Introduction

Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole is a comforting and delicious breakfast that comes together easily the night before. With ripe bananas and a rich custard soaking into sourdough bread, it’s perfect for busy mornings or special occasions.

Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

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 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

Step 1: Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the bread chunks with the chopped bananas.
Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together 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. Stir gently to coat all the pieces evenly.
Step 5: Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Cover and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to soak.
Step 6: Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 30-35 minutes.
Step 7: While baking, prepare the streusel topping by combining flour, brown sugar, and salted butter in a bowl. Crumble this mixture over the casserole during the last 5 minutes of baking and continue baking until golden brown.
Step 8: Remove from oven and serve warm. Enjoy with maple syrup or your favorite toppings.

Tips & Variations

Use day-old bread for better absorption and texture.
Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the streusel for extra crunch.
Swap bananas for other fruits like berries or apples if preferred.
For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and cream with plant-based alternatives.

Storage

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm. Avoid freezing as the texture may change after thawing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole on the same day?

Yes, but the flavors and texture improve significantly when the casserole soaks overnight, allowing the bread to absorb the custard fully.

Can I make the streusel topping ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the streusel in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. Add it just before the last few minutes of baking for a fresh, crisp topping.

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 delicious and comforting breakfast dish that combines the rich flavors of ripe bananas with custardy baked French toast. Prepared the night before and baked in the morning, it’s perfect for easy entertaining or a cozy family brunch. Topped with a buttery brown sugar streusel, this recipe offers a delightful balance of sweetness and texture.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 8 hours 55 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

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 casserole dish: Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and make serving easier.
Combine bread and bananas: In a large bowl, mix the chunks of sourdough or French bread with the chopped ripe bananas to distribute the fruit evenly.
Mix custard base: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy whipping cream, sugar, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth and well combined.
Combine the custard with bread and bananas: Pour the egg mixture over the bread and banana mixture. Gently stir to coat all the bread pieces thoroughly with the custard.
Refrigerate overnight: Transfer the coated mixture into the prepared casserole dish, cover it with plastic wrap or a lid, and place it in the refrigerator overnight to allow the bread to soak and flavors to meld.
Preheat and bake: The next morning, preheat your 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.
Prepare and add streusel topping: While the casserole is baking, combine flour, brown sugar, and salted butter in a bowl and crumble together until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this streusel over the casserole during the last 5 minutes of baking to create a crunchy, sweet topping.
Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm. Drizzle with maple syrup or add your favorite toppings such as powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or whipped cream.

Notes

Use day-old bread for best texture and absorption of custard.
Ripe bananas should be used for maximum sweetness and aroma.
You can substitute whole milk and cream with lower-fat versions but the casserole will be less rich.
Streusel topping can be prepared ahead and stored in the fridge until baking time.
Ensure the casserole is well covered during refrigeration to prevent it from drying out.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: banana french toast casserole, overnight french toast casserole, baked french toast, banana breakfast casserole, brunch recipes