Introduction

This Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole is a comforting and delicious breakfast treat that’s perfect for busy mornings or special occasions. It combines tender bread soaked in a rich custard with sweet bananas and a crunchy cinnamon streusel topping.

A thick slice of banana crumble bread pudding is placed on a white plate with a textured rim. The bottom layer is soft and moist bread soaked in a creamy custard, light yellow in color. Above this is a layer of sliced bananas, visible through the soft bread, in pale yellow tones with brown spots. The top is a crumbly streusel with a golden brown color, sprinkled with cinnamon and nuts, adding texture and crunch. The dessert is drizzled with a glossy syrup that pools slightly around the base, enhancing its rich look. The background shows part of a white baking dish and some blurred bananas on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Instructions

Step 1: Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
Step 2: Add the bread chunks to a large bowl and set aside.
Step 3: In another large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
Step 4: Pour the egg mixture over the bread chunks, add the chopped bananas, then gently stir to combine everything.
Step 5: Pour the bread mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly. Cover and store in the fridge overnight.
Step 6: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C).
Step 7: Bake the casserole for 35-40 minutes or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
Step 8: While baking, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the streusel topping in a bowl.
Step 9: Add the butter pieces and mash into the dry ingredients until crumbly.
Step 10: When the casserole is nearly done, remove it from the oven and sprinkle the streusel evenly over the top.
Step 11: Return to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes until the streusel topping melts and becomes golden.
Step 12: Serve warm with syrup for a delicious breakfast.

Tips & Variations

Use day-old bread for better absorption of the custard without becoming too mushy.
Swap bananas for berries or diced apples for a different fruit flavor.
Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves to the custard for extra warmth.
For a dairy-free version, use almond or oat milk and coconut cream in place of milk and heavy cream.

Storage

Store any leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm, or bake in a 350°F (176°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes to restore the crispy topping.

How to Serve

This image shows a close-up of a three-layer baked dessert in a white rectangular dish. The bottom layer is made of soft bread chunks that have a light golden color with some darker toasted edges. The middle layer consists of sliced bananas scattered evenly, showing a pale yellow with brown spots in the center. The top layer is a crumbly, brown streusel texture that looks buttery and crunchy, covering the whole dish but allowing some banana slices and bread pieces to peek through. The dish rests on a bright yellow cloth, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole the morning I want to bake it?

It’s best to prepare the casserole the night before to allow the bread to soak and the flavors to meld. However, if you’re short on time, let it sit for at least 1 hour before baking.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the sourdough or French bread with a gluten-free bread of your choice. Make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the custard without falling apart.

Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 54 reviews

This Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole is a delicious and convenient breakfast option where chunks of sourdough or French bread are soaked overnight in a creamy mixture of eggs, milk, and bananas. Baked the next day with a buttery brown sugar cinnamon streusel topping, it offers a rich, comforting dish perfect for mornings or brunch gatherings.

Author: Maya
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Breakfast Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Casserole Base

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

Instructions

Prepare Casserole Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Prepare Bread: Place chunks of sourdough or French bread into a large bowl and set aside.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, white sugar, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until fully combined.
Combine Bread and Wet Mixture: Pour the egg mixture over the bread chunks, then add the chopped bananas. Gently stir to ensure everything is evenly coated and combined without breaking the bananas too much.
Soak Overnight: Transfer the bread and egg mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
Preheat Oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C).
Bake Casserole: Bake the soaked bread mixture uncovered for about 35-40 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is lightly golden.
Prepare Streusel: While the casserole bakes, mix together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Add the pieces of salted butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mash the butter into the dry ingredients until a crumbly streusel forms.
Add Streusel Topping: Once the casserole is nearly done, remove it from the oven and evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the surface.
Finish Baking: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the streusel is melted, lightly browned, and crisp on top.
Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm, optionally with syrup or your favorite breakfast toppings.

Notes

Use day-old or slightly stale bread for best absorption; fresher bread may become too soggy.
Bananas will add natural sweetness and moisture; ripe bananas work best for a richer flavor.
The casserole can be assembled the night before and refrigerated to save time in the morning.
For a dairy-free option, substitute milk and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives.
Enjoy with maple syrup, honey, or powdered sugar for added sweetness.

Keywords: banana french toast casserole, overnight breakfast casserole, baked french toast, banana breakfast bake, brunch recipe