Overnight Baked Banana Toast

This overnight baked banana French toast casserole transforms ordinary bread into a decadent breakfast treat that tastes like dessert but is completely acceptable as a morning meal. The combination of sourdough bread soaked in a sweet egg mixture with bananas and topped with a cinnamon streusel creates an irresistible dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

I first made this casserole when hosting a family brunch and needed something special that wouldn't keep me in the kitchen all morning. The smell of cinnamon and caramelizing bananas wafting through the house had everyone asking for the recipe before they even tasted it.

Ingredients

• Sourdough or French bread: the sturdy texture holds up well when soaked overnight without becoming mushy
• Eggs: create the custard base that transforms the bread into French toast
• Milk and heavy cream: the combination provides richness and helps create a luxurious texture
• White and brown sugars: offer balanced sweetness and caramelization
• Vanilla extract: enhances the overall flavor profile and complements the bananas
• Ground cinnamon: adds warmth and spice that pairs perfectly with bananas
• Bananas: use ripe but still firm bananas for the best texture and sweetness
• Flour: creates structure in the streusel topping
• Butter: binds the streusel ingredients and adds richness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Base:

Cut your bread into roughly 1-inch chunks not too small or they'll disintegrate in the custard mixture. The bread should be slightly stale for best absorption try leaving it out uncovered for a few hours before preparing.

Create the Custard:

Whisk the eggs vigorously until completely uniform then gradually incorporate the milk, cream, sugars, vanilla, and cinnamon. Make sure the sugars are fully dissolved to prevent a gritty texture in the finished dish.

Combine and Soak:

Pour the egg mixture over the bread chunks ensuring every piece gets coated then gently fold in the chopped bananas. The mixture should be wet but not swimming in liquid transfer it carefully to your greased baking dish, smoothing the top for even baking.

Overnight Rest:

Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight. This resting period allows the bread to fully absorb the custard mixture creating a pudding-like texture when baked.

Baking:

Bake the casserole uncovered at 350°F for 35-40 minutes until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. The top should be golden brown and the edges slightly crisp.

Streusel Finish:

While the casserole bakes, prepare the streusel by cutting cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this generously over the almost finished casserole and return to the oven to melt and crisp up.

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I absolutely adore the streusel topping on this casserole it reminds me of the coffee cake my grandmother used to make on Sunday mornings. That first bite with the crispy sweet topping giving way to the soft custardy interior with chunks of warm banana is pure comfort food magic.

Make It Your Own

This French toast casserole is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to your preferences or what you have on hand. Try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the streusel for extra crunch and flavor. For a tropical twist mix in some diced mango or pineapple with the bananas. You can even swirl in a few tablespoons of peanut butter before baking for a delicious banana PB combination.

Storage and Reheating

After baking store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The casserole reheats wonderfully in individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds or you can reheat larger portions in a 325°F oven for 15 minutes until warmed through. The texture may become slightly more dense after refrigeration but the flavor remains delicious.

Serving Suggestions

While this casserole is delicious on its own with just maple syrup consider serving it with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla yogurt for contrast. Fresh berries make a beautiful and tangy accompaniment that cuts through the richness. For a truly decadent brunch add a side of crispy bacon or breakfast sausage to balance the sweetness.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, you can use brioche, challah, or any sturdy bread for this dish. Just ensure it is slightly stale for better absorption of the custard mixture.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the dish the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Simply bake it in the morning for a fresh and warm meal.

→ Can I substitute the bananas?

You can use other fruits such as berries, apples, or peaches. Adjust the sweetness if needed to complement the fruit.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

Pair it with fresh fruit, crispy bacon, or a dollop of whipped cream for a complete breakfast experience.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store leftover portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.