Description
This Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole is a comforting, make-ahead breakfast bake that’s perfect for holidays, weekend brunches, or feeding a hungry crowd. With custardy chunks of bread soaked in banana-infused egg custard and topped with a buttery cinnamon streusel, it’s an indulgent yet easy dish that delivers warmth and flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
For the casserole
1 lb loaf sourdough or French bread, cut into chunks
8 large eggs
2 cups whole or 2% milk
½ cup heavy whipping cream
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup light brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
6–7 medium bananas, chopped
For the streusel topping
¾ cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ cup salted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions
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Prepare the base: Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. In a large bowl, add the bread chunks.
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Mix the custard: In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, both sugars, vanilla, and cinnamon.
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Assemble the casserole: Pour the egg mixture over the bread chunks. Add chopped bananas and gently stir to combine.
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Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
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Bake the casserole: Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C). Bake the casserole for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set.
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Prepare the streusel: While baking, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Add the butter and use a fork or fingers to create a crumbly topping.
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Top and finish baking: When the casserole is nearly done, remove it from the oven and sprinkle the streusel over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the topping is golden and crisp.
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Serve: Let cool slightly. Serve warm with maple syrup or your favorite topping.
Notes
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Swap bananas for apples or berries for variation.
- Use dairy-free alternatives for milk, cream, and butter to make it vegan-friendly.
- Sprinkle in chocolate chips before baking for a sweeter twist.
- For individual servings, use muffin tins and reduce bake time to 15–20 minute
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
