Dessert

Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole Recipe

Name: Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 12 h 55 min
Cuisine: American
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; 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar; 1/2 cup salted butter

Bylina moretti January 31, 2026January 31, 2026

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Introduction

This Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole is a simple and delicious breakfast that’s perfect for busy mornings. Soft sourdough bread soaks up a rich custard overnight, then bakes with sweet bananas and a buttery streusel topping. It’s a comforting dish that serves a crowd with ease.

A square piece of banana bread pudding with three visible layers is shown on a white textured plate. The bottom layer is a soft, light brown bread soaked in custard, soaked with syrup that pools around the base. The middle layer has slices of banana embedded within the bread pudding, showing their creamy yellow color clearly. The top layer is a crumbly, golden brown streusel topping with a sugary texture and small chunks. The whole piece looks moist and dense, with syrup glistening on the sides and soaking into the plate. 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)

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, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth.
Step 4: Pour the egg mixture over the bread and bananas, stirring gently to coat all pieces evenly.
Step 5: Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Cover and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to soak.
Step 6: Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C). Bake the casserole for 35-40 minutes until it’s puffed and golden brown around the edges.
Step 7: For the streusel topping, combine flour, brown sugar, and butter in a bowl. Crumble the mixture evenly over the casserole during the last five minutes of baking and continue baking to set the topping.
Step 8: Remove from oven and serve warm, topped with maple syrup or your favorite toppings.

Tips & Variations

Use day-old bread for better texture; it absorbs the custard without becoming mushy.
Swap bananas for other fruits like apples, berries, or peaches for different flavors.
Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard for extra warmth and spice.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread and substitute the streusel with chopped nuts or gluten-free crumble.

Storage

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F (176°C) oven until heated through, about 10-15 minutes. This casserole also freezes well; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A square slice of banana bread pudding sits on a white textured plate, showing three visible layers: a bottom layer of soft, moist bread with visible banana pieces, a middle layer of creamy custard soaked into the bread, and a top layer of crumbly, golden-brown streusel with bits of nuts mixed in. The banana slices embedded in the bread layer are pale yellow and soft, while the streusel topping has a rough, crunchy texture and deeper brown color. A drizzle of golden syrup pools slightly around the base of the dessert. The background features a white marbled surface. 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 refrigerating overnight?

Yes, you can bake it immediately after assembling, but the custard won’t have as much time to soak into the bread. Refrigerating overnight improves texture and flavor.

What kind of bread works best for this recipe?

Sourdough or French bread are ideal because they hold up well during soaking and baking. Avoid very soft or pre-sliced sandwich bread, which may become too mushy.