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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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 bread chunks into a large bowl and set aside while preparing the egg mixture.
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.
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.
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.
Preheat Oven: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C).
Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered for 35-40 minutes or until it is golden brown and set in the center.
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.
Add Streusel Topping: Remove the casserole from the oven when it appears almost done and evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over it.
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.
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