
Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole is a dreamy make ahead breakfast that layers chunks of bread with cozy bananas and a crunchy cinnamon streusel. It is the kind of sweet breakfast my family begs for on holiday mornings or when we have guests and I want something easy but impressive
Banana French Toast Casserole became a weekend tradition every time my parents came to visit. I still remember everyone hovering near the oven as a caramel banana smell filled the kitchen
Ingredients
- Sourdough or French bread: Chunked sturdy bread soaks up the egg custard without turning mushy I always grab a fresher loaf for the best texture
- Large eggs: This is what turns ordinary bread into that creamy custard French toast texture look for eggs with golden yolks for richer flavor
- Milk and heavy cream: Adds creaminess and keeps things rich and tender I use whole milk if I have it
- Sugar and brown sugar: Two kinds of sugar for sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor brown sugar makes a difference
- Vanilla extract: Gives warmth and rounds out those banana notes use real vanilla if you can
- Ground cinnamon: This spice makes everything cozy try to use fresh cinnamon for the most aroma
- Bananas: Chopped the star ingredient look for yellow bananas with a few freckles for best sweetness
- All purpose flour: Needed for the streusel topping bleached or unbleached both work
- Butter: Cold and in pieces gets mashed into flour and spices to create the crunchy crumb top salted butter adds even more flavor
- Cinnamon and more brown sugar for the streusel: Because a cinnamon sugar crumb is what takes it over the top
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Grease the Casserole Dish:
- Coat your nine by thirteen inch casserole dish with a good swipe of butter or a spritz of cooking spray get into the corners so nothing sticks
- Prepare the Bread and Egg Mixture:
- Cut your loaf of bread into chunky bite size pieces add to a large mixing bowl In a separate bowl whisk together the eggs milk heavy cream sugars vanilla and cinnamon until well combined
- Combine Banana and Bread Mixture:
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread chunks add your chopped bananas and gently mix until the bread is just moistened do not squish the bread
- Assemble and Refrigerate Overnight:
- Transfer everything to your prepared casserole dish and spread it out in an even layer cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and pop in the fridge overnight the rest happens while you sleep
- Bake the Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit place the casserole on the center rack bake for about thirty five to forty minutes until the center feels set and the edges are golden if you like it softer take it out at thirty five minutes for more browned edges go a little longer
- Make the Streusel:
- While the casserole bakes mix flour brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl add cold butter in pieces Use your fingers or a fork to mash until you have a crumbly mixture with pea sized buttery bits
- Finish with Streusel Topping:
- Take the casserole out near the end of the bake crumble your streusel topper generously over the surface return to oven and bake for about five minutes more until the streusel looks golden and melty
- Serve Warm:
- Let the casserole sit for several minutes out of the oven before slicing serve big squares with maple syrup or extra banana slices if desired

I always save the end pieces of bread for this recipe because they soak up so much custard My favorite bites are the corners where the streusel gets extra crisp My kids love using the extra bananas for decorating the top before serving
Storage Tips
Let leftovers cool completely before wrapping and refrigerating in the same casserole dish This dish tastes great even after reheating in the microwave the next day If you want to freeze individual squares cool first and then wrap tightly in foil or plastic before freezing Up to two months in the freezer works for me
Ingredient Substitutions
Use any crusty bakery loaf for this French toast do not hesitate to try challah or brioche for even richer flavor For dairy free swaps use coconut or oat milk and a good plant based cream Bananas can be swapped for thin sliced apples or berries but bananas give the most moisture
Serving Suggestions
Top the casserole with strawberries blueberries or sliced almonds for an extra fancy touch Warm maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar adds breakfast magic One year I served it with whipped cream and hot cocoa for my niece’s birthday and it became a special tradition
Cultural Context
French toast casseroles like this became popular in American brunch culture because they are fuss free and easy to scale for big gatherings They combine classic French pain perdu with American casserole comfort making them a staple in holiday breakfast menus
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → Can I use another type of bread?
Yes, you can substitute brioche or challah bread for a richer texture, though sourdough or French bread provide the best structure.
- → Do the bananas need to be very ripe?
Ripe bananas yield a stronger flavor and natural sweetness, making them ideal for this dish.
- → Can I assemble in advance?
Absolutely! Prepare the casserole the night before and let it chill in the fridge till ready to bake.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven or microwave before serving.
- → Can this be frozen?
Yes, bake the casserole first, let it cool, then freeze individual portions well wrapped for up to 2 months.