
• Large eggs: Essential for creating the classic custard structure and that soft, just-set texture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the mixture and offers the perfect balance to the creamy richness.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances flavor and gives that cozy, familiar aroma.
• Banana extract: The secret ingredient for bold, unmistakable banana notes all the way through.
• Salt: Just a pinch highlights all the sweet flavors and keeps the casserole from tasting flat.
• Ripe banana: The fresh slices become delightfully sweet and soft as they bake, adding pockets of real fruit.
• Day-old croissants: Their flaky, buttery texture soaks up the custard perfectly without getting soggy.
• Maple syrup: A classic pour-over that ties everything together at the table.

How to Make Banana Croissant “French Toast” Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray an 8 x 8-inch baking dish with cooking spray—this step is key for an easy release later (and easier clean-up too!). Set the dish aside so it’s ready when your mixture is.

Step 2: Whisk the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, banana extract, and salt. Take a moment here to really whisk until the mixture is smooth and the sugar is dissolved—this ensures your casserole bakes up evenly creamy.

Step 3: Soak the Croissants

Add your torn croissant pieces into the custard. Gently mix until every piece is coated—croissants are spongy, so they’ll happily drink in all that lovely custard. Let the mixture sit for 25 to 30 minutes, giving it a gentle stir about halfway through to make sure nothing gets left out.

Step 4: Layer with Bananas & Assemble

Once the croissants have soaked thoroughly, pour everything into your prepared baking dish. Gently tuck in the sliced bananas throughout the casserole, letting some peek out on top for gorgeous, golden caramelization.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide your casserole into the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are deep golden brown and the custard looks set but still slightly wobbly in the center. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes before serving; this gives the custard time to settle for perfect slicing and serving.

How to Serve Banana Croissant “French Toast” Casserole

Garnishes

Fresh from the oven, this casserole is beautiful on its own, but a little garnish takes it from homey to show-stopping. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, add a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts, or even a scatter of fresh banana slices. Each adds a different texture and eye-catching finish to your Banana Croissant “French Toast” Casserole.

Side Dishes

Serve your Banana Croissant “French Toast” Casserole with a side of salty bacon or sausage for a sweet-and-savory brunch combo. A citrusy fruit salad or a tangy Greek yogurt parfait make wonderful, light accompaniments that balance the richness of the main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, scoop the casserole into individual ramekins before baking for perfect single servings. Or try drizzling each portion with caramel sauce, chocolate shavings, or a dollop of whipped cream for dessert vibes at brunch. Stack slices on a platter and let guests build their own custom bites with a toppings bar for a playful brunch spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is rare!), cover the cooled Banana Croissant “French Toast” Casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days; the flavors deepen and the texture remains fantastic.

Freezing

Wrap individual slices or the whole baked casserole in plastic and then foil, and freeze for up to two months. To use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. While the bananas will be softer after freezing, the flavors are still deliciously intact.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated or thawed casserole, covered with foil, in a 325°F oven until warmed through (about 15 to 20 minutes for a whole pan, or less for individual servings). For a speedier option, microwave individual portions for about one minute, watching so they don’t dry out.

FAQs

Can I make Banana Croissant “French Toast” Casserole the night before?

Absolutely! Assemble everything up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Simply bake in the morning—cold from the fridge may need an extra 5 minutes bake time. This makes it a low-stress breakfast or brunch for a crowd.

Which kind of croissants work best?

Day-old or slightly stale croissants are perfect because they soak up the custard without falling apart. If you only have fresh croissants, pop them in a low oven for 10 minutes to dry them out a bit.

Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?

Absolutely! Fold in a handful of chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even raisins before baking. These little mix-ins make the Banana Croissant “French Toast” Casserole even more decadent and offer great texture variety.

Is there a substitute for banana extract?

If you don’t have banana extract, use extra vanilla or a touch of almond extract instead. The banana flavor from the fresh slices will still shine, but the extract really dials up the banana essence.

What makes this casserole different from regular French toast?

The combination of flaky croissants soaked in rich custard and laced with banana flavor sets this version apart. It bakes all together into a golden, scoopable delight that feels like a cross between bread pudding and breakfast—a true upgrade from stovetop slices!

Final Thoughts

If you’re seeking a swoon-worthy brunch or a comforting make-ahead treat, this Banana Croissant “French Toast” Casserole will never let you down. Each bite is buttery, gently sweet, and packed with banana warmth, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Give it a try—your kitchen will smell amazing and your table will feel extra special!

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