Delicious Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Recipe

Indulge in the delightful flavors of a decadent breakfast with our Overnight Baked Banana Toast recipe. This mouthwatering banana French toast casserole marries basic ingredients to create a luxurious treat that’s perfect for family brunches. Picture this: as you drift off to sleep, the bread eagerly soaks up a rich custard, infused with caramelized bananas, promising a luscious bread pudding texture that will have everyone clamoring for seconds.

I stumbled upon this gem during a bustling holiday gathering, seeking a special dish that wouldn’t tie me to the stove all morning. Now, it’s a cherished tradition for our Christmas morning festivities, a comforting delight while the kids eagerly unwrap their presents. Embracing the starring role of bananas, I’ve learned from my grandmother that the key lies in selecting ones with just the right hint of sweetness, ensuring a perfect balance between firmness and ripeness for that ideal texture in the casserole.

Elevate this breakfast masterpiece further by preparing the streusel topping days in advance or freezing the assembled casserole for a convenient grab-and-bake option on busy mornings. Whether you’re catering to dietary needs or looking to add a touch of indulgence, this versatile recipe accommodates gluten-free, dairy-free, and egg-free adaptations. Drizzle with warm caramel sauce, garnish with fresh berries, and savor every bite of this heartwarming dish alongside your loved ones for a truly special start to the day.

Quick Benefits

• Decadent Breakfast: Transform basic ingredients into a dessert-like breakfast perfect for family brunches.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the casserole the night before to save time and effort on busy mornings.
• Dietary Adaptability: Easily adapt the recipe for dietary restrictions by using gluten-free bread, dairy-free milk alternatives, and egg replacers.
• Versatile Variations: Experiment with different bread types, fruits, nuts, and toppings to customize the casserole to your liking.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Recipe Recipe

• Convenience: Prep the night before for a stress-free morning; perfect for busy mornings or special occasions.
• Decadent Flavor: Transform basic ingredients into a dessert-like breakfast treat that the whole family will love.
• Caramelized Goodness: Overnight soaking creates a caramelized banana bread pudding texture that is irresistible.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable for dietary restrictions – gluten-free, dairy-free, or egg-free options available.
• Make-ahead: Streusel topping can be prepared in advance, and the casserole can even be frozen for up to a month.
• Customizable: Experiment with different types of bread, fruits, nuts, or toppings to suit your taste preferences.
• Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for family brunches, holiday gatherings, or a special Christmas morning breakfast tradition.
• Beautiful Presentation: Drizzle with warm caramel sauce, serve with fresh berries, or dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Ingredients for Delicious Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Recipe

Casserole

• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream
• 2 cups (480ml) whole or 2% milk
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (104g) granulated sugar
• 6–7 medium bananas, chopped
• 1/4 cup (36g) light brown sugar, unpacked
• 1 lb sourdough or French bread, cut into chunks
• 8 large eggs

Streusel Topping

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup (112g) salted butter, cut into pieces
• 3/4 cup (98g) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (169g) firmly packed brown sugar

Pro Tips for Delicious Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Recipe

Pro Tip 1: Opt for ripe but firm bananas with just a slight hint of brown spots for the ideal sweetness and texture in your baked banana toast. This will ensure a perfect balance between flavor and consistency in your casserole.

Pro Tip 2: Experiment with different bread types like brioche or challah for a unique twist on this recipe. These bread alternatives can bring varied textures and flavors, adding an extra layer of richness to your breakfast casserole.

Pro Tip 3: Customize this recipe to accommodate dietary preferences by using gluten-free bread, dairy-free milk alternatives, or egg replacers. With these substitutions, you can create a delicious baked banana toast that suits various dietary needs without compromising on taste.

How to Make Delicious Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Recipe

Step 1: Prepare casserole dish

Prepare a 9×13 inch casserole dish by greasing it.

Step 2: Prepare the bread

Place the bread chunks in a large bowl and leave them aside.

Step 3: Mix wet ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.

Step 4: Combine bread and wet mixture

Pour the beaten eggs over the bread pieces, add the diced bananas, and gently mix to combine.

Step 5: Assemble casserole

Transfer the bread mixture to the casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Cover the dish and refrigerate overnight.

Step 6: Preheat oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C) before baking.

Step 7: Bake casserole

Bake the casserole for 35–40 minutes or until cooked to your preference.

Step 8: Prepare streusel topping

As the casserole bakes, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Blend in butter until crumbly for the streusel topping.

Step 9: Add streusel topping

Take the casserole out of the oven when almost finished baking and evenly sprinkle the streusel on top.

Step 10: Finish baking

Place the casserole back in the oven and bake for 5 more minutes, or until the streusel is melted and golden.

Step 11: Serve

Drizzle syrup over the warm casserole before serving.

Storage Tips

Once you’ve prepared the decadent overnight baked banana french toast casserole, storing the finished dish properly will help maintain its freshness. If you have leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual portions to airtight containers. Store the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to enjoy as a delicious breakfast or dessert throughout the week.

For longer storage or if you’ve made the casserole ahead of time, you can freeze the dish to enjoy later. Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer individual portions to freezer-safe containers. The unbaked casserole can be frozen for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight before baking it as directed. Reheating the frozen casserole in the oven will help retain its texture and flavor, providing a convenient and delicious meal whenever you desire.

Ingredient Substitutions

For the Overnight Baked Banana Toast recipe, you can easily customize it to suit different dietary needs or flavor preferences. If you are making this for someone with gluten sensitivity, feel free to swap out the sourdough or French bread for a gluten-free alternative like gluten-free bread. Similarly, for a dairy-free version, replace the whole or 2% milk with almond or oat milk, and use coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream. These substitutions will still yield a delicious and creamy result.

If you want to experiment with different fruits, go ahead and substitute the bananas with berries, apples, peaches, or any fruit that you prefer. Each fruit will bring its own unique flavor profile to the dish, offering a fresh twist to the classic recipe. Additionally, you can add chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for extra texture and nutty flavor. These variations will add a delightful crunch to the baked banana toast casserole, enhancing the overall eating experience.

Serving Suggestions

For a stunning presentation, serve this indulgent overnight baked banana toast casserole topped with a generous drizzle of warm caramel sauce. The caramel sauce adds a rich sweetness that complements the caramelized banana flavors beautifully, taking this dish to the next level.

To add a pop of color and freshness to your brunch spread, accompany the banana French toast casserole with a vibrant fruit salad bursting with seasonal fruits like berries, melons, and citrus. The bright acidity and juiciness of the fruit salad will perfectly balance the richness of the casserole, creating a well-rounded and visually appealing breakfast or brunch experience.

FAQs for Delicious Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Recipe

Can I use a different type of bread in this recipe?

Yes, you can use brioche, challah, or other hearty bread types instead of sourdough or French bread for a slightly different texture and flavor.

Can I shorten the overnight refrigeration time?

While overnight refrigeration is recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can let the bread soak for at least 1-2 hours if you’re short on time.

Can I substitute bananas with other fruits in this recipe?

Yes, you can replace bananas with other fruits like berries, apples, or peaches, depending on your preference.

How can I enhance the flavor and texture of the casserole?

You can increase the butter slightly or add some chopped nuts such as pecans or almonds for extra crunch and flavor.

Conclusion

I hope this recipe for Overnight Baked Banana Toast becomes a cherished tradition in your family, just like it has in mine. The combination of rich custard, caramelized bananas, and a hint of cinnamon creates a breakfast dish that’s sure to bring smiles to the table. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a cozy weekend morning, this casserole is a delightful way to start the day.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with this Overnight Baked Banana Toast recipe. Experiment with different bread types, fruits, and toppings to make it your own. And remember, the beauty of this dish lies in its make-ahead nature, allowing you to spend more time with your loved ones and less time in the kitchen. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and enjoy a warm and comforting breakfast that’s filled with love and flavor.