Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole Recipe
This Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole is a delicious and comforting breakfast dish that combines the rich flavors of ripe bananas, custardy eggs, and warm spices baked to golden perfection. Prepared the night before, it offers a convenient, hassle-free morning meal perfect for family gatherings or special weekend brunches.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 12 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
Streusel Topping
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup salted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the casserole dish. Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish thoroughly to prevent sticking during baking.
- Combine bread and bananas. In a large mixing bowl, add the sourdough or French bread chunks along with the chopped ripe bananas, mixing gently to combine.
- Mix custard ingredients. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth and well-blended.
- Coat the bread mixture. Pour the custard mixture over the bread and bananas; stir gently to ensure the bread is well coated with the liquid mixture.
- Chill overnight. Transfer the coated bread and banana mixture into the prepared casserole dish; cover it with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to soak up the custard.
- Preheat and bake. Remove the casserole from the fridge and preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 30-35 minutes until it starts to turn golden but is not fully cooked.
- Prepare and add streusel topping. While the casserole is baking, combine the flour, brown sugar, and salted butter in a bowl, mixing until crumbly. Sprinkle this streusel evenly over the casserole during the last 5 minutes of baking to create a sweet, crunchy topping.
- Finish baking and serve. Continue baking until the topping is golden and the casserole is fully set in the middle. Serve warm, optionally with maple syrup or your favorite breakfast toppings.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for best texture as it absorbs the custard better without becoming mushy.
- Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and creaminess; adjust quantity based on personal preference.
- Vanilla extract and cinnamon enhance the flavor; do not omit for full taste.
- Streusel topping adds a delightful textural contrast; you may omit for a lighter version.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead to save time on busy mornings.
- Serve with fresh fruit or powdered sugar for additional garnish.
Keywords: banana french toast casserole, overnight breakfast bake, baked french toast, brunch recipe, sweet breakfast casserole, banana breakfast bake
