Description
Start your morning with the ultimate comfort breakfast: a warm, gooey French toast bake loaded with ripe bananas and melty chocolate chips. Perfect for cozy weekends, holiday brunches, or any occasion where you want to impress family and friends without stress. Inspired by the classic French toast we all love, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a luscious, shareable dish that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
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1 loaf day-old bread (brioche, challah, or French bread)
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3–4 ripe bananas, sliced
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1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
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8 large eggs
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2 cups whole milk
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1/4 cup brown sugar
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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Butter or nonstick spray for greasing the baking dish
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Optional: powdered sugar or maple syrup for serving
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
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Cut the bread into 1-inch thick slices and arrange half of them in the prepared dish.
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Layer half of the banana slices over the bread, then sprinkle half of the chocolate chips on top. Repeat layers with remaining bread, bananas, and chocolate chips.
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In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
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Pour the custard evenly over the layered bread, pressing gently so the bread absorbs it.
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Optional: Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or overnight for a softer texture.
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Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, until the top is golden and the custard is set.
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Allow to cool 5–10 minutes before slicing.
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Serve warm, optionally dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with maple syrup.
Notes
Use day-old bread for best custard absorption. Overripe bananas enhance sweetness and texture. Customize with different chocolate chips, nuts, or berries. This bake can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen for convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes