Strawberry-Banana French Toast

Strawberry-banana French toast is a classic combination. But instead of just serving it with fresh fruit, this French toast bakes in the oven with bananas and strawberries, resulting in a jammy, custardy breakfast casserole. Our recipe calls for frozen strawberries, but fresh ones work just as well (especially during peak season). The hint of spice fills the house with cozy aromas that will have everyone running to the table. While we love all the indulgent French toast recipes in our repertoire, this one is especially great for holiday breakfasts, brunch with your favorite pals or feeding a hungry crowd.

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Ingredients for Strawberry-Banana French Toast

• Day-old French bread: This recipe is great for stale bread. It’s drier, which means it can absorb more of the eggy batter. Slice a loaf yourself to get nice, thick pieces.
• Custard: For the best French toast custard, you’ll need eggs, whole milk (though 2% or nondairy milk work) and a good-quality vanilla extract.
• Baking powder: Just as it does in baked goods, baking powder works to make French toast light and airy.
• Frozen sweetened sliced strawberries: Using frozen strawberries is an easy shortcut that allows you to make this recipe all year round.
• Bananas: Many baked goods call for overripe bananas, but this recipe calls for firm bananas that will hold their shape after slicing.
• Sugar: Plain granulated sugar lightly sweetens the egg custard.
• Spices: Boost the flavor of your baked strawberry-banana French toast with cinnamon sugar and apple pie or pumpkin pie spice. You can make cinnamon sugar with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Store it in an airtight container and sprinkle it on cereal, buttered toast, doughnuts and other baked goods.

Directions

Step 1: Make the custard

Arrange the bread slices in a large, shallow baking dish. In a large bowl or pitcher, combine the eggs, milk, vanilla and baking powder.

Step 2: Soak the bread overnight

Slowly pour the custard over the bread in the pan. Cover the pan with storage wrap or foil. Chill it in the fridge for eight hours or overnight.

Editor’s Tip: Don’t be tempted to skip this step. Letting the custard soak into the bread makes for a more tender, moist French toast.

Step 3: Prepare the fruit mix

About 30 minutes before baking, remove the pan from the refrigerator and let sit on the counter. Heat the oven to 400°F. Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine the strawberries, bananas, sugar and pie spice.

Step 4: Assemble the casserole

Pour the fruit into a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Arrange the prepared bread over the fruit. Sprinkle the bread with cinnamon sugar.

Step 5: Bake

Bake the French toast, uncovered, for 30 to 35 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

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Strawberry-Banana French Toast Variations

• Change the flavors: Swap almond extract for the vanilla, or replace the pie spice with nutmeg, cardamom or Chinese five spice.
• Change the fruit: Instead of (or along with) strawberries, try blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, sliced peaches or nectarines.
• Try a different bread: French bread is classic, but leftover challah, brioche or plain sandwich bread can also be turned into French toast.

How to Store Strawberry-Banana French Toast

Store leftover strawberry and banana French toast in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can you freeze strawberry-banana French toast?

Yes, French toast with strawberries and bananas freezes well. Allow the French toast to cool completely, then cover it tightly with storage wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze it for up to two months. Allow the casserole to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it.

How do you reheat strawberry-banana French toast?

Reheat the French toast casserole at 350° for 20 to 25 minutes or until it’s heated through.

Strawberry-Banana French Toast Tips

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Can you use fresh strawberries in strawberry-banana French toast?

You can use fresh strawberries here, especially when they’re in season and packed with flavor! Since the recipe does call for frozen sweetened berries, you may want to stir some extra sugar into the topping if you decide to use fresh berries.

What can you serve with strawberry-banana French toast?

We love serving French toast with bananas and strawberries as the centerpiece of a relaxing brunch. It’s hearty enough to serve on its own with plenty of coffee or tea, but it’s also a tasty addition to a breakfast potluck spread. We suggest pairing it with something savory, like bacon, sausage and even a big egg casserole.