I can hardly contain my excitement as I share one of my all-time favorite breakfast recipes with you: **Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole**! Honestly, there’s just something magical about waking up to a delicious, warm breakfast that’s already made, and this casserole is the epitome of breakfast perfection. Imagine rich, fluffy bread soaked in a sweet custard and layered with soft, caramelized bananas. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a cozy café, even if you’re still in your pajamas!
This recipe holds a special place in my heart because every year, my family has a little tradition during the holidays where we whip this up. It was a way of sharing love—and carbs!—with each other. The laughter and joy that filled the mornings, combined with this delectable casserole, always made for unforgettable memories. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to throw together the night before, allowing for more time to sip coffee and catch up, rather than slaving away in the kitchen. Let’s dive in and see what makes this casserole so incredible!
What’s in Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole?
French Bread: The star of the show! A loaf of French bread gives this casserole its lovely texture—perfect for soaking up all that creamy custard. I usually go for a fresh loaf from the bakery, as the texture is unbeatable!
Bananas: Four ripe bananas add natural sweetness and a delicious creaminess. Make sure they’re spotty; that’s when they’re at their sweetest and most flavorful!
Eggs: Eight large eggs add richness to the custard and help everything hold together beautifully. They’re the glue that binds this scrumptious dish!
Whole Milk: Full-fat milk gives the casserole its decadent creaminess. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could sub in almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option!
Brown Sugar: A half cup provides just the right amount of sweetness and a lovely hint of molasses flavor that pairs perfectly with bananas.
Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon of vanilla adds a warm, aromatic flavor that ties everything together. Trust me, always use pure vanilla extract if you can!
Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon is an absolute must for that cozy, comforting flavor. It gives you all those wonderful autumn vibes!
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Maple Syrup: A little drizzle of maple syrup adds a heavenly touch when you serve it. Use the real stuff, please; you won’t be disappointed!
Nuts (optional): Chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, add a lovely crunchy texture if you’d like to throw them in. I’m a nut lover, so I can’t resist!
All-Purpose Flour, Granulated Sugar, Ground Cinnamon, and Cold Butter: These come together for the lovely crumbly topping that gives this dish its delightful contrast in texture. It’s the cherry on top!
Is Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole Good for You?
Let’s be real: this casserole leans more towards indulgent than “health food,” but it’s worth enjoying!
Eggs: Loaded with protein, they provide lasting energy. Just know that 8 eggs means this dish has a decent amount of cholesterol.
Bananas: These potassium-packed beauties bring not just flavor but some health benefits too. They’re great for heart health and can help regulate blood pressure!
Whole Milk: While it’s rich in calcium, it’s also higher in calories and fat. You can easily swap for lower-fat alternatives if you’d like.
Overall, this casserole is more about comfort than it is about strict health benefits, but it’s perfect for those special weekends or holidays where you want to treat yourself and your loved ones.
Ingredients
– 1 loaf of French bread, cut into cubes (about 10-12 cups)
– 4 ripe bananas, sliced
– 8 large eggs
– 2 cups whole milk
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup maple syrup (for drizzling)
– 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, pecans or walnuts)
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for topping)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
– 1/4 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces (for topping)
This recipe makes about 8 hearty servings, perfect for sharing!
How to Make Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole?
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until everything is well combined.
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer half of the cubed French bread at the bottom of the dish, then top with half of the sliced bananas. Repeat with the remaining bread and bananas.
3. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and banana layers, ensuring all the bread is well soaked. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 4 hours).
4. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) the next morning. While the oven is heating up, prepare the topping by mixing the flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter in a small bowl until crumbly. If you’re adding nuts, toss them in now!
5. Take the casserole out of the fridge and sprinkle the topping mixture evenly over the top.
6. Bake for 45-55 minutes until the casserole is completely set and the topping is a gorgeous golden brown. You should be able to insert a knife into the center, and it should come out clean.
7. Let it cool for 10-15 minutes before serving, then drizzle with maple syrup.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Feel free to get a bit creative! This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, and you could definitely satisfy different cravings by adding in fruits like blueberries or strawberries—yum! A dollop of whipped cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top can really elevate the presentation. It’s perfect for brunch gatherings or cozy family breakfasts!
I hope this recipe adds warmth and smiles to your mornings just like it does in my home. Give it a try, soak up that delicious aroma wafting through the air, and let me know how it turns out! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts and any delicious variations you try out! Happy cooking!
