,
  1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Banana Croissant French Toast

Banana Croissant French Toast

Featured in Tasty Morning Favorites.

This comforting dish features torn croissants soaked in a rich custard of milk, cream, eggs, and banana extract. Slices of ripe banana nestle within, infusing sweetness during baking. Once golden and set, the fragrant casserole is left to rest briefly, ensuring each portion is tender yet crisp on top. Serve it warm with a drizzle of maple syrup for a memorable brunch or special treat. Combining the buttery richness of croissants and the familiar flavor of banana, this creation balances decadent texture with a subtle fruitiness sure to please any crowd.

Pin it Share it Send it Print it Jump To Recipe
Ranah
Updated on Sun, 15 Jun 2025 21:19:25 GMT
,
Banana Croissant “French Toast” Casserole Pin it
Banana Croissant “French Toast” Casserole | lifesugar.co

This banana croissant French toast casserole has become a weekend favorite at my house anytime we have leftover croissants and a ripe banana waiting to be used. It transforms simple bakery leftovers into a custardy breakfast that feels special but comes together with minimal effort.

When I first baked this for National Croissant Day the smell of sweet bananas and buttery croissants filled the house and everyone wandered into the kitchen asking what was in the oven.

Ingredients

  • Whole milk: for silky custard and balanced richness use whole instead of low fat for best texture
  • Heavy cream: brings extra creaminess giving that decadent bread pudding feel
  • Large eggs: help set the custard so it holds together after baking
  • Granulated sugar: provides balanced sweetness I like organic sugar for a hint of caramel flavor
  • Vanilla extract: adds warm depth look for pure extract instead of imitation
  • Banana extract: boosts natural banana flavor and takes this dish over the top
  • Salt: sharpens the flavors just a pinch is all you need
  • Ripe banana: for a mellow sweetness and creamy texture pick one with lots of brown spots but not mushy
  • Day old croissants: soak up the custard and bake up tender inside and crisp on top the flakier the better
  • Maple syrup: adds a finishing touch of sweetness when serving use real maple for best taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dish:
Spray an eight-inch square baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent any sticking and set it aside within reach
Make the Custard:
In a large bowl whisk together one cup whole milk one cup heavy cream two eggs one cup sugar one tablespoon vanilla one tablespoon banana extract and a quarter teaspoon salt Whisk until completely smooth so the sugar dissolves completely and the liquids look uniform
Soak the Croissants:
Add your cut or torn pieces of croissant to the bowl and gently fold them in so every piece gets evenly coated Let this mixture sit for up to half an hour stirring halfway through This allows the croissants to soak up the creamy custard for maximum fluffiness
Add the Bananas:
After soaking gently pour the mixture into your prepared dish Arrange banana slices all over pressing them down among the croissant pieces so each serving gets some fruit in every bite
Bake the Casserole:
Place your dish on the middle oven rack and bake at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for about forty five to fifty minutes You will know it is ready when the custard no longer jiggles in the center and the top croissants are brown
Rest and Serve:
Let the casserole cool for about ten minutes before serving This gives the custard time to set and makes serving easier Pour maple syrup over the top right before eating
A bowl of banana bread on a table. Pin it
A bowl of banana bread on a table. | lifesugar.co

My favorite part is soaking the croissants and seeing them puff up in the oven The banana on top gets so caramelized my kids always plead for the corners where it gets extra golden and sweet

Storage Tips

Leftovers can be stored covered in the fridge for up to three days The custard stays creamy and the croissants keep their texture Warm slices in the microwave or bake at three hundred degrees until heated through

Ingredient Substitutions

Brioche or challah make a great swap if you do not have croissants Try almond extract for a nutty twist If you skip banana extract just use a second banana for extra fruit flavor

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a drizzle of pure maple syrup and extra banana slices on top For a brunch spread add fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream This casserole pairs perfectly with hot coffee or chai tea

A plate of banana croissant casserole. Pin it
A plate of banana croissant casserole. | lifesugar.co

Cultural and Historical Context

This dish is a cross between French toast and classic bread pudding making it a beloved comfort food across many cultures Croissants bring French bakery flair while the banana and custard give it that American breakfast-for-dessert quality

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dish the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake the next morning for best results.

→ What type of croissants work best?

Day-old croissants are ideal since they absorb the custard without becoming too soggy.

→ Can I substitute the banana extract?

If banana extract isn't available, use extra vanilla or a bit of mashed banana for added flavor.

→ How do I know when the casserole is done?

The custard should be set and the top golden brown. A knife inserted should come out mostly clean.

→ Is maple syrup necessary for serving?

While maple syrup adds sweetness, you can also serve with whipped cream or fresh berries.

Banana Croissant French Toast

Tender croissants and banana slices baked in a sweet custard—perfect for brunch or an indulgent breakfast.

Prep Time
35 Minutes
Cook Time
50 Minutes
Total Time
85 Minutes

Category: Morning Favorites

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: French-inspired

Yield: 6 Servings (1 baking dish)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Custard Base

01 240 ml whole milk
02 240 ml heavy cream
03 2 large eggs
04 200 g granulated sugar
05 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
06 1 tablespoon banana extract
07 0.25 teaspoon salt

→ Assembly

08 1 ripe banana, sliced
09 6 day-old croissants, cut into 2-4 cm pieces

→ For Serving

10 Maple syrup, as desired

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 175°C. Lightly grease an approximately 20 x 20 cm baking dish with neutral oil or non-stick spray and set aside.

Step 02

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, banana extract, and salt until well combined.

Step 03

Fold croissant pieces into the custard mixture, ensuring all pieces are fully coated. Let the mixture rest for 25–30 minutes, stirring once halfway through to promote even soaking.

Step 04

Transfer the soaked croissant mixture to the prepared baking dish. Gently nestle sliced banana evenly throughout the casserole.

Step 05

Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Step 06

Slice and serve warm, drizzled with maple syrup according to preference.

Notes

  1. Day-old croissants provide a better texture as they absorb the custard without becoming overly soggy.
  2. Allow the casserole to rest after baking for easier slicing and optimal flavor.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Baking dish (approx. 20x20 cm)
  • Oven
  • Serrated knife

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains eggs, dairy, and gluten.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 430
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 49 g
  • Protein: 8 g