Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole

This casserole bakes up like the best parts of banana bread and French toast combined—fluffy and soft in the middle with crispy, sweet edges and a hint of warm spice. The ripe bananas bring natural sweetness and depth, while the overnight soak ensures every bite is dreamy and custardy.

Top it with a brown sugar streusel (optional, but highly recommended) and serve it with syrup, whipped cream, or even a spoonful of yogurt if you’re feeling extra brunch-y.

Why You’ll Love This

• Make-ahead and stress-free. Assemble the night before, bake in the morning.
• Great use for ripe bananas (no more banana bread again!)
• Soft, warm, cinnamon-spiced flavor with crispy edges
• Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping breakfast
• Halal-friendly and easily adaptable for dietary needs

Time & Servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: Overnight (6–12 hours)
• Bake Time: 40–45 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour active, overnight inactive
• Servings: 8
• Calories per serving: ~320

Ingredients

For the French Toast Base:

• 1 loaf of brioche, challah, or French bread (about 12 oz), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the Crumble Topping (optional but amazing):

• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces
• Optional: 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

To Serve:

• Maple syrup
• Whipped cream or vanilla yogurt
• Sliced fresh bananas (optional)

How to Make It

1. Assemble the Base (Night Before)

• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Add cubed bread evenly into the dish.
• In a large bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, eggs, milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt.
• Pour the banana custard evenly over the bread cubes. Press down lightly to help the bread soak it up.
• Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight (or at least 6 hours).

2. Make the Crumble Topping (Morning Of)

• In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
• Add cold butter and use a fork or your fingers to mix until crumbly.
• Stir in nuts if using.
• Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the soaked casserole.

3. Bake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
• If it’s browning too fast, loosely tent with foil for the last 10 minutes.

Want extra crisp edges? Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end—watch it carefully!

4. Serve

• Let cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
• Serve warm with maple syrup, whipped cream, and sliced bananas.

What to Serve With It

• Turkey or beef breakfast sausage for a savory balance
• Fresh fruit salad for a bright, fresh side
• Coffee, chai, or orange juice
• Yogurt parfaits or smoothies if serving as part of a brunch spread

Tips for French Toast Casserole Success

1. Use slightly stale bread—it soaks up custard better without falling apart.
2. Mash bananas well so they blend smoothly into the custard.
3. Let it rest after baking—this helps it set up for cleaner slices.
4. Don’t skip the topping! It adds amazing texture and flavor.
5. Add-ins? Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even blueberries are all fair game.

Variations

• Banana bread flavor bomb: Add 1/4 tsp nutmeg + 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• Chocolate twist: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the top before baking
• Vegan version: Use plant-based milk, egg replacer, and dairy-free butter
• Gluten-free: Use your favorite GF bread—just make sure it’s sturdy

Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days
• Reheat: Microwave individual servings for 45–60 seconds, or reheat in oven at 325°F until warmed through
• Freezer: Freeze tightly wrapped slices for up to 2 months—thaw overnight and reheat as above

FAQ

Can I bake it right away without chilling overnight?
Yes! Let it soak for at least 30 minutes before baking if you’re short on time. The texture won’t be quite as custardy, but still delish.

What if my bananas aren’t super ripe?
Roast them in the oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes until soft and browned—they’ll mash easily and taste sweeter.

Can I use other fruit?
Yes—try strawberries, blueberries, or chopped apples for a fun twist. Just reduce the mashed banana amount a bit to balance moisture.

Can I prep the topping ahead?
Absolutely. Make the crumble and store it in the fridge until ready to use.

Final Thoughts

This Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole is a cozy, make-ahead dream that turns simple ingredients into something extra special. Whether it’s a lazy weekend morning, a holiday brunch, or just a craving for banana-bread-style comfort—you’re gonna want this recipe on repeat.

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