Overnight Baked Banana Toast

This overnight baked banana french toast casserole transforms basic ingredients into a decadent breakfast that feels like dessert but is perfect for family brunches. The magic happens while you sleep as the bread soaks up all the custard goodness, creating a caramelized banana bread pudding texture that will have everyone asking for seconds.

My family discovered this recipe during a holiday gathering where I needed something special that wouldn't keep me in the kitchen all morning. Now it's our traditional Christmas morning breakfast while the kids open presents.

Ingredients

• Sourdough or French bread: Provides the perfect structure that holds up overnight without becoming soggy
• Eggs: Create the custard base that transforms ordinary bread into something magical
• Milk and heavy cream: Blend for the perfect richness without being too heavy
• White and brown sugars: Balance each other with caramel notes that complement the bananas
• Vanilla extract and cinnamon: Add warmth and depth that makes this taste like a special treat
• Bananas: Should be ripe but still firm enough to hold their shape when mixed in
• All purpose flour: In the streusel creates the perfect crumbly texture on top
• Salted butter: In the streusel adds richness and enhances all the other flavors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Dish:

Thoroughly grease your 9x13 casserole dish making sure to get the corners and sides well coated so nothing sticks. This step is crucial for easy serving later.

Prepare The Bread Base:

Cut your bread into approximately 1 inch chunks looking for a mix of crust and soft interior pieces. The bread should be slightly stale or day old which helps it absorb more of the custard mixture without falling apart.

Create The Custard Mixture:

Whisk together eggs milk cream sugars vanilla and cinnamon until completely smooth. The mixture should look like a thin custard with no visible egg streaks which ensures even flavor throughout.

Combine Everything:

Pour the custard over the bread chunks and add your chopped bananas gently folding everything together. Make sure all bread pieces are coated but avoid overmixing which can break down the bread structure too much.

Arrange In Dish:

Transfer the mixture to your prepared dish spreading it evenly to the corners. Press down gently to help the bread absorb the liquid then cover tightly with plastic wrap.

Refrigerate Overnight:

Allow the casserole to rest in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight. This resting period is essential as it allows the bread to fully absorb the custard mixture.

Bake The Casserole:

Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes. The top should be lightly golden and the center should be set but still slightly jiggly.

Prepare The Streusel:

Mix flour brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl then add cold butter pieces. Use your fingers or a fork to work the butter into the dry ingredients until you have pea sized crumbs.

Add The Finishing Touch:

Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the partially baked casserole covering the entire surface for maximum crunch in every serving.

Final Baking:

Return to the oven for about 5 minutes until the streusel melts slightly and becomes golden brown. Watch carefully as the sugar can burn quickly.

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Bananas are the star of this recipe and I always look for ones that have just started to develop those sweet brown spots. My grandmother taught me that the perfect banana for baking should feel firm but yield slightly to gentle pressure. Too green and they lack sweetness too brown and they'll turn to mush in the casserole.

Make Ahead Options

This breakfast casserole is designed to be prepared ahead but you can take it even further for busy mornings. Prepare the streusel topping up to three days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The entire assembled casserole can be frozen unbaked for up to one month just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.

Perfect Substitutions

If someone in your family has dietary restrictions this recipe adapts beautifully. Substitute gluten free bread for a gluten free version. Replace the dairy milk with almond or oat milk and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy free version. For egg allergies commercial egg replacers work surprisingly well in this recipe though the texture will be slightly different.

Serving Suggestions

While maple syrup is the classic topping drizzle warm caramel sauce for an indulgent treat. Fresh berries add a bright contrast to the rich casserole. For a complete brunch spread serve alongside a simple fruit salad and savory egg dish or bacon. A dusting of powdered sugar just before serving creates a beautiful presentation for special occasions.

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Enjoy this warm and comforting dish with your loved ones for a special start to the day!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of bread?

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 prepare this without refrigerating overnight?

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 the banana?

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

→ How can I make the streusel topping crunchier?

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

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, allow the casserole to cool completely, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to one month. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.