Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole is a comforting and easy breakfast treat perfect for busy mornings or special occasions. Soft sourdough bread soaked in a rich custard with ripe bananas creates a delightful blend of flavors. Topped with a sweet streusel and baked to golden perfection, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients

• 1 lb sourdough or French bread, cut into chunks
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 6-7 medium ripe bananas, chopped
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel)
• 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar (for streusel)
• 1/2 cup salted butter (for streusel)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the bread chunks with the chopped bananas, mixing gently to distribute evenly.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth.
4. Step 4: Pour the egg mixture over the bread and bananas, stirring gently to coat all pieces well.
5. Step 5: Transfer the soaked bread mixture to the prepared casserole dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld.
6. Step 6: Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
7. Step 7: For the streusel topping, combine the flour, brown sugar, and salted butter in a bowl, crumbling the mixture together with your fingers or a fork. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the casserole during the last five minutes of baking.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with maple syrup or your favorite toppings.

Tips & Variations

• Use day-old or slightly stale bread to absorb the custard better without becoming mushy.
• Swap bananas for other fruits like berries or apples for a different flavor profile.
• Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard for extra warmth and spice.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and cream with almond or oat milk.

Storage

Store any leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. To reheat the entire dish, cover loosely with foil and warm in a 350°F (176°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the casserole the same day and bake it immediately?

Yes, you can bake it right away, but refrigerating overnight allows the bread to soak up the custard fully, resulting in a more custardy and flavorful casserole.

Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely. While sourdough or French bread is ideal for texture, brioche or challah can add a richer taste, making the dish even more indulgent.

Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 104 reviews

This Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole is a comforting and delicious breakfast dish perfect for busy mornings. Combining hearty sourdough or French bread with ripe bananas and a rich custard mixture, it’s soaked overnight and baked to golden perfection. A buttery streusel topping adds an irresistible crunch, making it a crowd-pleasing treat served warm with maple syrup or your favorite toppings.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 8 hours 60 minutes (including overnight refrigeration)
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb sourdough or French bread, cut into chunks
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 6–7 medium ripe bananas, chopped

Streusel Topping

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup salted butter

Instructions

1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish thoroughly to prevent sticking during baking.
2. Combine Bread and Bananas: In a large bowl, mix the sourdough or French bread chunks with the chopped ripe bananas, ensuring an even distribution.
3. Make the Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth and well combined.
4. Soak the Bread and Bananas: Pour the egg mixture over the bread and banana mixture. Gently stir to coat all the bread chunks and bananas evenly with the custard.
5. Refrigerate Overnight: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared casserole dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
6. Preheat the Oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C).
7. Bake the Casserole: Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and bake uncovered for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.
8. Prepare the Streusel Topping: While the casserole bakes, combine the flour, brown sugar, and salted butter in a bowl. Crumble and mix until it forms a coarse streusel texture.
9. Add Streusel and Finish Baking: Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the casserole during the last 5 minutes of baking and continue baking until the topping is golden and crisp.
10. Serve Warm: Remove from oven and serve the casserole warm. Pair with maple syrup or any preferred toppings to enhance flavor.

Notes

• Use day-old or slightly stale bread for best absorption of the custard mixture.
• Bananas should be ripe but not overly mushy to maintain some texture.
• You can substitute milk with any plant-based milk for a dairy-free version but adjust cream accordingly.
• Prep the night before to save time in the morning; the casserole tastes even better after soaking overnight.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• Optional toppings include chopped nuts, whipped cream, or fresh berries for added flavor and texture.

Keywords: banana French toast casserole, overnight breakfast casserole, baked French toast, banana breakfast bake, brunch casserole