Why aren’t bananas and nuts placed on the same level as peanut butter and jelly? Banana Nut Breakfast Bake makes the case that they really should be. The combination of the beautifully tropical and creamy banana with the crunchy nuts will spark joy with each bite! The tender, buttery bread filling, the rich caramel, and the crisp sugar streusel absolutely elevate the pairing to the next level! If you don’t go nuts for Banana Nut Breakfast Bake, you might just be crazy!
Ingredients
For the casserole:
- 1 loaf French bread, day old, diced, can substitute brioche or challah
- 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce, store-bought or homemade
- 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, toasted
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
- 6 large eggs
- 2 medium ripe bananas, plus more, to taste, sliced, for topping
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
For the streusel:
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup cold salted butter, diced
- maple syrup, optional, to taste, for serving
Directions
Step 1 –Coat a 9×13-inch pan with nonstick spray.
Step 2 –Add 1/2 of the diced bread to the prepared pan.
Step 3 –Add 1/2 of the caramel sauce and 1/2 of the pecans on top of the bread layer in the pan.
Step 4 –Repeat the layers.
Step 5 –In a blender, add the milk, the half-and-half, the eggs, 2 of the bananas, the vanilla, 1 1/2 teaspoons of the cinnamon, and the nutmeg and blend to combine.
Step 6 –Pour the custard over the bread layers in the prepared pan.
Step 7 –Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours and up to overnight.
Step 8 –Position a rack in the center of the oven.
Step 9 –Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 10 –Transfer the casserole from the refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
Step 11 –Remove the plastic wrap.
Step 12 –In a small bowl, add the light brown sugar, the flour, and the remaining cinnamon and whisk to combine.
Step 13 –Using your clean fingertips, mix in the butter until it breaks down into smaller pieces.
Step 14 –Sprinkle the streusel mixture over the casserole.
Step 15 –Bake until thoroughly cooked, about 45-55 minutes.
Step 16 –Allow the casserole to cool slightly.
Step 17 –Slice and serve with the maple syrup, topped with the extra banana slices.
