Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole

Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole

Banana French Toast Casserole is a delightful breakfast dish that can be prepared the night before, making it a perfect choice for busy mornings or brunch gatherings. This recipe combines the warm flavors of banana, cinnamon, and sugar with the comforting texture of baked bread. You can cut it into generous squares and serve it warm, topped with syrup and your favorite toppings, ensuring everyone is satisfied early in the day.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly convenient. Preparing it the night before takes the stress out of morning cooking. Imagine waking up to the sweet aroma of baked bananas and cinnamon that fills your home without having to spend time in the kitchen. It’s perfect for weekends, holidays, or special occasions when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. You can even customize it with toppings or sides to suit your family’s taste. Plus, it’s a fun way to use up overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste.

How to Make Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole

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
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup (112g) salted butter, cut into pieces

Directions:

1. Prepare Your Dish: Start by greasing a 9×13 inch casserole dish. You can use non-stick spray or butter to ensure the casserole comes out easily after baking.
2. Add Bread Chunks: In a large bowl, add the chunks of bread. Make sure they are roughly uniform in size to ensure even soaking and baking.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another large bowl, crack the 8 eggs and whisk them together. Then add the milk, heavy whipping cream, both sugars, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Whisk until everything is thoroughly mixed and smooth.
4. Pour Over Bread: Take the egg mixture and pour it over the bread chunks. Gently stir to make sure the bread is evenly coated with the egg mixture.
5. Add Bananas: Chop the bananas and add them to the bread mixture. Gently fold the bananas into the mixture; be careful not to mash them.
6. Transfer to Casserole Dish: Once everything is well combined, pour the entire mixture into the greased casserole dish. Spread it out evenly so that it bakes uniformly.
7. Cover and Refrigerate: Cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the fridge overnight. This step allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture and results in a flavorful and moist casserole.
8. Preheat the Oven: When you’re ready to bake the casserole, take it out of the refrigerator and preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C).
9. Bake the Casserole: Bake the casserole for about 35-40 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.
10. Prepare the Streusel: While the casserole is baking, combine the dry ingredients for the streusel, which include the all-purpose flour, firmly packed brown sugar, and cinnamon in a separate bowl. Add the pieces of salted butter and, using a fork or your fingers, mash the butter into the dry mixture until it creates a crumbly texture.
11. Add the Streusel: When the casserole looks nearly done, remove it from the oven. Sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
12. Finish Baking: Return the casserole to the oven for about 5 minutes to allow the streusel to melt slightly and form a delicious topping.
13. Serve: Once baked, allow it to cool for a few minutes before cutting into squares. Serve warm with syrup drizzled on top. Fresh fruits, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar make excellent toppings too.

How to Serve Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole

Serving this casserole is as easy as cutting it into squares. Place each square on a plate and allow guests to add their favorite toppings. Maple syrup is a classic choice, but you could also offer honey, whipped cream, or a dollop of yogurt for a fresher taste. For extra decadence, serve with berries or nuts. Keep it casual by allowing everyone to help themselves to what they enjoy!

How to Store Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole

If you have leftovers or are preparing in advance, you can store the casserole once it has cooled completely. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. The casserole can be stored for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat it again, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave or place larger pieces in the oven until warmed through.

For even longer storage, consider freezing the unbaked casserole before popping it in the oven. Just wrap it in foil and store it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake it, there’s no need to defrost; simply increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes.

Tips to Make Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole

1. Use Stale Bread: If possible, use stale bread or bread that’s a day or two old. This helps the bread absorb the egg mixture better.
2. Banana Freshness: Ripe bananas are key to a sweet casserole. They should have brown spots for optimal flavor.
3. Customize Flavors: Feel free to play with flavors! Add nuts, chocolate chips, or even a splash of rum for a more grown-up version.
4. Make Ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Prepare it the night before, so it’s ready to go in the morning, or bake and freeze for later.
5. Check for Softer Bake: If you prefer a softer texture, reduce the baking time slightly or add a little more cream.

Variation

1. Nutty Banana French Toast Casserole: Add chopped walnuts or pecans into the mixture for some nice crunch.
2. Chocolate Chip Banana: Toss in some chocolate chips for a sweeter option that kids will love.
3. Berry Banana Casserole: Mix in some fresh or frozen berries alongside the banana; this adds a lovely tartness to balance the sweetness.
4. Vegan Version: Substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons water for each egg) and use almond or oat milk instead of dairy. Coconut cream can replace heavy whipping cream.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of bread? Yes! While sourdough or French bread works best for texture, you can use brioche, challah, or any bread you have on hand. They all offer different flavors and textures.
2. How can I make this dish gluten-free? You can use gluten-free bread as a substitute for regular bread. Just ensure all your other ingredients are also gluten-free.
3. Can I prepare this casserole without bananas? Yes, you can experiment with other fruits such as apples or strawberries. Just adjust the quantity to your preference.
4. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? The best way to reheat is in the oven at 350°F (176°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual portions for about 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
5. How do I know when the casserole is done? The casserole is done when the center is set and a knife inserted comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.

This recipe for Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole is not only simple but provides wholesome comfort and ease for any breakfast setting. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole

Print Recipe

A delightful breakfast dish that can be prepared the night before, combining bananas, cinnamon, and baked bread for a stress-free morning meal.

• Author: lila-monroe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup (112g) salted butter, cut into pieces

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Dish: Start by greasing a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
2. Add Bread Chunks: In a large bowl, add the chunks of bread.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them together. Then add the milk, cream, both sugars, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
4. Pour Over Bread: Take the egg mixture and pour it over the bread chunks.
5. Add Bananas: Chop the bananas and add them to the bread mixture.
6. Transfer to Casserole Dish: Once everything is well combined, pour the entire mixture into the greased casserole dish.
7. Cover and Refrigerate: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge overnight.
8. Preheat the Oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C).
9. Bake the Casserole: Bake for about 35-40 minutes.
10. Prepare the Streusel: While baking, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the streusel, then add butter and mix until crumbly.
11. Add the Streusel: Sprinkle the streusel over the casserole.
12. Finish Baking: Return to the oven for about 5 minutes.
13. Serve: Allow it to cool slightly before cutting into squares and serving with syrup and toppings.

Notes

For best results, use stale bread and ripe bananas. Customize with nuts, chocolate chips, or other fruits as desired.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 180mg

Keywords: banana, french toast, casserole, breakfast, brunch, overnight