Overnight Banana French Toast Casserole

Try this Overnight Banana French Toast Casserole for an easy, delicious breakfast! Perfect for brunch or holiday mornings, this make-ahead recipe features French bread, ripe bananas, and a cinnamon streusel topping. Simply prepare the night before and bake in the morning for a hassle-free meal that everyone will love. Ideal for family gatherings and weekend treats.

Ingredients for the Casserole

• 1 lb loaf of 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

Ingredients for the Streusel Topping

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup salted butter, chopped

Preparation Steps

1. Prep the Dish

• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside. Preheat your oven to 350°F if you’re baking immediately.

1. Make the Custard

• In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until well combined.

1. Combine Bread and Bananas

• Add the cubed French bread and chopped bananas to the custard mixture. Stir until the bread is fully soaked and bananas are evenly distributed.

1. Transfer and Chill

• Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight. This step allows the bread to absorb all the custardy goodness, making it extra flavorful.

1. Bake the Casserole

• When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F if you haven’t already. Bake the covered casserole for 35-40 minutes, or until it’s set and slightly puffed.

1. Prepare the Streusel Topping

• While the casserole bakes, make the streusel topping. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the chopped butter and mash with a fork or your fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly.

1. Finish Baking

• Once the casserole is nearly done, remove the foil and sprinkle the streusel topping and sliced banana over the top. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crunchy.

1. Serve and Enjoy

• Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this rich, flavorful breakfast dish with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of bread?

• Yes, you can substitute French bread with challah, brioche, or even a sturdy white bread.

1. What if I don’t have heavy cream?

• You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or additional whole milk, though the casserole may be slightly less rich.

1. Can I add other fruits?

• Absolutely! Blueberries, strawberries, or even apples can be a great addition to this casserole.

1. How long can I refrigerate it before baking?

• You can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

1. Can I make the streusel topping ahead of time?

• Yes, you can prepare the streusel topping and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.