why make this recipe
Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole is the perfect dish for anyone who loves a warm, tasty breakfast that is easy to prepare. This recipe combines the deliciousness of ripe bananas with fluffy bread, all soaked in a rich custard mixture. The best part? You prepare it the night before, making your morning routine a breeze. Not only can you impress your friends and family at brunch, but it’s also a comforting way to start your day. Plus, this casserole is adaptable, allowing you to make it your own with different toppings or mix-ins.
how to make Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole
Making this casserole is straightforward and can be done in just a few simple steps. With only a handful of ingredients, you’ll find it both satisfying and easy to bread together the perfect breakfast.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread (such as challah or brioche)
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Butter for greasing
Directions
- Start by greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter. This will ensure that your casserole will not stick to the dish.
- Tear the bread into chunks and place half of them in the greased dish. You can use any bread you prefer, but challah or brioche gives a delightful texture.
- Layer half of the sliced bananas on top of the bread, spreading them evenly.
- Repeat the process by adding the remaining bread chunks followed by the remaining banana slices.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This rich mixture will soak into the bread and bananas, creating a delicious custard.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and bananas, making sure all pieces are covered.
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Leaving it overnight allows the bread to absorb the egg mixture fully.
- The next morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Once ready, bake the casserole for 45-50 minutes until it’s golden brown and set in the middle.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This resting time helps it to set a little more and makes it easier to serve.
how to serve Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole
Serving this delicious casserole is simple. You can cut it into squares and serve each piece warm. It pairs wonderfully with maple syrup drizzled on top for added sweetness. If you’d like, add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch. Fresh fruit, like blueberries or strawberries, also makes great toppings and adds a refreshing flavor contrast.
how to store Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole
If you have leftovers, storing them is easy. Let the casserole cool to room temperature, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply pop individual portions in the microwave or reheat in the oven until warmed through. If you want to enjoy it after freezing, it can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
tips to make Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole
- Choose the Right Bread: For the best texture, use brioche or challah bread. They are soft and absorb the custard well.
- Don’t Skip the Refrigeration: Allowing the casserole to sit overnight is crucial. This step ensures the bread absorbs the liquid thoroughly.
- Modify the Sweetness: If you want a less sweet dish, adjust the amount of brown sugar according to your taste preference.
- Add Nuts or Chocolate: For a delicious twist, consider adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips in between the layers for varied texture and taste.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add a dash of nutmeg or cardamom for enhanced flavor if desired.
variation
You can customize this casserole in so many ways! Here are a few ideas:
- Vegan Version: Substitute eggs with a mixture of ground flaxseeds and water, and use almond milk and a non-dairy cream alternative.
- Nut-Free Option: Simply omit any nuts in the recipe; you can substitute with seeds for additional texture if desired.
- Mix-in Inspiration: Try adding shredded coconut, dried fruits, or even different kinds of berries for a fruity burst.
For more inspirations and tasty recipes, check out my Pinterest page Recipes Foody where you will find everything you need for your next meal!
FAQs
Can I make Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole in advance?
Yes! That’s the best part. The casserole is designed to be made the night before, so it’s ready to bake in the morning.
What can I serve with this dish?
This casserole pairs beautifully with bacon, sausage, or fresh fruit. A simple side of yogurt can also add creaminess and freshness to your breakfast.
Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute bananas with other fruits like apples, blueberries, or strawberries. Just make sure to adjust the sugar content based on the sweetness of the fruit used.
This Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole is not only a delightful breakfast but also an impressive dish that everyone will love. Give it a try for your next gathering or just a cozy morning at home!
Print
Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and comforting breakfast casserole made with ripe bananas and fluffy bread, perfect for prepping the night before.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread (such as challah or brioche)
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Butter for greasing
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter.
- Tear the bread into chunks and place half of them in the greased dish.
- Layer half of the sliced bananas on top of the bread.
- Repeat the process with the remaining bread and banana slices.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and bananas, ensuring all pieces are covered.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) the next morning.
- Bake the casserole for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and set in the middle.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Add maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit as toppings when serving. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: banana, french toast, casserole, breakfast, easy recipe