Name: Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 8 h 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb sourdough or French bread, cut into chunks; 6-7 medium ripe bananas, chopped; 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; 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar; 1/2 cup salted butter

Introduction

This Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole is a comforting and sweet breakfast treat that’s perfect for busy mornings. With ripe bananas and a rich custard soaking sourdough bread, it bakes into a golden, tender dish topped with a buttery streusel. Prepare it the night before, then enjoy a delicious homemade brunch with minimal morning effort.

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)

Instructions

Step 1: Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the sourdough bread chunks with the chopped bananas, mixing gently.

Step 3: In a separate 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 banana mixture, stirring gently to ensure all pieces are coated well.

Step 5: Transfer everything into the prepared casserole dish. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld and bread to soak.

Step 6: Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 35-40 minutes until it turns golden brown and is set in the middle.

Step 7: While baking, prepare the streusel topping by combining flour, brown sugar, and salted butter in a bowl. Crumble this mixture evenly over the casserole during the last five minutes of baking so it melts and forms a crisp topping.

Step 8: Remove from the oven and serve warm. Enjoy with maple syrup or your favorite toppings for extra flavor.

Tips & Variations

Use day-old bread to better absorb the custard without becoming too soggy.

For a gluten-free option, substitute the bread and streusel flour with gluten-free alternatives.

Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping for added crunch.

Swap the bananas for other fruits such as berries, apples, or peaches depending on your preference and seasonality.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole without bananas?

Yes, you can omit the bananas or replace them with other fruits like berries or apples. The casserole will still be delicious, but bananas add natural sweetness and moisture.

Is it necessary to refrigerate overnight?

Refrigerating overnight allows the bread to soak up the custard and makes the casserole moist and tender. If short on time, let it soak for at least 1 hour, but overnight is best for texture and flavor.