Easy & Delicious Chocolate Chip Banana Bread French Toast Casserole

There’s something irresistibly comforting about the warm aroma of bananas and chocolate filling the kitchen on a lazy weekend morning. This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread French Toast Casserole is the ultimate breakfast or brunch treat, combining the sweet, moist goodness of banana bread with the rich, melty charm of chocolate chips. It’s perfect for cozy family mornings, a special holiday breakfast, or a gathering with friends when you want something impressive yet effortless.

The inspiration behind this recipe comes from the classic tradition of French toast bakes, often enjoyed in American households as a decadent yet simple way to elevate breakfast. Using day-old banana bread gives the casserole a tender, custardy texture while ensuring no banana bread goes to waste. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply treating yourself, this dish is both indulgent and nostalgic—a sweet hug in every bite.

Ingredients

• 4 cups banana bread, cubed (day-old works best)

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

• 6 large eggs

• 2 cups whole milk (or 2% milk)

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• Butter, for greasing the baking dish

• Optional toppings: powdered sugar, maple syrup, whipped cream, sliced bananas

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.

2. Prepare the banana bread cubes by cutting them into 1-inch pieces and arranging them evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the banana bread cubes.

3. Whisk together the custard mixture in a large bowl. Combine eggs, milk, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and well-blended.

4. Pour the custard over the banana bread and chocolate chips. Gently press down on the bread cubes with a spatula to ensure the custard soaks evenly throughout.

5. Let the casserole sit for 10–15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard. For a make-ahead option, cover and refrigerate for up to 8 hours or overnight.

6. Bake the casserole uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is fully set. Insert a knife in the center; it should come out clean when done.

7. Let cool slightly for 5–10 minutes before serving. This will allow the casserole to firm up slightly and make slicing easier.

8. Serve warm with your choice of optional toppings such as powdered sugar, maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh banana slices.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 45–55 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

• Yield: 8–10 servings

Notes

• Use day-old banana bread for the best texture; fresh banana bread may become too mushy.

• Chocolate chips can be swapped for white chocolate, peanut butter chips, or a mix of your favorite baking chips.

• Milk options: whole milk gives the creamiest custard, but almond milk or oat milk works well for a dairy-free alternative.

• Make-ahead tip: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate overnight. Bake it fresh in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.

• Storage: Leftovers can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven or microwave.

Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Chip Banana Bread French Toast Casserole

1. Cubing the bread: Cut banana bread into uniform cubes to ensure even soaking of the custard. Smaller pieces will soak more thoroughly, while larger pieces create pockets of gooey texture.

2. Custard consistency: Whisk the custard thoroughly to combine eggs and milk. If you prefer a richer custard, substitute 1/2 cup of milk with heavy cream.

3. Layering flavors: For extra flavor, lightly toast the banana bread cubes before assembling the casserole. This adds a subtle crunch and enhances the buttery notes.

4. Chocolate distribution: Toss chocolate chips with a teaspoon of flour before adding them to the casserole. This prevents the chips from sinking to the bottom during baking.

5. Serving ideas: Pair with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of warm maple syrup. Fresh berries or sliced bananas add a colorful, fruity touch.

Why This Recipe Works

This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread French Toast Casserole balances sweetness and comfort. The banana bread provides natural sweetness and a soft, tender texture, while the custard adds richness and moisture. Chocolate chips melt into pockets of gooey chocolate, making every bite indulgent. Unlike traditional French toast, this casserole can feed a crowd effortlessly and is easy to customize with mix-ins, toppings, or even different types of bread.

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It’s a hands-off breakfast that can be prepared in advance, yet it tastes as if you spent hours in the kitchen crafting it from scratch. Its versatility makes it ideal for holiday mornings, birthdays, or a weekend brunch where you want to impress without stress.

Serving Suggestions

• Brunch table centerpiece: This casserole pairs beautifully with fresh fruit platters, yogurt, or a side of crispy bacon alternatives like turkey bacon or roasted savory vegetables for a balanced brunch spread.

• Sweet treats: Sprinkle with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel sauce for a dessert-inspired twist.

• Kid-friendly version: Use mini chocolate chips and slice into fun shapes for a playful breakfast presentation.

Variations to Try

1. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip: Add swirls of peanut butter over the custard before baking for a nutty twist.

2. Berry Banana Bread: Add fresh or frozen berries with the chocolate chips for a fruity, colorful casserole.

3. Caramel Banana Delight: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top before serving to make it extra indulgent.

4. Tropical Banana Bread: Incorporate shredded coconut and chopped pineapple for a tropical flavor profile.

Tips for Leftovers and Storage

• Refrigeration: Cover and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: Slice and wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

• Reheating: Place slices in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes or microwave for 30–60 seconds. Adding a tiny splash of milk when reheating keeps the custard soft.

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

This casserole is the perfect mix of comfort and indulgence. It’s sweet but not overpowering, soft yet slightly crisp on top, and loaded with chocolate chips for gooey pockets of chocolate. The banana bread adds a flavor that feels familiar and cozy, evoking the warmth of home-cooked breakfasts.

Its ease of preparation makes it ideal for busy mornings, yet it feels gourmet enough for special occasions. Guests will be impressed, kids will be delighted, and you’ll love how stress-free it is to assemble.

Whether it’s a birthday breakfast, a holiday brunch, or a leisurely Sunday morning, this Chocolate Chip Banana Bread French Toast Casserole delivers joy in every bite. Serve it with your favorite toppings, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and enjoy a moment of indulgence and comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen banana bread?
Yes, you can! If you have leftover banana bread in the freezer, it works well for this casserole, but you’ll need to thaw it completely first. Using frozen banana bread without thawing may result in uneven custard absorption and a slightly soggy texture in some areas. Slightly stale or day-old banana bread is actually ideal because it soaks up the custard better, giving the casserole that perfect balance of soft, custardy interior and lightly crisp edges on top. If your banana bread is very fresh, consider lightly toasting it before cubing to help it hold its shape and texture. This little step ensures every bite is rich and flavorful, without becoming overly mushy.

2. Can I make this casserole vegan?
Absolutely! This casserole can easily be adapted for a vegan diet. Simply substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative such as almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk. Replace the eggs with a vegan egg substitute; options include flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg), chia eggs, or a commercial vegan egg replacer. Be sure to use dairy-free chocolate chips to keep the casserole fully vegan. Baking times may remain the same, though it’s a good idea to check the custard around the 45-minute mark to ensure it has fully set. With these adjustments, you can enjoy a rich, decadent casserole that’s entirely plant-based without sacrificing flavor or texture.

3. How can I make this ahead of time?
This recipe is perfect for busy mornings or special occasions when you want a stress-free, crowd-pleasing breakfast. You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. This allows the custard to soak into the banana bread thoroughly, making the casserole even more flavorful. In the morning, simply remove it from the fridge, bake as directed, and serve warm. This make-ahead approach is great for holidays, birthdays, or weekend brunches because it saves you time while still producing a fresh, delicious dish.

4. Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Yes! Adding mix-ins can elevate the flavor and texture of the casserole. Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds are all excellent choices, adding a satisfying crunch to each bite. For a tropical twist, consider adding shredded coconut or even dried fruit like raisins or cranberries. You can mix these directly with the chocolate chips or sprinkle them on top before baking. Just be mindful not to overload the casserole, as too many extras can interfere with the custard setting properly. Experimenting with mix-ins allows you to customize this recipe to your taste, making it unique every time you bake it.

Easy & Delicious Chocolate Chip Banana Bread French Toast Casserole

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• Author: Michelle Davis
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 servings 1x

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Description

This comforting casserole combines the rich, moist sweetness of banana bread with gooey chocolate chips and a creamy custard. Perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or a cozy breakfast treat, it’s easy to prepare ahead and always a crowd-pleaser. Using day-old banana bread gives it a tender, custardy texture while ensuring no bread goes to waste.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups banana bread, cubed (day-old works best)

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

• 6 large eggs

• 2 cups whole milk (or 2% milk)

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• Butter, for greasing the baking dish

• Optional toppings: powdered sugar, maple syrup, whipped cream, sliced bananas

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Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.

• Cut the banana bread into 1-inch cubes and arrange evenly in the prepared dish. Sprinkle chocolate chips over the bread cubes.

• In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.

• Pour the custard over the banana bread and chocolate chips. Gently press down to ensure the custard soaks evenly.

• Let the casserole sit for 10–15 minutes to absorb the custard. For a make-ahead option, cover and refrigerate up to 8 hours or overnight.

• Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.

• Allow to cool slightly for 5–10 minutes before serving.

• Serve warm with optional toppings like powdered sugar, maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh banana slices.

Notes

• Use day-old banana bread for the best texture.

• Chocolate chips can be substituted with white chocolate or peanut butter chips.

• Whole milk provides the creamiest custard, but plant-based milk works for a dairy-free option.

• Assemble the casserole the night before for easy morning baking.

• Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat slices in the oven or microwave.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45–55 minutes

Michelle Davis