Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole Recipe
If you’re looking for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that transforms bananas and classic French toast into pure breakfast bliss, Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole is about to be your go-to brunch hero. Imagine cubes of custard-soaked bread, ripe bananas, and a buttery brown sugar streusel melting into a golden, bubbling casserole you can prep the night before and bake to perfection in the morning. It’s velvety, rich, and just sweet enough, making lazy weekends or special mornings extra memorable with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole relies on straightforward ingredients that become truly magical together, each adding something special to the final dish. From the hearty texture of day-old bread to the dreamy sweetness of ripe bananas, every item on this list plays a delicious part.
- Sourdough or French Bread: Sturdy, slightly crusty bread creates the best texture, absorbing the custard without getting mushy.
- Eggs: The foundation of the rich custard, giving the casserole its luxurious, creamy bite.
- Milk (whole or 2%): Adds moisture and richness—whole milk is ideal for extra creaminess, but 2% works beautifully, too.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: This is the secret to a custard that’s luscious and indulgent.
- Sugar: Ensures the casserole is sweet but not overpowering—white sugar melts cleanly into the custard.
- Light Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of molasses flavor and a hint of caramel depth.
- Vanilla Extract: A little pure vanilla wonderfully enhances all the flavors.
- Ground Cinnamon: Warm and aromatic, cinnamon is essential for cozy breakfast vibes.
- Bananas: Chopped ripe bananas bring sweetness, flavor, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the streusel, making it crumbly and irresistible.
- Firmly Packed Brown Sugar: For a sweet, caramelized topping that crackles as you bite in.
- Cinnamon (for streusel): Doubles down on the breakfast spice, tying the whole dish together.
- Salted Butter: Cut into pieces, this makes the streusel topping rich, toasty, and beautifully golden.
How to Make Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Casserole Dish
First things first, give your 9×13 inch casserole dish a generous layer of grease—whether it’s butter or nonstick spray, get those corners so your Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole releases perfectly after baking. No one wants any stuck-on bits with a dish this glorious.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread
Cut your loaf of sourdough or French bread into hearty, bite-sized chunks and toss them into a large bowl. Day-old bread is perfect because it holds up to the custard and soaks in all those luscious flavors overnight.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Custard
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, white sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. This dreamy mixture is what transforms simple bread into the irresistible, creamy center of your casserole.
Step 4: Combine Bread, Bananas, and Custard
Pour your rich custard over the bread chunks, add the chopped bananas, and gently fold everything together with a big spoon or your hands (the best kitchen tool). Make sure every piece of bread is coated so you get flavor in every single bite.
Step 5: Assemble and Refrigerate Overnight
Spread the banana-bread-custard mixture evenly into your greased casserole dish. Smooth out the top, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and tuck it into the fridge overnight. This rest time makes all the difference, allowing the bread to soak up every bit of custard for the ultimate Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
When you’re ready for breakfast, preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge while the oven heats so it isn’t too cold going in. Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, or until it’s just set and beautifully golden on top.
Step 7: Make the Streusel Topping
While your casserole is baking, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl. Add the butter pieces and smash them in with a fork (or your fingers) until a crumbly, streusel-like mixture forms.
Step 8: Finish with Streusel and Bake Again
When the casserole looks just about done, pull it from the oven, scatter the streusel all over the top, and return it to bake for another five minutes. The topping should melt and form a delicious, crackly crust that’s absolute heaven with the soft banana custard underneath.
Step 9: Serve Warm
Let it cool for just a few minutes so everything sets up but is still warm and gooey. Slice and serve with your favorite syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream—the first bite is pure magic!
How to Serve Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole
Garnishes
This casserole shines on its own, but you can dress it up with a cascade of fresh banana slices, a drizzle of maple syrup, or even a dollop of whipped cream. Toasted pecans or walnuts add a wonderful crunch, and a dusting of powdered sugar makes it look extra special.
Side Dishes
Pair your Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole with crispy bacon, sausage links, or a platter of seasonal fruit for a well-rounded, brunch-worthy spread. A fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla Greek yogurt lightens up the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the casserole into squares and set out a toppings bar with chocolate chips, berry compote, and flavored syrups. Or serve individually plated portions with each slice stacked slightly askew and garnished with a sprig of mint for that “brunch bistro” feel. This dish effortlessly elevates any breakfast table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep nicely in the refrigerator for up to three days, and the flavors get even cozier as they meld together.
Freezing
If you want to prep extra or have leftovers to stash away, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap slices or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to two months; label it so you can come back for a cozy breakfast on a whim!
Reheating
For single servings, a quick zap in the microwave (about 30-60 seconds) does the trick. If you’re reheating a larger portion, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through—about 15-20 minutes. Add fresh garnishes after reheating for the best flavor and appearance.
FAQs
Can I use another type of bread?
Absolutely! While sourdough or French bread holds up best due to their sturdiness, you can swap in challah, brioche, or even a hearty whole wheat loaf. Just make sure it’s not too soft or thin, or it may become soggy.
What if my bananas aren’t super ripe?
Less-ripe bananas will still work, but for the best flavor and extra sweetness, use those with plenty of brown spots. You can also roast less-ripe bananas in the oven for a few minutes to soften and sweeten them up before adding to the casserole.
Can I make Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole gluten-free?
Yes, just use your favorite gluten-free bread (one that’s sturdy and a day or two old is ideal) and check that your other ingredients, like flour for the streusel, are gluten-free too.
Do I have to prepare it overnight, or can I bake it right away?
Overnight soaking is what gives this dish its incredible custardy texture, but if you’re in a pinch, let it rest for at least 30-60 minutes before baking. The longer sitting time really is worth it, though!
How do I prevent the casserole from becoming mushy?
Using day-old or slightly stale bread helps, as does making sure you don’t overmix when combining ingredients. Bake until the center is just set—if you like it less custardy, a few extra minutes in the oven will firm things up.
Final Thoughts
If your breakfasts need something a little special—or you want to delight a crowd and keep mornings easy—give Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole a whirl. It’s a warm, inviting dish full of comfort and flavor, and I promise it’ll land firmly in your list of favorites after just one bite. Happy baking!
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Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole is a delicious make-ahead breakfast or brunch dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. With layers of bread, eggs, milk, cream, bananas, and a sweet streusel topping, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
Bread Mixture:
- 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-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 a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
- In another large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
- Pour the bread mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly in the pan. Cover the casserole and store in the fridge overnight.
- When ready to bake the casserole, preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C).
- Bake the casserole for about 35-40 minutes or until it’s at your desired level of doneness.
- While the casserole bakes, combine the dry ingredients for the streusel, except for the butter.
- When the casserole looks about done, remove the casserole from the oven and crumble the streusel over the top of the casserole.
- Continue baking the casserole for about 5 minutes or until the streusel is melted over the top.
- Serve the casserole warm with syrup.
Add the bread chunks to a large bowl and set aside.
Pour the egg mixture over the bread chunks and add the chopped banana, then gently stir to combine everything.
Add the butter and mash into the dry mixture until it forms a crumbly mixture.
Notes
- This casserole can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast.
- Feel free to customize the casserole with your favorite fruits or nuts.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast/Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
Keywords: banana French toast casserole, make-ahead breakfast, brunch dish, streusel topping
