There’s something magical about waking up to the smell of warm cinnamon, caramelized bananas, and creamy cheesecake filling baked into a golden, custardy French toast casserole. This dish is pure comfort—soft, sweet, and indulgent, with a texture that’s the perfect balance of fluffy and rich. Whether you’re making a special weekend breakfast, hosting a brunch, or just craving something extra cozy, trust me, this one’s a game-changer.
Why You’ll Love Banana Cheesecake French Toast Casserole
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family breakfast, hosting brunch with friends, or treating yourself to something special, this dish is a must-try. Here’s why:
Versatile: Perfect for slow Sunday mornings, holiday brunches, or even dessert. Serve it fresh out of the oven or prep it the night before for an easy morning treat.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, everyday ingredients like bread, bananas, cream cheese, and eggs—nothing fancy, just deliciousness.
Easy to Make: The steps are straightforward, so even if you’re not a confident baker, you’ll nail this one.
Customizable: Swap the bananas for berries, add a drizzle of caramel, or sprinkle on some nuts for a crunch—so many ways to make it your own.
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a hit with kids and adults alike, because who doesn’t love a mix of banana bread, cheesecake, and French toast in one dish?
Ingredients in Banana Cheesecake French Toast Casserole
Here’s the magic of this casserole—it’s made with simple, comforting ingredients, yet it tastes like something straight out of a bakery. Let’s break it down:
Bread: The foundation of the casserole. A sturdy bread like brioche or challah works best, soaking up the custard while staying soft and fluffy.
Bananas: Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and a rich, caramelized flavor. The riper, the better!
Cream Cheese: The secret to the creamy cheesecake pockets scattered throughout the dish. It melts into pure decadence.
Eggs: They create the custard that binds everything together, giving the casserole its soft, pudding-like texture.
Milk & Heavy Cream: A combination of these two makes the custard rich and luscious.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and warmth of the dish.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement the bananas and add depth of flavor.
Sugar & Brown Sugar: A mix of both for just the right balance of sweetness and caramel notes.
Butter: Adds a touch of richness and helps create a golden, slightly crispy top.
Maple Syrup or Caramel Sauce: Optional, but highly recommended for drizzling over the top!
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this irresistible breakfast casserole:
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Bread: Cut the bread into cubes and place half of it in the prepared baking dish. This forms the first layer.
Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Dollop spoonfuls of this mixture over the bread layer.
Add Bananas: Slice bananas and scatter them over the bread and cream cheese mixture. This adds natural sweetness and flavor.
Make the Custard: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour half of this mixture over the bread.
Layer Again: Add the remaining bread cubes, followed by the rest of the custard mixture. Gently press everything down so the bread soaks up the liquid.
Let It Rest: If you have time, let the casserole sit for 10-15 minutes (or overnight in the fridge) so the flavors meld together.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until golden brown and set.
Finishing Touches: Let the casserole cool slightly, then drizzle with maple syrup or caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice, serve warm, and enjoy with fresh fruit, powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream.
How to Serve Banana Cheesecake French Toast Casserole
This casserole is already a showstopper, but here are some fun ways to serve it:
With Fresh Fruit: A handful of fresh berries or sliced bananas makes it feel extra fresh and vibrant.
Drizzled with Sauce: Caramel sauce, maple syrup, or even a bit of honey takes it to the next level.
Topped with Nuts: A sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts adds crunch and contrast.
Paired with Coffee or Tea: The perfect brunch companion!
With a Dollop of Whipped Cream: Because, why not?
Additional Tips
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the casserole the night before, store it in the fridge, and bake in the morning for an easy breakfast.
Use Stale Bread: Day-old bread absorbs the custard better, giving the casserole a richer texture.
Freeze for Later: This dish freezes well! Just bake, cool completely, and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Reheating Tip: Warm leftovers in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual portions.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use a different type of bread?
A1: Absolutely! Brioche, challah, or French bread work best, but you can use whatever you have on hand.
Q2: Can I make this dairy-free?
A2: Yes! Use almond milk or coconut milk, and swap cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative.
Q3: What if I don’t have heavy cream?
A3: You can use all milk, but the texture will be slightly lighter.
Q4: Can I make this gluten-free?
A4: Yes, just use your favorite gluten-free bread.
Q5: Do I have to let it sit overnight?
A5: Nope! But letting it rest for at least 15 minutes before baking helps the flavors blend beautifully.
Q6: Can I add chocolate chips?
A6: 100% yes. Chocolate and bananas are a match made in heaven.
Q7: How do I store leftovers?
A7: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q8: Can I reheat this in the microwave?
A8: Yes, just microwave in 30-second bursts until warmed through.
Q9: What’s the best way to make it extra crispy on top?
A9: Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking for a golden, caramelized finish.
Q10: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A10: Yep! Cook on low for about 4 hours, then uncover for the last 30 minutes to let it set.
Final Thoughts
Banana Cheesecake French Toast Casserole is one of those recipes that feels fancy but is actually super simple. It’s comforting, delicious, and perfect for any occasion—from lazy weekends to holiday brunches. Give it a try, and trust me, your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing. Happy cooking!
Print
Banana Cheesecake French Toast Casserole
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Caramelized Banana Cheesecake Stuffed Coconut French Toast Casserole is the ultimate indulgent breakfast or brunch dish! Layers of buttery brioche soak up a rich coconut custard, while a luscious caramelized banana cheesecake filling adds a decadent touch. Topped with toasted coconut flakes and drizzled with homemade coconut syrup, this baked French toast casserole is perfect for special occasions, holiday mornings, or a weekend treat. Ideal for healthy homemade recipes, quick dinner ideas, and an irresistible brunch!
Ingredients
For the Caramelized Banana Cheesecake Filling:
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
For the Coconut French Toast Casserole:
- 1 pound bread (brioche, challah, French bread, or Italian bread), day-old, cut into 1-inch pieces (or gluten-free for GF option)
- 8 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 (14-ounce) can coconut milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (or lemon zest) (optional)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes
For the Coconut Syrup:
- 1 (14-ounce) can coconut milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
Instructions
For the Caramelized Banana Cheesecake Filling:
- Melt the butter and sugar in a pan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer (about 5 minutes).
- Add the sliced bananas, stir gently, and let simmer until golden brown and caramelized (5-10 minutes).
- Mix the caramelized bananas into the softened cream cheese and set aside.
For the Coconut French Toast Casserole:
- Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish.
- Layer half of the bread pieces in the dish, then spread the caramelized banana cheesecake mixture evenly over the top. Add the remaining bread on top.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, coconut milk, sugar, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread layers.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results).
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the top and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until golden brown and the center is set.
- Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with coconut syrup.
For the Coconut Syrup:
- In a small saucepan, heat the coconut milk and sugar over medium heat.
- Simmer until the sugar dissolves completely (about 5 minutes). Serve warm over the casserole.
Notes
- Use gluten-free bread for a GF option.
- Try adding chopped nuts for extra crunch!
- Serve with fresh fruit or whipped cream for an extra special touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 95mg