Overnight Banana French Toast Casserole
At this point, it’s no secret that I love a good breakfast casserole. They let you sit down to a scrumptious and filling breakfast but take most of the work out of it. Even better when it’s an overnight option that lets you get all the prep done the night before! This breakfast casserole is great for all of those reasons, but mostly because of its sweet and cinnamony banana flavor. It’s a soft and comforting French toast bake, and if you love bananas, it’s certain to become a favorite of yours from the first bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
French toast bakes are nice because while you’re still getting that moist, custard-soaked bread, you don’t have to go to the trouble of cooking individual slices. You just cube up some bread, slice a bunch of bananas, and then mix it all into a sweet and eggy mixture of milk and cream. You can stop there and chill the whole thing overnight and bake it in the morning, or you can get it in the oven straight away. In either case, it will bake in two phases – once to set and once to brown the streusel topping. (Because why wouldn’t you want a buttery, golden brown sugary topping? Exactly.)
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Foil
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 lb loaf French bread, cubed
- 8 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 6-7 bananas, 1 sliced, the rest chopped
For the Streusel Topping:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup salted butter, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
- When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
- Add bread and chopped bananas and stir to combine. Pour into prepared baking dish and cover tightly with foil. Refrigerate overnight if desired.
- Bake, covered, until set, 35-40 minutes. Meanwhile, make the streusel:
- In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the butter and mash until mixture is crumbly.
- When casserole is nearly done, top with streusel and sliced banana and bake uncovered until golden brown, 5-10 minutes. Enjoy!
Tips for Success
For best results, use day-old bread that is slightly dry. This will help it absorb the custard mixture better. Make sure to cover the casserole tightly with foil to prevent it from drying out while baking.
Additional Tips or Variations
Feel free to add a handful of chopped nuts or chocolate chips for an extra treat. You can also substitute the bananas with other fruits like blueberries or strawberries for a different flavor profile.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 35g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I prepare this recipe in advance? Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before and bake it in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast.
How should I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, you can freeze the baked casserole. Allow it to cool completely, wrap it in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
This Overnight Banana French Toast Casserole is perfect for any morning when you want something delicious without the early morning prep. Give it a try and let the sweet, comforting flavors brighten your day. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you, so feel free to share your experience in the comments!