Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole is a comforting and delicious breakfast that comes together with ease. Made with ripe bananas, rich custard, and a crunchy streusel topping, it’s perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunches.
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
- Step 1: Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: Add the bread chunks to a large bowl and set aside.
- Step 3: In another large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Step 4: Pour the egg mixture over the bread chunks. Add the chopped bananas and gently stir to coat all the bread pieces.
- Step 5: Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- Step 6: Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C) when ready to bake.
- Step 7: Bake the casserole for 35-40 minutes until nearly done.
- Step 8: While baking, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the streusel in a bowl. Add butter and mash until crumbly.
- Step 9: Remove casserole from oven and sprinkle streusel topping evenly over it.
- Step 10: Return casserole to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes until the streusel is golden and melted.
- Step 11: Serve warm with syrup or your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Use day-old bread for better custard absorption and texture.
- Choose ripe, speckled bananas for sweet, enhanced flavor.
- Cover the casserole tightly overnight to prevent drying out.
- Add nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and taste.
- Serve with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or maple syrup for variety.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F (176°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, in the microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed 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 substitute eggs with vegan options like flaxseed meal or applesauce, though the texture may differ slightly.
How do I customize my Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole?
Add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or different fruits such as blueberries are great for extra flavor and texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free bread and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free to adapt the recipe.
What should I serve with Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole?
It pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, yogurt, maple syrup, crispy bacon, or sausage links for a complete meal.
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Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole is a comforting and versatile breakfast dish featuring sourdough or French bread soaked overnight in a rich custard with bananas, then baked to golden perfection with a crunchy cinnamon streusel topping. Perfect for a cozy morning or brunch, it combines creamy, sweet, and spiced flavors with a delightful texture.
Ingredients
Bread Base
- 1 lb loaf sourdough or French bread, cut into chunks
Egg Mixture
- 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
Bananas
- 6–7 medium sized bananas, chopped
Streusel Topping
- 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
- Grease the Dish: Thoroughly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prevent the casserole from sticking during baking.
- Prepare the Bread: Place the sourdough or French bread chunks in a large bowl and set aside while preparing the egg mixture.
- Whisk Together Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, white sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the egg mixture over the bread chunks in the bowl. Add the chopped bananas and gently stir to coat all bread pieces evenly with the custard.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the bread and custard mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Spread it out evenly. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to soak.
- Preheat Oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C).
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered for about 35-40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the custard is mostly set.
- Make Streusel Topping: While the casserole bakes, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the streusel in a bowl. Add the cold salted butter pieces and mash with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture is crumbly.
- Add Streusel Topping: Remove the casserole from the oven when it looks nearly done and evenly crumble the streusel topping over the surface.
- Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the streusel topping is melted, golden, and crisp.
- Serve Warm: Serve the banana French toast casserole warm with maple syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use stale or day-old bread to absorb the custard better and avoid sogginess.
- Choose ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- Cover casserole tightly and refrigerate overnight for best texture and flavor melding.
- Check doneness with a toothpick and monitor baking time closely to prevent over- or under-baking.
- Do not skip the streusel topping; it adds delightful crunch and sweetness.
- Serve the casserole warm for the best taste experience.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in oven, microwave, or skillet as preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: banana french toast casserole, baked french toast, overnight casserole, breakfast casserole, banana breakfast bake, streusel topping french toast
