Dessert

Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole Recipe

Byanna orden January 31, 2026January 31, 2026

Introduction

This Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole is a delicious and easy make-ahead breakfast that’s packed with banana flavor. Perfect for busy mornings or special weekends, it’s a family favorite that combines the creamy custard with sweet bananas and a crunchy streusel topping.

A thick, square piece of banana crumble dessert sits on a white plate with a textured edge. The bottom layer is soft, creamy, and pale yellow, full of cooked banana slices. Above it is a moist crumbly layer with a golden-brown color, mixed with darker banana slices and a generous drizzle of syrup that pools slightly around the base. The top layer is a chunky mixture of brown crumb topping, providing a rough and crunchy texture, with visible bits of cinnamon or spice. The whole dessert looks soft, gooey, and warm, sitting on a white marbled surface with some yellow cloth underneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound loaf sourdough or French bread, cut into chunks
8 large eggs
2 cups (480 ml) milk (whole or 2%)
½ cup (120 ml) heavy whipping cream
½ cup (104 g) sugar
¼ cup light brown sugar (unpacked)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
6-7 medium bananas, chopped

Streusel Topping

¾ cup (98 g) all-purpose flour
¾ cup (169 g) brown sugar, firmly packed
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ cup (112 g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces

Instructions

Step 1: Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish and set it aside.
Step 2: Place the bread chunks into a large bowl.
Step 3: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined.
Step 4: Pour the egg mixture over the bread chunks, add the chopped bananas, and gently stir to combine everything evenly.
Step 5: Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Step 6: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C).
Step 7: Bake the casserole for 35-40 minutes, or until it reaches your desired doneness.
Step 8: While the casserole bakes, prepare the streusel topping by combining the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Add the butter pieces and mash them into the dry ingredients until the mixture is crumbly.
Step 9: Remove the casserole from the oven when nearly done, sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over it, and return to the oven.
Step 10: Bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the streusel is melted and lightly golden.
Step 11: Serve the casserole warm with syrup if desired.

Tips & Variations

Slice the bananas and then cut each slice into quarters for better distribution throughout the casserole.
For a dairy-free option, substitute the milk and cream with almond or oat milk.
Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the streusel topping for extra crunch.
Use day-old bread for better texture as it absorbs the custard more effectively.

Storage

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. You can also keep the casserole covered and freeze it for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A thick slice of banana crumb cake sits on a white plate with a delicate lace pattern. The cake has three clear layers: the bottom layer is a soft, pale yellow cake base; the middle layer is creamy with visible banana slices, appearing moist and rich; the top layer is a crumbly, golden-brown streusel with cinnamon specks and more banana slices peeking through. The cake is drizzled with a honey-like syrup that pools lightly around the base, adding a glossy texture. The background shows more banana and a blurred baking dish, all on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use another type of bread?

Yes, while sourdough or French bread works best for texture and flavor, you can also use brioche, challah, or even whole wheat bread as substitutes.

Do I have to soak the casserole overnight?

Soaking overnight helps the bread absorb the custard fully, resulting in a creamy texture. However, if you’re short on time, soaking for at least 2 hours before baking will still yield good results.