Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole makes for a deliciously comforting breakfast that practically prepares itself while you sleep. With ripe bananas and a crunchy streusel topping, this dish combines soft custardy bread with warm cinnamon flavors perfect for any weekend or special occasion morning.

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 (for streusel)
• 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 into a large bowl and set aside.
3. Step 3: In another large bowl, whisk together the 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 the chopped bananas, and gently stir until all the bread pieces are coated.
5. Step 5: Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
6. Step 6: Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C) when ready to bake.
7. Step 7: Bake the casserole for 35-40 minutes or until cooked through and golden on top.
8. Step 8: While baking, mix the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the streusel in a bowl. Add the butter pieces and mash with fingers or a fork until crumbly.
9. Step 9: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over it.
10. Step 10: Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the streusel topping is golden and melted.
11. Step 11: Serve warm, drizzled with syrup or topped with your favorite extras. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use day-old sourdough or French bread for better custard absorption and texture.
• Choose ripe bananas with speckles for the best sweetness and flavor.
• Cover the casserole tightly while chilling overnight to retain moisture.
• Try adding chopped walnuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
• Serve topped with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a scoop of ice cream for a special treat.

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 them in a freezer-safe bag; keep frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F (176°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or warm in the microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes.

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 flaxseed meal or applesauce for a vegan version, though the texture may slightly differ from the traditional custard.

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

You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or other fruits like blueberries to the mixture before baking to suit your personal taste and add variety.

Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 98 reviews

• Author: Sarah
• Total Time: 12 hours (including overnight refrigeration)
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole is a delightful and easy-to-make breakfast dish that combines the rich flavors of ripe bananas, cinnamon, and a buttery streusel topping. It features chunks of sourdough or French bread soaked overnight in a creamy custard mixture, then baked to golden perfection. The casserole is perfect for busy mornings and can be served warm with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream for an indulgent start to your day.

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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 ground 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 prevent the casserole from sticking during baking.
2. Prepare the Bread: Place the bread chunks into a large bowl and set aside while preparing the egg mixture.
3. Whisk Together Ingredients: In another large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy whipping cream, sugar, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until well combined to make the custard mixture.
4. Combine Mixtures: Pour the egg custard over the bread chunks, add the chopped bananas, and gently stir until all pieces of bread are evenly coated.
5. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the bread and banana mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to soak up the custard.
6. Preheat Oven: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C).
7. Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered for 35-40 minutes or until it is golden brown and set in the center.
8. Make Streusel Topping: While the casserole is baking, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Add the pieces of salted butter and mash them with a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture forms crumbly streusel.
9. Add Streusel Topping: Remove the casserole from the oven when it appears almost done and evenly sprinkle 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 topping is melted and golden brown.
11. Serve Warm: Serve the casserole warm, optionally drizzled with maple syrup or topped with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or nuts as desired.

Notes

• Use day-old or stale bread for the best texture; fresh bread may become soggy.
• Ripe, speckled bananas are ideal for maximum sweetness and flavor.
• Cover and refrigerate the casserole mixture overnight to allow flavors to meld and bread to soak properly.
• Check doneness by baking until golden and puffed; a toothpick inserted should come out clean.
• Do not skip the streusel topping for a delightful crunchy texture contrast.
• Serve the casserole warm for the best taste experience.

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

Keywords: banana French toast casserole, baked French toast, overnight breakfast casserole, banana breakfast bake, cinnamon streusel French toast, easy brunch recipe