Baked Banana French Toast Casserole: Overnight Indulgence

Introduction

Elevate your breakfast game with the ultimate Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole—a dish that combines the comforting flavors of French toast with the convenience of overnight preparation. Perfect for busy mornings, holiday brunches, or any special occasion, this casserole is bursting with the rich, sweet essence of bananas and topped with a decadent streusel. Whether you're feeding a crowd or simply treating yourself to a luxurious breakfast, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

Key Takeaways

• Convenient Preparation: Make this casserole the night before and bake it fresh in the morning.
• Rich Banana Flavor: Packed with ripe bananas for a naturally sweet and moist texture.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or mix-ins to make it your own.
• Perfect for Brunch: Ideal for serving at family gatherings, holiday mornings, or weekend indulgences.

Photo bySam Miller

Ingredients

Casserole

• 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

Photo bySam Miller

Directions

1. Prepare the Bread

Start by cutting your loaf of sourdough or French bread into chunks. Place the bread chunks into a large bowl and set them aside.

2. Make the Custard Mixture

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy whipping cream, sugar, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon.

3. Combine Ingredients

Pour the custard mixture over the bread chunks. Add the chopped bananas and gently stir to coat the bread evenly.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the bread mixture into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate overnight.

5. Bake the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 35-40 minutes, until the top is golden and the custard is set.

6. Prepare the Streusel Topping

While the casserole bakes, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Add the cold butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

7. Add the Streusel

Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the top. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the streusel is golden and crisp.

8. Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm, optionally with syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit.

Photo bySam Miller

Side Dish Ideas

Complement your Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole with these delicious side dishes:

• Crispy Bacon: Adds a savory contrast to the sweet casserole.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: Light and refreshing, balancing the richness of the casserole.
• Yogurt Parfaits: Layered with granola and berries for added texture and flavor.
• Breakfast Sausages: A hearty addition that pairs well with the sweet notes of the dish.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 489
• Sugar: 32g
• Sodium: 404.7mg
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 68.7g
• Protein: 15.4g
• Cholesterol: 161.7mg

Prep and Cook Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Photo bySam Miller

Conclusion

The Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole is a true breakfast delight that combines the ease of make-ahead preparation with the indulgence of a rich, banana-infused French toast. Whether you’re serving it at a festive brunch or simply treating yourself to a special morning meal, this casserole is sure to be a hit. With its customizable nature and delectable flavor, it's a dish you'll want to return to time and time again.