Get ready to transform your ordinary morning into an extraordinary culinary experience with this irresistible Baked Caramel Banana French Toast! Imagine golden, custardy challah bread infused with rich caramel and sweet banana, baked to perfection and drizzled with a luxurious caramel sauce. This isn't just breakfast - it's a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your family racing to the table and begging for seconds. Whether you're looking to impress weekend guests or treat yourself to a special morning indulgence, this recipe is about to become your new breakfast obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of challah bread, sliced
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Caramel sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your French toast bakes evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, crack the 4 large eggs and whisk them until well beaten. Add the 2 cups of milk, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Whisk the mixture until all ingredients are fully combined and the sugar is dissolved.
- Take the loaf of challah bread and slice it into thick pieces, about 1-inch thick. Arrange the slices in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, overlapping them slightly if necessary.
- Once the bread is arranged, pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring that each piece is well coated. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula to help it soak up the liquid.
- Evenly distribute the sliced bananas over the top of the bread. You can tuck some of the banana slices between the bread slices for added flavor.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the egg mixture. This step is crucial for achieving a soft and custardy texture.
- After the soaking time, remove the foil and place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Once baked, remove the French toast from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will make it easier to serve.
- Drizzle caramel sauce generously over the top of the baked French toast before serving. You can also add extra sliced bananas or a dusting of powdered sugar for garnish, if desired.
- Serve warm, and enjoy your delicious Baked Caramel Banana French Toast with family and friends!
Tips
- Choose ripe bananas with a few brown spots for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- Use day-old challah bread for best results - slightly stale bread absorbs the egg mixture more effectively.
- Let the bread soak for at least 10-15 minutes to ensure a creamy, custardy texture.
- For extra richness, you can add a splash of heavy cream to the egg mixture.
- Don't skip the aluminum foil during initial baking - it helps create a more even, moist result.
- For a crispy top, remove the foil in the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Serve immediately after baking for the best texture and temperature.
- Experiment with different toppings like toasted nuts, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of sea salt.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 150mg
