This Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole is everything you want in a breakfast dish—warm, comforting, and full of banana flavor. Ideal for make-ahead prep, it’s the perfect breakfast bake for holidays, weekend brunches, or feeding a crowd with ease.

Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Make-ahead magic: Assemble the night before and just bake in the morning.
Rich banana flavor: Loaded with fresh chopped bananas for natural sweetness.
Comfort food at its best: Soft, custardy bread base with a crispy streusel topping.
Feeds a crowd: Makes about 12 servings—great for gatherings.
Easy ingredients: Uses pantry and fridge staples for a no-fuss dish.
Perfect texture combo: Custardy inside, crunchy streusel top.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the casserole

1 lb loaf sourdough or French bread, cut into chunks
8 large eggs
2 cups (480 ml) milk (whole or 2%)
½ cup (120 ml) heavy whipping cream
½ cup (104 g) sugar
¼ cup (36 g) light brown sugar, unpacked
2 tsp vanilla extract
1½ tsp ground cinnamon
6–7 medium bananas, chopped

For the streusel topping

¾ cup (98 g) all-purpose flour
¾ cup (169 g) firmly packed brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
½ cup (112 g) salted butter, cut into pieces

Directions

Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Add bread chunks to a large mixing bowl.
In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cream, both sugars, vanilla, and cinnamon until fully combined.
Pour the egg mixture over the bread. Add the chopped bananas and gently stir.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C) when ready to bake.
Bake the casserole for 35–40 minutes, until the center is set.
While baking, prepare the streusel: mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add butter and mash into a crumbly texture.
Once the casserole is nearly done, remove from oven and sprinkle streusel on top.
Return to oven and bake for 5 more minutes or until streusel is melted and golden.
Serve warm with syrup.

Servings and timing

Servings: About 12
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus overnight refrigeration)

Variations

Add nuts: Walnuts or pecans for a crunchier texture.
Banana substitute: Try sliced apples or berries for a different twist.
Dairy-free: Use almond milk and dairy-free cream and butter alternatives.
Chocolate twist: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the casserole before baking.

Storage / reheating

Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave or bake in the oven at 300°F until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use different bread?

Yes, brioche or challah work beautifully for a richer flavor.

2. Can I bake this without refrigerating overnight?

You can, but letting it soak overnight gives the best texture and flavor.

3. How ripe should the bananas be?

Use ripe (not overripe) bananas for best results—they’ll hold their shape and sweetness.

4. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, wrap tightly and freeze after baking. Reheat from frozen at 325°F until hot.

5. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use your favorite gluten-free bread and check that other ingredients are gluten-free.

6. Do I have to use the streusel topping?

No, but it adds a delicious crunchy-sweet layer. You can skip or replace with nuts.

7. Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, especially if your bananas are very ripe. Adjust to taste.

8. What syrup works best?

Classic maple syrup or even a warm banana or caramel sauce pairs perfectly.

9. Can I make mini portions?

Yes, divide mixture into muffin tins for individual servings. Adjust bake time accordingly.

10. Is this kid-friendly?

Absolutely—it’s naturally sweet and comforting, ideal for children and adults alike.

Conclusion

Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole is the ultimate brunch bake—easy, indulgent, and incredibly flavorful. Perfect for slow mornings, family breakfasts, or entertaining guests, this dish will quickly become a household favorite.