Introduction

This Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole is a comforting and easy breakfast dish perfect for busy mornings. It combines chunks of sourdough bread with ripe bananas and a rich, cinnamon-spiced custard, all topped with a buttery streusel. Prepare it the night before and wake up to a warm, delicious meal ready to bake.

A close-up slice of a multi-layered banana dessert sits on a white plate with a textured edge, placed on a yellow cloth over a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is light yellow and soft, resembling a moist cake or bread base. Above this is a creamy, pale yellow banana custard filling mixed with small banana pieces. The top layer is golden brown with a crumbly texture and visible banana slices, richly coated with a glossy drizzle of syrup that pools slightly on the plate around the dessert. In the blurred background, a white baking dish and two bananas can be seen. The image is warm and inviting. 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 *

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

Step 1: Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish and set aside. Add the bread chunks to a large bowl.
Step 2: In another large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined.
Step 3: Pour the egg mixture over the bread chunks. Add the chopped bananas and gently stir to combine everything evenly.
Step 4: Transfer the bread mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Cover the dish and refrigerate overnight.
Step 5: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C). Bake the casserole for 35-40 minutes, or until set and starting to brown.
Step 6: While baking, prepare the streusel topping by combining the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Add the butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mash it into the dry ingredients until crumbly.
Step 7: Remove the casserole from the oven when it’s nearly done. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the surface.
Step 8: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the streusel is melted and golden.
Step 9: Serve warm with syrup or your favorite toppings.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the custard mixture.
Use day-old bread to soak up the custard better and prevent sogginess.
Substitute the bananas with other fruits like berries or apples for a different twist.
Make the streusel topping ahead of time and store it in the fridge until ready to use.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through or place the casserole back in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. This dish does not freeze well due to the custard texture.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white baking dish filled with a banana bread pudding topped with a crumbly golden brown streusel. The top layer shows uneven clusters of crumb topping mixed with banana slices, which are light yellow with a touch of brown in the center. Below, slightly visible pieces of golden toasted bread are embedded in the moist pudding. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a bright yellow cloth partly seen nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, while sourdough or French bread works best for texture, you can use brioche or challah for a richer taste. Avoid very soft or thin bread slices that may become too mushy.

Can I prepare this casserole without bananas?

Absolutely, the casserole is delicious on its own or with other fruits. Simply omit the bananas or substitute with your preferred fruit like berries or diced apples.