Name: Irresistible Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Delight
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 1 pound Sourdough or French Bread (use day-old bread for better texture); 8 large Eggs (provide richness and structure); 2 cups Milk (whole or 2% milk for creamy consistency); ½ cup Heavy Whipping Cream (substitute with half-and-half if preferred); ½ cup Granulated Sugar (sweetens the custard); ¼ cup Light Brown Sugar (adds a hint of molasses flavor); 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract (elevates overall flavor); 1 ½ teaspoons Ground Cinnamon (adds warmth); 6-7 medium Bananas (use ripe bananas for sweetness); ¾ cup All-Purpose Flour (provides structure to the topping); ¾ cup Brown Sugar (ensures sweetness and rich flavor); 1 teaspoon Cinnamon (enhances warm flavors); ½ cup Unsalted Butter (cut into pieces for texture)

There’s nothing quite like waking up to the rich aroma of warm banana bread wafting through the house, especially on a lazy Sunday morning. This Overnight Baked Banana French Toast is my go-to recipe for transforming leftover sourdough or French bread into a mouthwatering breakfast that feels like a cozy embrace. You won’t believe how simple it is to whip up a dish that’s both visually stunning and completely satisfying!

The best part? You can prep it the night before, making it perfect for family gatherings or brunch with friends. As the bananas caramelize and the streusel topping crisp up in the oven, you’ll find yourself filled with anticipation, knowing that breakfast is not only delicious but also effortlessly ready for everyone to dig in. This casserole infuses classic banana bread flavors with the comforting textures of French toast—truly an irresistible combination! So, grab those overripe bananas and let’s get started on this heavenly breakfast delight!

Why is Overnight Baked Banana French Toast a must-try?

Irresistible flavors: This recipe combines the deliciousness of banana bread and French toast, creating a warm and inviting breakfast.
Effortless preparation: You can prepare it the night before, saving you time for a leisurely morning.
Crowd-pleasing: Perfect for family gatherings, this dish is sure to impress everyone at your brunch table.
Satisfying texture: The gooey, caramelized bananas layered beneath a crunchy streusel topping make each bite utterly delightful.
Simple ingredients: With just a few pantry staples, creating this homemade masterpiece is accessible for everyone! For more delicious breakfast ideas, check out our easy brunch recipes.

Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Ingredients

For the Casserole
• Sourdough or French Bread – 1 pound; use day-old bread for better texture as it absorbs the custard beautifully.
• Large Eggs – 8; these provide richness and structure to the dish.
• Milk – 2 cups (480ml); whole or 2% gives the custard a creamy consistency.
• Heavy Whipping Cream – ½ cup (120ml); for an indulgent touch, substitute with half-and-half if preferred.
• Granulated Sugar – ½ cup (104g); sweetens the custard base.
• Light Brown Sugar – ¼ cup; adds a hint of molasses flavor, enhancing the banana taste.
• Vanilla Extract – 2 teaspoons; elevates the overall flavor with its warm notes.
• Ground Cinnamon – 1 ½ teaspoons; adds warmth and complements the bananas.
• Bananas – 6-7 medium; use ripe bananas for the sweetest and most flavorful result.

For the Streusel Topping
• All-Purpose Flour – ¾ cup (98g); provides structure to the crumbly topping.
• Brown Sugar – ¾ cup (169g); ensures a delightful sweetness and rich flavor when baked.
• Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon; enhances the warm flavors of the topping.
• Unsalted Butter – ½ cup (112g); cut into pieces for a perfectly crumbly texture, making a delicious contrast to the casserole underneath.

With these Overnight Baked Banana French Toast ingredients at hand, you’re just a step away from creating a delightful breakfast that will have everyone waking up with excitement!

How to Make Overnight Baked Banana French Toast

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your oven is at the right temperature to ensure even cooking and a perfectly golden top on your casserole.
Whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon in a large bowl. Combine until uniformly mixed for a rich custard base that envelops the bread.
Fold in the bread chunks and chopped bananas gently. Stir carefully to avoid breaking the bananas, ensuring each piece is coated with the custard mixture.
Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, allowing the bread and banana to settle beautifully. This forms the base for your delicious casserole!
Mix all the streusel topping ingredients in another bowl until crumbly. You want that perfect crumbly texture that will add crunch to your dish.
Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the casserole. This will create a lovely sweet crust as it bakes, adding an irresistible finishing touch.
Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown. Keep an eye on it towards the end for that perfect baked goodness.

Optional: Serve with maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Overnight Baked Banana French Toast

Choose Day-Old Bread: Using stale sourdough or French bread helps it absorb the custard without becoming too soggy. Fresh bread may lead to a mushy texture.
Banana Ripeness Matters: Opt for ripe, spotty bananas for the sweetest flavor. Unripe bananas won’t provide that natural sweetness you’re aiming for!
Don’t Rush the Whisking: Ensure you whisk the custard mixture thoroughly. This distributes the sugar, eggs, and spices evenly for a well-blended base in your casserole.
Mind the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the casserole while it bakes. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning while ensuring it cooks through.
Serve Warm with Toppings: For an extra indulgence, serve the casserole warm with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream—you won’t regret it!

With these tips, your Overnight Baked Banana French Toast will turn out perfectly every time!

Make Ahead Options

These Overnight Baked Banana French Toast casseroles are perfect for busy cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the casserole mix (bread, bananas, and custard) up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the recipe instructions until the pouring step, then cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it. The streusel topping can also be made ahead; just store it separately in the fridge to maintain its crunch. When you’re ready to enjoy, sprinkle the streusel on top and bake directly from the fridge, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time. This way, you’ll have a delightful, quality breakfast that feels just as good as when made fresh!

How to Store and Freeze Overnight Baked Banana French Toast

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through to enjoy the comforting flavors again.

Freezer: Freeze the casserole before baking for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.

Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. Enjoy your Overnight Baked Banana French Toast warm!

What to Serve with Overnight Baked Banana French Toast?

Pairing the flavors and textures of a warm breakfast is a delightful way to complete your morning table.

Crispy Bacon: The savory saltiness of crispy bacon complements the sweetness of the casserole, creating a harmonious balance on your plate. That salty crunch elevates the breakfast experience!
Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of berries, melons, and citrus adds a refreshing brightness that pairs beautifully with the rich and warm casserole. The juicy fruit provides a nice contrast in both taste and texture.
Maple Syrup: Drizzle pure maple syrup over the French toast casserole for an extra layer of sweetness. Its rich flavor enhances the banana notes while adding a soothing stickiness that everyone will love.
Coffee or Latte: A warm cup of coffee or a creamy latte creates the perfect cozy atmosphere to enjoy your meal. The caffeine kick balances the sweetness, making breakfast even more satisfying.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top is a heavenly addition. Not only does it look inviting, but it also offers a light, creamy counterpart to the warm, dense casserole.
Greek Yogurt: A side of tangy Greek yogurt can add creaminess and balance the sweetness, while also incorporating a dose of protein. It’s delightful to mix with berries!
Syrupy Cinnamon Roll: For those special Sunday brunches, pairing with cinnamon rolls provides an indulgent treat. The warm spiciness takes your breakfast to a new level of satisfaction!

Each of these suggestions enhances the comforting elements of your Overnight Baked Banana French Toast, ensuring that you start your day with a sense of warmth and happiness.

Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Variations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe; there are plenty of delightful twists waiting for you to try!

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread instead of sourdough or French bread for a delicious alternative that everyone can enjoy.
Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the bread mixture for an extra layer of crunch and flavor.
Vegan Option: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use almond or oat milk instead of dairy products.
Chocolate-Chip Addition: Stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips into the custard mixture for a sweet, rich surprise with every bite!
Coconut Twist: Incorporate unsweetened shredded coconut into the bread mixture for a tropical flair that pairs beautifully with bananas.
Maple Syrup Drizzle: Substitute granulated sugar with maple syrup in the custard for a lovely maple-infused sweetness throughout the dish.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or nutmeg to the custard base for a subtle heat that enhances the cozy flavors.
Berry Burst: Toss in a cup of fresh or frozen berries along with the bananas for a vibrant, tart contrast to the sweetness of the dish.

Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Recipe FAQs

What type of bread should I use for this recipe?
Absolutely! I recommend using day-old sourdough or French bread as it absorbs the custard beautifully without becoming too mushy. Fresh bread might result in a soggy texture, so opt for that slightly stale loaf for the best results.

How should I store leftovers of the Overnight Baked Banana French Toast?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy those comforting flavors for breakfast again!

Can I freeze the Overnight Baked Banana French Toast?
Yes! You can freeze the casserole before baking for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap then cover it with foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as instructed. This makes for an easy meal prep option!

What should I do if my casserole is browning too quickly in the oven?
If you notice that your casserole is browning too fast, it’s a good idea to cover it loosely with foil. This will prevent burning while allowing the inside to cook through. Just keep an eye on it to make sure it bakes evenly!

Is this recipe suitable for people with gluten allergies?
Unfortunately, this Overnight Baked Banana French Toast contains bread, which typically includes gluten. However, you can use gluten-free bread as a wonderful alternative. Just make sure the rest of your ingredients are gluten-free to accommodate your dietary needs!

How do I know when the casserole is fully baked?
You’ll know the casserole is done when it’s set in the middle and the top is golden brown. Check it after 45 minutes, and if you insert a toothpick, it should come out clean. Enjoy your perfectly baked dish!