Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole is a deliciously soft and flavorful breakfast dish that combines ripe bananas, custardy bread, and a crunchy streusel topping. Perfect for preparing the night before, this casserole makes mornings easy and indulgent.

A close-up of a baked banana dessert square placed on a white plate on a white marbled surface, showing three distinct layers: a soft, light yellow base layer, a middle layer with banana slices embedded visibly, and a top layer covered with a crumbly, golden brown streusel with darker browned spots and hints of sugar crystals. The dessert appears moist with syrup pooling slightly around the edges, highlighting the texture and shine. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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-sized 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

  1. Step 1: Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
  2. Step 2: Place bread chunks in a large bowl and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In a separate large bowl, whisk together 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 chopped bananas, and gently stir until all bread pieces are coated.
  5. Step 5: Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
  6. Step 6: Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C) when ready to bake.
  7. Step 7: Bake for 35-40 minutes until the casserole is cooked through and golden on top.
  8. Step 8: While baking, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Add butter pieces and mash together until crumbly.
  9. Step 9: Remove casserole from oven when nearly done, and sprinkle streusel topping evenly over the surface.
  10. Step 10: Return to oven and bake 5 more minutes until streusel is golden and melted.
  11. Step 11: Serve warm, optionally drizzled with syrup or topped with your favorite extras.

Tips & Variations

  • Use stale or day-old bread for better custard absorption and a softer texture.
  • Choose ripe bananas that are speckled for maximum sweetness and flavor.
  • Cover the casserole tightly while refrigerating overnight to keep it moist.
  • Don’t skip the streusel topping; it adds delightful crunch and sweetness.
  • Try adding nuts, chocolate chips, or other fruits like blueberries for extra flavor and texture.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap individual portions tightly 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, microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or warm on the stovetop over low heat, flipping occasionally.

How to Serve

A close-up of a square piece of banana dessert with three visible layers: the bottom layer is a soft, light yellow cake with banana slices embedded inside; the middle layer is a golden-brown syrup soaked into the cake, creating a shiny texture around the base; the top layer is a crumbly, golden-brown streusel with small clusters and sugar crystals sprinkled on top. The dessert is served on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface, with a blurred yellow fruit in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole without eggs?

Yes, you can use egg substitutes such as flaxseed meal or applesauce for a vegan version, though this may slightly change the 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.

Print
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Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole Recipe


  • Author: Zoe
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A comforting and delicious breakfast casserole featuring chunks of sourdough or French bread soaked overnight in a creamy, cinnamon-vanilla custard with ripe bananas, baked to golden perfection and topped with a sweet, crumbly streusel. Perfect for a make-ahead meal that can be served warm with maple syrup or fresh fruit.


Ingredients

Scale

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

  • 67 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

  1. Grease the Dish: Thoroughly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the casserole from sticking during baking.
  2. Prepare the Bread: Place the chunks of sourdough or French bread into a large bowl and set aside while preparing the custard mixture.
  3. Whisk Together Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together 8 large eggs, 2 cups milk, 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon until fully combined.
  4. Combine Mixtures: Pour the egg mixture over the bread chunks and add the chopped bananas. Gently stir to ensure all bread pieces are evenly coated and the bananas are well distributed.
  5. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the bread and egg mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to soak up the custard.
  6. Preheat Oven: Remove the casserole from the fridge and preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C) to prepare for baking.
  7. Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered for 35-40 minutes or until it is set, golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Make Streusel Topping: While the casserole is baking, combine 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup packed brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a bowl. Add the 1/2 cup salted butter pieces and mash together with your fingers or a pastry cutter until a crumbly streusel forms.
  9. Add Streusel Topping: When the casserole looks almost done, remove it from the oven and evenly crumble the streusel topping over the surface.
  10. Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the streusel topping is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
  11. Serve Warm: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with maple syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • Use day-old or stale bread for better custard absorption and texture.
  • Choose ripe, speckled bananas for maximum flavor and sweetness.
  • Cover and refrigerate the casserole overnight to let flavors meld and bread soften.
  • Check for doneness by looking for a golden top and a set custard center; use a toothpick to test.
  • Don’t skip the streusel topping; it adds a delicious crunch and extra sweetness.
  • Serve immediately warm to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: banana French toast casserole, overnight breakfast casserole, baked French toast, banana breakfast bake, make-ahead breakfast

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