January 30 may be National Croissant Day, and what better way to celebrate than with a warm, banana-infused croissant casserole? This recipe is a delightful cross between French toast casserole and bread pudding, giving you soft, custardy layers of buttery croissants with a hint of banana sweetness.
Whether you’re serving it for a cozy breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this simple baked casserole is comfort food at its finest. I made mine in a 4×4-inch mini dish for a single portion (because sometimes you just need a little treat for yourself!), but the recipe below is for an 8×8-inch pan that serves four generously.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon banana extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ripe (but not overripe) banana, sliced
- 6 day-old croissants, cut or torn into 1–2 inch pieces
- Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter and set aside. - Make the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, banana extract, and salt until smooth. - Soak the Croissants
Add the croissant pieces to the custard mixture and gently stir to coat every piece. Let them soak for 25–30 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the croissants absorb most of the liquid. - Assemble the Casserole
Pour the soaked croissants into the prepared baking dish, arranging them evenly. Nestle the banana slices on top. - Bake
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the custard is set and the tops of the croissants are golden brown. - Cool and Serve
Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup and enjoy warm.
Tips & Variations
- Croissant Age Matters: Day-old or slightly stale croissants soak up the custard better, giving the casserole the perfect texture.
- Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning for an effortless breakfast.
- Optional Add-Ins: Sprinkle in mini chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or a swirl of Nutella for a decadent twist.
This Banana Croissant French Toast Casserole is the perfect mix of buttery, custardy, and fruity—ideal for a weekend brunch or holiday breakfast. Once you try it, you may never look at leftover croissants the same way again!