Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole

Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole is a delightful dish that brings a wave of warmth and sweetness to your breakfast table. Imagine soft, custardy bread layered with ripe bananas and topped with a crisp streusel—pure comfort food! This casserole is perfect for lazy weekend mornings, family gatherings, or any time you want to impress guests with minimal effort.

You’ll love how the rich flavors mingle with each bite, creating a feast for the senses. The smell of baked bananas and caramelized sugar fills the air as it cooks, making it hard to resist. In this article, you’ll find a simple recipe, step-by-step instructions, and tips to elevate your brunch. Let’s dive into this irresistible dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Fresh ingredients: Uses ripe bananas and quality bread for the best flavor.
2. Ease of preparation: Prepare it the night before for a stress-free morning.
3. Nutrition: A filling dish that combines protein, fruit, and carbohydrates.
4. Versatility: Great for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert!
5. Presentation: It looks stunning when served warm with a dusting of powdered sugar.

This dish truly has something for everyone!

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Cooking time: 50 minutes

Note that times may vary.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb sourdough or French bread, cut into chunks
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 6-7 medium ripe bananas, chopped
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel)
• 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar (for streusel)
• 1/2 cup salted butter (for streusel)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, and brown sugar.

Step 2: Add the bread chunks and bananas to the mixture, stirring gently to coat.

Step 3: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 4: In another bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and softened butter for the streusel. Mix until crumbly.

Step 5: Sprinkle the streusel over the bread mixture.

Step 6: Cover and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 7: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 8: Bake uncovered for 50 minutes or until golden brown and set in the middle.

Step 9: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!

How to Serve

1. Presentation: Garnish with powdered sugar and fresh banana slices.
2. Accompaniments: Serve with maple syrup, whipped cream, or yogurt.
3. Portions: Cut into squares or serve family-style for sharing.
4. Beverage pairing: Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or a refreshing fruit juice.

This dish is best served warm for optimum enjoyment!

Additional Tips

• Enhance flavor: Add cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.
• Customize: Swap bananas for berries or other fruits for variety.
• Serving suggestions: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful twist.

Recipe Variations

1. Banana Nut: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
2. Chocolate Chip: Mix in semi-sweet chocolate chips for a decadent treat.
3. Vegan Option: Use almond milk, flax eggs, and dairy-free butter for a plant-based version.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well; wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven.

Special Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Baking dish
• Plastic wrap
• Knife for cutting bread
• Oven mitts

FAQ’s

Can I use frozen bananas? Yes, but they should be thawed and drained of excess liquid.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians? Absolutely! It’s a vegetarian-friendly recipe.
Can I prepare it in advance? Yes, it’s designed to be prepared the night before.
Can I customize the fruit? Definitely! Feel free to swap in your favorite fruits.
What other cooking methods can I use? You can also prepare this dish in a slow cooker for a different texture.

Conclusion

Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole is a delightful combination of flavor and ease, perfect for any brunch occasion. With its lush, sweet bananas and creamy base, it’s sure to become a staple in your breakfast repertoire. Don’t hesitate to whip this up and treat yourself and your loved ones to a morning feast!