Description
This Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole is a delightful breakfast dish featuring chunks of sourdough or French bread soaked overnight in a rich mixture of eggs, milk, cream, and sugars, layered with ripe bananas, and topped with a buttery streusel crumble. Perfect for a make-ahead weekend brunch, this casserole is baked until golden and served warm, offering a comforting, sweet, and satisfying start to your day.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
Streusel Topping
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish thoroughly to prevent sticking during baking.
- Combine bread and bananas: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the chunks of sourdough or French bread with the chopped ripe bananas, ensuring even distribution.
- Whisk wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the 8 large eggs, 2 cups milk, 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Mix bread with egg mixture: Pour the egg mixture over the bread and banana mixture. Stir gently to coat all bread chunks and bananas evenly without breaking them up.
- Refrigerate overnight: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Cover it with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate overnight (at least 6-8 hours) to allow the bread to soak up the custard.
- Preheat and bake: The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C). Remove the casserole dish from the fridge, take off the cover, and prepare the streusel topping.
- Make streusel topping: In a small bowl, combine 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup salted butter (cut into small pieces). Use your fingers or a fork to crumble and mix the ingredients until crumbly and combined.
- Add streusel and bake: Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set in the middle. For best results, add the streusel topping during the last 5 minutes of baking to achieve a crunchy texture.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Serve the banana French toast casserole warm with maple syrup or your preferred toppings such as fresh fruit or whipped cream.
Notes
- Use sourdough or French bread for the best texture; stale bread works well to absorb the custard.
- The casserole can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead and baked fresh the next morning.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and cream with almond or oat milk, and vegan butter for the streusel.
- Adding nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the streusel topping adds extra texture and flavor.
- Ensure bananas are ripe for sweetness and softness that melds well with the custard.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: banana French toast casserole, overnight French toast, baked French toast, breakfast casserole, holiday brunch recipe
