Baked Banana Cinnamon Brioche French Toast

by Laney Schwartz on Dec 13, 2023 (updated Jul 25, 2024) 8 comments

Indulge in a delightful breakfast treat with this Baked Banana Cinnamon Brioche French Toast. This easy-to-make breakfast uses cinnamon brioche bread to create a rich breakfast that’s perfect for special occasions or holiday mornings. It’s a sweet and satisfying way to start your day!

French toast is one thing, BAKED french toast is another. As an experienced home chef, I’m always trying to find ways to make meals easier to prepare so I can enjoy time with my family. This baked banana french toast simplifies the process by turning it into a casserole-style dish, making your mornings quicker and easier!

Cinnamon swirl brioche bread, the star of the show, is sweet and buttery, perfect for French toast. I chose this type of bread because it takes this breakfast favorite to a whole new level of decadence and is even better when paired with the natural flavor of banana.

Making baked brioche french toast is so simple! Melt butter, add sugar, cinnamon, and bananas in a skillet, then mix eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and salt in a bowl. Coat brioche cubes with this mixture, pour it into a baking dish with the banana topping, bake, cool, sprinkle powdered sugar, and enjoy!

a slice of banana cinnamon french toast with banana and strawberries on top with a fork

This decadent French toast breakfast is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy it for a special breakfast, brunch with friends, or even a quick weekday treat. You can customize it with toppings like maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh berries!

If you love this recipe, you gotta check out my Baked Raspberry French Toast or Baked Multigrain Raspberry French Toast for breakfast. They’re both great for a crowd!

What makes this recipe easy

With this casserole-style approach, you can whip up this indulgent breakfast without the fuss of making individual slices, perfect for busy mornings.
The combination of sweet and buttery brioche, caramelized bananas, and warm cinnamon makes every bite comforting.
Whether you’re serving it at a family brunch or a special occasion, this French toast is a guaranteed hit, and you can get creative with toppings to suit everyone’s taste.
Baking French toast in a casserole dish makes it much easier to serve and enjoy!

Ingredients You’ll Need

bowls of ingredients like bread cubes, eggs, milk, banana

Butter – Melts into a sauce with brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract, creating a flavorful banana topping.
Coconut Sugar – Sweetens the banana topping, giving it a rich, caramel-like taste.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor of the banana topping.
Cinnamon – Adds a warm spice to both the banana topping and the custard, infusing the dish with a cozy flavor.
Sliced Bananas – Provide a sweet, fruity contrast to the custard-soaked brioche, adding both flavor and texture.

Custard:

Eggs – Serve as the binding agent that transforms the bread into a custardy texture as it bakes.
Whole Milk – Creates a creamy and rich base for the custard.
Sugar and Coconut Sugar – Balances the custard, adding a touch of sweetness to enhance the flavors.
Vanilla Extract – Infuses the custard with a warming vanilla aroma and flavor.
Kosher Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste of the custard.
Cinnamon Swirl Brioche Bread – The star of the show, St. Pierre’s bread provides a buttery, sweet, and tender foundation for the French toast.
Powdered Sugar – Adds a light, sweet dusting on top of the finished dish for a touch of elegance and sweetness.

How To Make Baked Brioche French Toast with Banana and Cinnamon

skillet with butter, brown sugar and sliced bananas — Assemble the banana topping in a large skillet.

bowl of custard mixture — Make the custard in a large bowl.

bread cubes tossed in custard mixture — Toss the bread cubes in the custard.

unbaked banana french toast — Top with banana topping.

baked banana cinnamon french toast with a slice taken out — Bake, let cool for 10 minutes then serve with desired toppings.

Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Set aside.

Assemble the banana topping: Add the butter to a skillet and turn the heat to medium-high. Once the butter is melted, add the coconut sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Bring the mixture to a simmer and add the sliced bananas. Sauté until combined and softened.

Make the custard: In a large mixing bowl, add the eggs, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt. Whisk together until well incorporated, then pour the cubed bread into the bowl. Toss until the bread cubes are well coated with the custard ingredients.

Bake and cool: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread the banana topping over the top of the bread mixture. Bake for 55-60 minutes until the custard is set and slightly crispy around the edges. Cool for 10 minutes.

Garnish and serve: Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

Baking Tips

For the best texture, use slightly stale brioche bread. It will absorb the custard mixture without becoming too soggy.
To prevent sticking and make cleanup easier, make sure the baking dish is well-greased before adding the bread mixture.
To check if it’s done, insert a knife or toothpick into the center of the French toast. If it comes out clean, it’s ready; if not, give it a few more minutes.
Allow the baked French toast to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to slice.
While powdered sugar is classic, feel free to customize your toppings with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup.

Variations

Add a cup of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries to the custard mixture for a fruity twist.
Sprinkle chopped nuts such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts over the banana topping for extra texture and flavor.
Swap the bananas for thinly sliced apples and incorporate extra cinnamon into the custard for a comforting apple pie flavor.
Use regular brioche bread or your favorite gluten-free bread to make this French toast suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Storing & Freezing

Storing: To store any leftover baked French toast, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm slices in the oven for a quick breakfast.

Freezing: Wrap individual slices or the whole casserole tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven or microwave.

a slice of banana cinnamon french toast with banana and strawberries on top

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