Banana Croissant “French Toast” Casserole Recipe

If you love the comforting warmth of French toast paired with the buttery flakiness of croissants and the sweet, mellow flavor of bananas, then you are in for a treat with this Banana Croissant “French Toast” Casserole. It’s an irresistible blend of custardy goodness and tender croissant bites, perfectly crowned with sliced bananas and the rich aroma of vanilla and banana extracts. This dish effortlessly elevates any brunch or breakfast table, making it a heartwarming crowd-pleaser that’s as impressive as it is easy to prepare.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is the first step to achieving this luscious Banana Croissant “French Toast” Casserole. Each component plays a specific role, from the creamy custard base that soaks into the croissants to the fragrant extracts that bring a delightful banana sweetness without overpowering the dish.

• 1 cup whole milk: Adds the necessary liquid creaminess and richness for the custard.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Brings extra indulgence and a silky texture to the mixture.
• 2 large eggs: The binding agent that helps set the custard and hold everything together.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard gently to balance the bananas’ natural flavor.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, familiar aroma that complements banana perfectly.
• 1 tablespoon banana extract: Boosts the banana flavor without adding extra moisture.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, cutting through the sweetness just right.
• 1 ripe but not overripe banana, sliced: Adds natural sweetness and texture nestled inside the casserole.
• 6 day-old croissants, cut or torn into 1-2 inch pieces: The star ingredient providing buttery layers that soak up the custard beautifully.
• Maple syrup, for serving: Optional but highly recommended for a luscious drizzle on your finished casserole.

How to Make Banana Croissant “French Toast” Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Generously spray an 8 x 8-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This ensures the casserole bakes evenly and lifts out cleanly when finished.

Step 2: Whisk the Custard Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, banana extract, and salt. Whisk vigorously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth. This custard is the heart of your Banana Croissant “French Toast” Casserole, soaking into the croissants to create that perfect blend of flavors and textures.

Step 3: Soak the Croissants

Add the torn croissant pieces to the custard, stirring gently to ensure every morsel is coated. Let the bread soak for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through at around 15 minutes. This soaking time allows the croissants to absorb the custard without becoming mushy, giving you tender, custardy bites after baking.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the soaked croissant and custard mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top evenly. Nestle the sliced bananas gently on top, so they caramelize slightly as the casserole bakes. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes until the custard is set and the top starts turning a golden brown. Once done, let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and improve slicing.

How to Serve Banana Croissant “French Toast” Casserole

Garnishes

Enhance your Banana Croissant “French Toast” Casserole with fresh garnishes to add vibrancy and texture. A sprinkle of powdered sugar provides a delicate sweetness and pretty finish, while chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts add crunch. You can also serve it with a handful of fresh berries, such as blueberries or raspberries, to introduce a pop of color and brightness that balances the rich custard.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with light sides that contrast the richness. Consider serving a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette for brunch or alongside crispy bacon or sausage for a classic breakfast spread. Fresh fruit salad is another great option, offering refreshing juiciness next to the warm, buttery casserole.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, prepare individual ramekins to bake smaller portions of the Banana Croissant “French Toast” Casserole. This personal touch makes serving charming and elegant for brunch guests. Alternatively, drizzle warm caramel sauce or chocolate ganache over the top for a decadent change. Elevate your presentation further by adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert-like experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Banana Croissant “French Toast” Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days while maintaining its custardy texture and delicious flavors. This makes it a great option for a make-ahead breakfast or quick snack.

Freezing

If you want to prepare this casserole even further in advance, it freezes beautifully. Assemble and soak the croissant mixture as instructed, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It will keep frozen for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake as usual.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F for about 15-20 minutes to revive the crisp edges and warm through evenly. Avoid microwaving as it can make the croissants soggy. Toasting individual portions in the oven is a wonderful way to preserve that freshly baked texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh croissants instead of day-old ones?

Day-old croissants are preferred because they absorb the custard without falling apart. Fresh croissants tend to be too soft and may result in a mushy casserole, but if that’s what you have, just reduce the soaking time slightly to avoid oversaturation.

What if I don’t have banana extract?

You can omit banana extract if needed; just be sure to use a ripe banana to bring natural banana flavor. The vanilla extract will still add warmth, while the banana slices on top offer sweetness and texture.

Can I substitute croissants with other bread?

While croissants are ideal for their buttery layers, brioche or challah can also work well. They should be slightly stale to absorb the custard properly for that perfect custardy texture.

Is this casserole suitable for a crowd?

Absolutely! This recipe is easily doubled or tripled for larger gatherings. Just use a bigger baking dish or multiple dishes and adjust baking time accordingly to ensure even cooking.

Can Banana Croissant “French Toast” Casserole be made vegan?

Traditional recipes use dairy and eggs for their creamy, rich custard. However, you can experiment with plant-based milk, vegan creamers, and egg substitutes, though texture and flavor may differ slightly from the classic version.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about waking up to the sweet, comforting aroma of Banana Croissant “French Toast” Casserole baking in the oven. This dish delivers a perfect balance of custardy smoothness, buttery croissant layers, and fragrant banana notes that instantly make any morning feel indulgent and bright. Whether for a weekend brunch or a cozy holiday breakfast, you absolutely have to try this recipe. It’s sure to become one of your favorite ways to enjoy the classic flavors of French toast with an irresistible twist.

Print