Dessert

Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole Recipe

ByOlivia Monroe January 14, 2026January 14, 2026

Introduction

This Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole is a comforting and delicious breakfast treat that’s perfect for busy mornings. Made with ripe bananas and a rich custard, it delivers a sweet, creamy flavor with minimal effort. Prepare it the night before and wake up to a warm, satisfying meal.

A square piece of baked banana bread pudding rests on a white textured plate on a white marbled surface. The dessert has three visible layers: the bottom layer shows soft, moist bread pieces in light brown with banana slices tucked inside; the middle layer is creamy and pale yellow, blending softly with the bread; the top layer is a thick, crumbly streusel in a darker brown, crispy and rough in texture. Golden syrup is drizzled around the base, catching the light and adding a glossy finish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Step 1: Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the bread chunks with the chopped bananas, mixing gently.
Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth.
Step 4: Pour the egg mixture over the bread and bananas, stirring gently to ensure all pieces are coated.
Step 5: Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight.
Step 6: 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.
Step 7: For the streusel topping, combine flour, brown sugar, and salted butter in a bowl. Crumble the mixture evenly over the casserole during the last five minutes of baking.
Step 8: Remove from oven and serve warm, optionally with maple syrup or your favorite toppings.

Tips & Variations

Use day-old bread for better absorption of the custard without becoming too soggy.
Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the streusel for extra crunch and flavor.
Swap bananas for other fruits like apples or berries if preferred.
If you like it sweeter, drizzle a little honey or maple syrup inside before baking.

Storage

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. Avoid freezing as the texture may change once thawed.

How to Serve

A square piece of layered banana breakfast casserole sits on a white plate with a subtle textured edge, placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is light and fluffy, showing bits of soft banana slices peeking through a moist, bread-like base. On top, there is a thick, crumbly layer with a golden-brown cinnamon sugar topping that looks crunchy and slightly sticky, glistening with syrup that has pooled around the base of the casserole. The overall texture appears soft and moist inside, with a crisp, caramelized top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole without overnight soaking?

While possible, soaking overnight allows the bread to absorb the custard fully, resulting in a moist and flavorful dish. A shorter soak will yield a firmer texture but might not be as tender.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the milk and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk. Use a dairy-free butter substitute for the streusel topping to keep it vegan-friendly.