Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole is a cozy and delicious breakfast that combines soft bread, ripe bananas, and warm cinnamon flavors. Prepared the night before, it’s perfect for a stress-free morning and makes an impressive dish for brunch or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 lb loaf sourdough or French bread, cut into chunks
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups (480ml) milk (whole or 2%)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup (104g) sugar
• 1/4 cup (36g) light brown sugar, unpacked
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 6-7 medium bananas, chopped
• 3/4 cup (98g) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (169g) firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup (112g) salted butter, cut into pieces

Instructions

1. Step 1: Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: Place the bread chunks in a large bowl and set aside.
3. Step 3: In another large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined.
4. Step 4: Pour the egg mixture over the bread chunks. Add chopped bananas and gently stir to coat all the bread pieces evenly.
5. Step 5: Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
6. Step 6: When ready, preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C).
7. Step 7: Bake the casserole for 35-40 minutes, until golden and set.
8. Step 8: While baking, prepare the streusel topping by mixing flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Add butter pieces and mash together until crumbly.
9. Step 9: Remove casserole from oven once it’s nearly done and evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over it.
10. Step 10: Return casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the streusel is golden and slightly melted.
11. Step 11: Serve warm, optionally drizzled with syrup or topped with your favorite extras. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use day-old bread to absorb the custard better and avoid sogginess.
• Choose ripe bananas with speckles for the sweetest flavor.
• Cover the casserole tightly when refrigerating overnight to retain moisture.
• Add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or mixed berries into the casserole for extra texture and flavor.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the bread and flour with gluten-free alternatives.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag; freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (176°C) for 15-20 minutes, in the microwave on medium for 1-2 minutes, or warm in a skillet on low heat until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole without eggs?

Yes, you can use egg substitutes like flaxseed meal or applesauce for a vegan version, but the texture may be slightly different and less custardy.

How do I customize my Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole?

You can mix in nuts, chocolate chips, or other fruits like blueberries to enhance flavor and texture according to your preference.

Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 132 reviews

• Author: Ella
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

Delight in the comforting flavors of this Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole, featuring ripe bananas, a rich custard base, and a crunchy streusel topping. Prepared the night before and baked to golden perfection, this casserole is a perfect make-ahead breakfast or brunch that combines creamy, fruity, and sweet textures all in one dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread Base

• 1 lb loaf sourdough or French bread, cut into chunks

Egg Mixture

• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups (480 ml) milk (whole or 2%)
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup (104 g) sugar
• 1/4 cup (36 g) light brown sugar, unpacked
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Bananas

• 6–7 medium sized bananas, chopped

Streusel Topping

• 3/4 cup (98 g) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (169 g) firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup (112 g) salted butter, cut into pieces

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Instructions

1. Grease the Dish: Thoroughly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick during baking.
2. Prepare the Bread: Place the cut bread chunks into a large bowl and set aside while you prepare the egg mixture.
3. Whisk Together Ingredients: In another large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Mixtures: Pour the egg mixture over the bread chunks in the bowl, add the chopped bananas, and gently stir until all the bread is evenly coated with the custard and the bananas are distributed throughout.
5. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture to the greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to soak up the custard fully.
6. Preheat Oven: The next day, preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) in preparation for baking.
7. Bake: Remove the casserole from the fridge and bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, until it is set and lightly golden on top but not fully browned.
8. Make Streusel Topping: While the casserole bakes, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Add in the butter pieces and mash together with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture becomes crumbly.
9. Add Streusel Topping: Once the casserole looks nearly done, carefully remove it from the oven and evenly crumble the streusel topping over it.
10. Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the streusel melts and turns golden brown, adding a crunchy texture.
11. Serve Warm: Serve the casserole warm with optional maple syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or nuts as toppings to elevate the flavor and texture. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

• Use day-old or stale bread for best texture as it absorbs the custard better without becoming too soggy.
• Choose ripe bananas that are speckled and sweet for maximum flavor contribution.
• Cover the casserole tightly when refrigerating overnight to prevent drying out and to let flavors meld.
• Bake until the custard is set and the top is golden brown for perfect doneness; test with a toothpick if needed.
• The streusel topping adds a delicious crunchy contrast—do not skip it.
• Serve warm for best taste and texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Brunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: overnight baked French toast casserole, banana French toast, breakfast casserole, make ahead breakfast, baked French toast, brunch recipe