Banana Bread Breakfast Bake: Turn your leftover banana bread into something truly spectacular with this Banana Bread Breakfast Bake. It’s a creative twist on French toast that combines the warm comfort of banana bread with the decadence of a cream cheese glaze.
Perfect for brunch, holidays, or any morning that calls for something special, this dish is rich, flavorful, and easy to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the French Toast
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 lbs banana bread (about 2–3 loaves)
- Sliced strawberries, for garnish
- Sliced bananas, for garnish
For the Cream Cheese Glaze
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Juice of half a lemon
How to Make Banana Bread Breakfast Bake
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Brush a sheet pan generously with melted butter to prevent sticking and add rich flavor.
Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth and fully combined.
Step 3: Dip and Layer the Banana Bread
Slice your banana bread into ½- to ¾-inch slices. Dip each slice into the custard mixture to coat evenly, then layer them on the buttered sheet pan, slightly overlapping. Pour any remaining custard over the top.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 30–35 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through to ensure even baking. The top should be lightly golden, and the custard should be set.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
While the bake is in the oven, combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla bean paste, milk, salt, and lemon juice in a bowl. Beat with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Drizzle the warm cream cheese glaze over the baked banana bread French toast. Top with sliced strawberries and bananas for a fresh, fruity finish. Serve any extra glaze on the side for dipping.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Use day-old banana bread for better texture—it absorbs the custard without becoming soggy.
- For extra decadence, add a sprinkle of brown sugar or chopped nuts before baking.
- Want more flavor? Try adding a dash of rum extract or maple syrup to the custard.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy way to use leftover banana bread
- Elegant enough for brunch, simple enough for weekdays
- Combines two breakfast favorites—banana bread and French toast
- Creamy glaze adds the perfect finishing touch
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the bake the night before, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning for best results.
2. Can I freeze leftovers?
Definitely. Wrap individual portions tightly and freeze for up to two months. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
3. What can I use instead of vanilla bean paste?
Regular vanilla extract works just fine—use the same amount.
4. Can I use store-bought banana bread?
Absolutely. Store-bought or homemade banana bread both work perfectly for this recipe.
5. How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
For a thicker glaze, use less milk. For a thinner drizzle, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
