Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole is a comforting and delicious breakfast treat that’s easy to prepare the night before. Perfectly soft with sweet bananas and a crisp streusel topping, it’s sure to impress family or guests.
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)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Step 1: Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the bread chunks with the chopped bananas, mixing gently.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Step 4: Pour the egg mixture over the bread and bananas, stirring gently to coat everything evenly.
- Step 5: Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, cover it, and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to soak.
- Step 6: Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C). Bake the casserole for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden and the center is set.
- Step 7: For the streusel topping, combine the flour, brown sugar, and butter in a bowl. Crumble this mixture evenly over the casserole during the last five minutes of baking, then return it to the oven to finish baking.
- Step 8: Serve the casserole warm, optionally topped with maple syrup or your favorite toppings like fresh fruit or nuts.
Tips & Variations
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread for better absorption and texture.
- Substitute bananas with berries or apples for a different fruit flavor.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the egg mixture for extra warmth and spice.
- For a dairy-free version, swap milk and cream with almond or oat milk and use a vegan butter substitute for the streusel.
- Prepare the streusel topping ahead of time and keep refrigerated until ready to use.
Storage
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions gently in the microwave or warm the whole casserole in a 325°F (160°C) oven until heated through. This casserole is best enjoyed fresh but still tastes great warmed the next day.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, while sourdough or French bread works best for texture and flavor, you can substitute with brioche, challah, or any sturdy bread you have on hand. Avoid very soft breads as they may become mushy.
Do I have to refrigerate it overnight?
Refrigerating overnight helps the bread soak up the custard fully, resulting in a moist and flavorful casserole. If you’re short on time, let it soak for at least 1 hour before baking, but overnight is recommended for the best texture.
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Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole is a delicious and comforting breakfast dish featuring chunks of sourdough or French bread soaked in a creamy egg and milk mixture, layered with ripe bananas, and baked to golden perfection. Topped with a buttery brown sugar streusel, it’s perfect for a make-ahead breakfast or brunch that is sweet, rich, and wonderfully satisfying.
Ingredients
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
- Prepare the dish: Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and allow easy serving.
- Combine bread and bananas: In a large bowl, add the bread chunks and chopped bananas, mixing them gently to distribute evenly.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until fully combined and smooth.
- Soak the bread: Pour the egg mixture over the bread and bananas in the large bowl, stirring gently to coat all pieces evenly without squashing the bananas.
- Refrigerate overnight: Transfer the soaked bread mixture into the greased casserole dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
- Bake the casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and bake for 30-35 minutes until the edges are golden and the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the middle.
- Prepare and add the streusel topping: While baking, mix together flour, brown sugar, and salted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle this streusel evenly over the casserole and return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the topping to brown and crisp.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm with maple syrup or your favorite breakfast toppings such as fresh fruit or whipped cream.
Notes
- You can use sourdough or French bread; slightly stale bread works best as it absorbs the custard better.
- Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moistness but avoid overly mushy bananas to maintain texture.
- The streusel topping adds a crunchy contrast but can be omitted if preferred.
- Make sure to cover the casserole when refrigerating overnight to prevent drying out or absorbing fridge odors.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute milk and cream with almond or oat milk and use a non-dairy butter alternative for the streusel.
- This casserole can be assembled the night before and baked fresh in the morning, making it ideal for busy mornings or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: French toast casserole, banana casserole, baked French toast, breakfast casserole, overnight French toast, streusel topping
