
Introduction to Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole
There’s something truly magical about brunch, isn’t there? It’s that special time when we gather around the table with family and friends, sharing laughter and delicious food. The Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole is one of my favorites for those leisurely Sunday mornings. It combines the comforting flavors of sweet bananas and warm cinnamon, all wrapped in fluffy, baked French toast. Best of all, you can prepare it the night before, which transforms your brunch from a hectic race into a peaceful retreat. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole
As a busy mom, I know how precious time can be, especially during brunch. This Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole allows you to effortlessly prepare a delightful meal ahead of time. The sweet bananas and warm cinnamon create a symphony of flavors that will make your family smile. It’s comforting, easy to serve, and perfect for those gather-round-the-table moments. You’ll savor the satisfaction of a homemade brunch without the morning chaos!
Ingredients for Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole
Gathering the right ingredients for your Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Sourdough or French Bread: The bread forms the base, soaking up all that delicious custard as it bakes.
- Eggs: These bind everything together, giving the casserole its fluffy texture.
- Milk and Heavy Cream: They create a rich custard that makes every bite a dreamy experience.
- Sugars: Regular and light brown sugars add sweetness and depth, enhancing the bananas’ natural flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla infuses warmth and enhances the overall taste while cinnamon adds a comforting spice.
- Bananas: Chopped fresh bananas provide that delicious fruity goodness.
- All-Purpose Flour and Brown Sugar for Streusel: These create a delightful crumbly topping, making the dish irresistible.
- Salted Butter: Adds a rich flavor to the streusel, bringing it all together.
Feel free to customize! Toss in some nuts for a crunchy texture or swap bananas for seasonal fruits like apples or peaches. Exact measurements for all ingredients are available for printing at the end!
How to Make Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole
Let’s embark on a delightful culinary adventure together, making your Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole. It’s a simple process, and I assure you, your kitchen will soon be filled with mouth-watering aromas!
Step 1: Prepare Casserole
First, grab a mixing bowl. Whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, both sugars, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. This mixture is the heart of your casserole—a sweet, creamy embrace!
Next, add the bread chunks and the chopped bananas to the bowl. Gently toss everything together until the bread soaks up that rich custard goodness. I love watching the vibrant yellow bananas mix with the soft, doughy bread. It’s like a cozy hug for your breakfast dish.
Once combined, transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Make sure to spread it out evenly. This ensures every bite will be just as tasty as the last. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and let it chill in the refrigerator overnight. Trust me, good things come to those who wait!
Step 2: Make Streusel Topping
As you dream of the delicious casserole waiting for you, let’s make the streusel topping! In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, firmly packed brown sugar, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to mix in the cut-up salted butter. You want it to become crumbly—think sandy texture. This step is incredibly satisfying!
Here’s where you can unleash your creativity: consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans if you enjoy a crunchy contrast. Once your streusel is ready, sprinkle it generously over your casserole. Cover it again and return to the refrigerator, letting the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 3: Bake
When morning arrives, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while the oven heats. This little step makes for even baking.
Bake the casserole for about 45-55 minutes, until it’s puffed up and golden brown. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are slightly crispy and the center is just firm enough. Oh, the aroma wafting through your home will be heavenly, drawing everyone to the kitchen like bees to honey!
Once baked to perfection, let it cool for a few moments before serving. Every slice will reveal layers of sweetness, bringing smiles and satisfaction all around the table.
Tips for Success
For the best texture in your Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole, use day-old bread. It absorbs the custard beautifully without getting soggy.
Make sure to cover the casserole tightly to prevent any odors from infiltrating while it chills overnight.

If you want a little crunch, add nuts to the streusel topping. These simple tips will ensure your casserole is a crowd-pleaser every time!
Equipment Needed
To create your delightful Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole, you’ll need just a few essential tools:
- Mixing Bowl: A large bowl for whisking ingredients.
- Baking Dish: A greased 9×13-inch dish works perfectly.
- Whisk: For blending the custard smoothly.
- Pastry Cutter or Fork: For making that delicious streusel topping.
- Plastic Wrap or Aluminum Foil: To cover the casserole during chilling.
If you don’t have a pastry cutter, your fingertips work just as well!
Variations
The beauty of the Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole is its versatility! Feel free to get creative with these delicious variations:
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
- Substitute bananas with fresh apples or blueberries for a seasonal twist.
- Mix in a splash of maple syrup for added sweetness.
- Try drizzling the top with chocolate chips for a decadent treat.
Experiment and create your unique flavor combinations! The possibilities are endless.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole experience with these delightful accompaniments:
- Fresh fruit, like berries or sliced kiwi, to add a pop of color and flavor.
- A dollop of creamy yogurt for a tangy contrast.
- Drizzle with rich maple syrup for that sweet finish.
- Pair with a steaming cup of coffee or aromatic herbal tea.
FAQs about Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole
Let’s address some common questions about the Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole, so you can enjoy every bite without worry!
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Trust me, it still tastes amazing the next day!
Can I freeze the casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Just cover it tightly and store for up to two months. When you’re ready, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
How do I reheat leftovers?
To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll have that delicious aroma filling your kitchen once again!
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the milk and cream with plant-based options like almond or oat milk, and you’ll still enjoy a scrumptious casserole.
Final Thoughts
The Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole is more than just a dish; it’s a heartwarming way to gather loved ones around the breakfast table. With its ease of preparation, you’ll find yourself embracing leisurely mornings instead of rushing about. Picture those smiles as your family digs into this delightful casserole, the aroma wrapping you all in a cozy hug. I invite you to try making this recipe and create those sweet moments that linger long after the plates are cleared. Trust me, every bite will celebrate the joy of home-cooked love!
Print
Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole
- Total Time: Overnight + 45-55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8-10 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy overnight baked banana French toast casserole that is perfect for brunch lovers.
Ingredients
- 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
- 3/4 cup (98g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (169g) firmly packed brown sugar for streusel
- 1 tsp cinnamon for streusel
- 1/2 cup (112g) salted butter, cut into pieces for streusel
Instructions
- Prepare Casserole: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla, and cinnamon. Add bread chunks and bananas, toss to coat. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Make Streusel Topping: In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over casserole. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake casserole for about 45-55 minutes until set and golden brown.
Notes
- This casserole can be prepared the night before for a hassle-free breakfast.
- Customize with nuts or additional fruit if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
- Category: Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 150mg





