If you have a soft spot for breakfast dishes that feel like a warm hug from the inside, then you are going to absolutely adore this Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole. It’s a magical combination of fluffy sourdough bread soaked in a creamy, cinnamon-spiced custard, scattered with soft, ripe bananas, and topped with a buttery, crunchy streusel that bakes to golden perfection. This recipe is perfect for busy mornings or special occasions, allowing you to prepare everything the night before so when morning comes, all that’s left is to pop it in the oven and fill your kitchen with the most inviting aroma. Trust me, you’re about to make a new breakfast favorite that everyone will ask for again and again.

Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole lies in its simple ingredients that come together to create a rich and comforting dish. Each element has a role whether it’s the bread providing structure, the eggs and dairy building that luscious custard, or the bananas adding natural sweetness and moisture. The streusel topping finishes everything with a delightful crunch that keeps every bite exciting.

1 lb loaf Sourdough or French Bread: Day-old bread works best for soaking up the custard without becoming too soggy.
8 large eggs: These bind the casserole and create a fluffy texture when baked.
2 cups (480ml) milk (whole or 2%): Milk adds creaminess to the custard base.
1/2 cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream: This boosts richness, making the custard decadently smooth.
1/2 cup (104g) sugar: Adds just enough sweet balance to the dish.
1/4 cup (36g) light brown sugar, unpacked: Brings a subtle caramel note into the custard.
2 tsp vanilla extract: Gives a warm, fragrant aroma that complements the cinnamon and bananas perfectly.
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: The essential spice to make this casserole cozy and inviting.
6–7 medium sized bananas, chopped: Ripe bananas provide moistness and natural sweetness throughout.
3/4 cup (98g) all-purpose flour: Base for the streusel topping to give structure.
3/4 cup (169g) firmly packed brown sugar: Sweetens and caramelizes the streusel when baked.
1 tsp cinnamon: Adds warmth to the streusel topping.
1/2 cup (112g) salted butter, cut into pieces: Creates the buttery, crumbly texture of the streusel.

How to Make Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Casserole Dish and Bread

Start by greasing a 9×13 inch casserole dish to make sure the casserole won’t stick and will come out cleanly once baked. Then, cut your sourdough or French bread into chunks and place them in a large bowl. Using slightly stale bread here is the secret to absorbing the custard without getting mushy.

Step 2: Whisk the Custard Mixture

In another bowl, combine the eggs, milk, heavy cream, both sugars, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Whisk everything thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This custard mixture is the heart of the Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole, soaking into the bread to create that creamy-yet-soft texture.

Step 3: Combine Bread, Bananas, and Custard

Pour the custard mixture over the bread chunks. Add the chopped bananas and gently stir until the bread pieces and bananas are evenly coated with the custard mixture. The bananas introduce sweetness and a tender bite, making each spoonful a little luxurious.

Step 4: Refrigerate Overnight

Transfer everything to your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover it well with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate overnight. This step allows the bread to soak up all those creamy, flavorful custard juices and lets the bananas infuse their sweetness throughout the casserole.

Step 5: Preheat Oven and Bake

The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C). Bake the casserole for 35 to 40 minutes until it’s puffed up, golden, and set in the middle—just the way you want your Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole to be!

Step 6: Prepare and Add the Streusel Topping

While the casserole bakes, mix the streusel ingredients—flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Then, cut in the cold, salted butter with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. When the casserole is nearly done, remove it from the oven, sprinkle the streusel over the top, and bake for an additional 5 minutes to melt and crisp the topping.

How to Serve Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole

Garnishes

The simplest garnishes can elevate this dish beautifully. Fresh banana slices, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of pure maple syrup are delightful. For a touch of decadence, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla yogurt works wonders and adds creaminess alongside the crunch.

Side Dishes

Pair this casserole with freshly brewed coffee or a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice for the perfect breakfast ensemble. If you want something a little more savory, crispy bacon or breakfast sausages contrast nicely against the sweet, custardy flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the casserole straight from the baking dish for a cozy, family-style meal. Or, if you want to impress guests, cut it into individual squares and plate with an artful swirl of syrup and a sprinkling of toasted nuts for texture. A small bunch of fresh herbs like mint can add unexpected color and freshness to the plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, any leftover Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It makes for easy reheated breakfasts or snacks later on without losing much of its charm.

Freezing

If you want to make this dish well in advance, you can freeze portions in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This is a lifesaver for busy mornings or unexpected guests.

Reheating

To warm leftovers, use the oven or toaster oven at 350°F (176°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain that fresh-baked texture and keep the topping crisp. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too, but the casserole won’t stay as crisp.

FAQs

Can I use another type of bread?

Absolutely! While sourdough or French bread are favored for texture and flavor, you can experiment with brioche or challah for a richer, slightly sweeter base. Just be mindful of the soak time as softer breads absorb faster.

Do I have to add the bananas?

Bananas add moisture and natural sweetness but if you’re not a fan, you can substitute with berries, chopped apples, or even leave the fruit out altogether. Keep in mind the bananas become soft and meld into the custard beautifully.

How do I make the streusel topping crispier?

Make sure your butter is cold when you mix it into the streusel, and don’t overmix. You want coarse crumbs, not dough. Adding a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts also adds crunch and flavor.

Can this recipe be made dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the milk and cream with your favorite plant-based milks, such as almond or oat milk. For the streusel, use a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil to keep the buttery texture without dairy.

How long can the casserole soak overnight?

The casserole can soak anywhere from 6 to 12 hours overnight without any issues. The longer soak allows the bread to absorb more custard, making it richer and more flavorful.

Final Thoughts

This Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole is the kind of recipe that wins hearts and fills bellies effortlessly. It’s perfect for a lazy weekend breakfast or an impressive yet simple brunch offering. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll find yourself reaching for it every time you want something cozy, delicious, and easy to prepare ahead. So go on, give it a whirl—I promise it’ll become a treasured staple in your kitchen.