Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole

Indulging in a breakfast that feels like a dessert is always a treat, and the Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole is the perfect way to start your day on a blissful note. This delectable dish, featuring the warm, comforting flavors of banana and cinnamon, is a twist on the classic French toast. It combines the decadent softness of custard-soaked bread with the sweetness of ripe bananas, creating a delightful flavor profile that dances on the palate. The texture is a harmonious blend of crunchy topping and tender custard, making every bite a delicious experience.

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What You’ll Need for Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole

Complete Ingredients List

• 1 lb loaf Sourdough or French Bread, cut into chunks
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups (480ml) milk (whole or 2%)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup (104g) sugar
• 1/4 cup (36g) light brown sugar, unpacked
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 6–7 medium-sized bananas, chopped
• 3/4 cup (98g) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (169g) firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup (112g) salted butter, cut into pieces

Ingredient Substitutions & Alternatives

If you’re looking for substitutions to meet dietary needs or preferences, consider the following alternatives:

• Bread Alternatives: For a gluten-free version, substitute traditional sourdough or French bread with gluten-free bread.
• Milk Substitution: Utilize almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
• Cream Substitution: Coconut cream can replace heavy whipping cream for a lighter alternative or to cater to dairy sensitivities.
• Sugar Alternatives: Use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener to make the dish lower in sugar.
• Banana Alternatives: If bananas are not your favorite, you might add other fruits such as berries or apples, but be mindful that they will alter the flavor significantly.

How to Make Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole

Making this casserole is a simple process that involves prep the night before and minimal effort on the day of serving.

Step 1: Prepare the Casserole Dish

Begin by greasing a 9×13 inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray. This step ensures the casserole doesn’t stick to the dish during baking, allowing for easy serving later.

Step 2: Mix Bread with Egg Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine your bread chunks. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, both sugars, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until the mixture is well blended. You want this mixture to be rich and frothy, as it will soak into the bread.

Once well mixed, pour the egg mixture over the bread chunks. Next, fold in the chopped bananas gently to ensure they are evenly distributed without mashing them.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the bread mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly to ensure all pieces of bread are submerged in the custard mixture. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This soaking process allows the bread to absorb the custard, resulting in a luscious texture.

Step 4: Make the Streusel Topping

When you are ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C). While the oven is warming up, prepare the streusel topping. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This will create a delightful topping that adds a crunch to the casserole.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

After preheating, take the casserole out of the refrigerator and ensure the oven is ready. Remove the plastic wrap and bake the casserole for about 35-40 minutes, or until it’s set and slightly puffed. When it’s about done, sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the casserole and bake for an additional 5 minutes, allowing it to crisp up nicely.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before cutting into squares. Serve warm, preferably with maple syrup drizzled generously over the top.

Serving Suggestions for Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole

How to Serve Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole

This casserole is best served warm, allowing the flavors to be at their peak. Cut it into square portions directly from the casserole dish for ease. For an inviting presentation, you can plate a square on a beautiful breakfast plate accompanied by a drizzle of syrup and maybe a dusting of powdered sugar.

Perfect Pairings & Toppings

Enhancing this dish is easy with a few simple toppings. Consider adding whipped cream for extra richness, chopped nuts for crunch, or even fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries for a burst of freshness. For those who enjoy a savory twist, crispy bacon or sausage pairs beautifully with the sweet flavor of the casserole.

Storing & Preserving Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole

Best Storage Methods

To store any leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover it tightly with cling film or transfer it to an airtight container. This dish can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making it a great make-ahead option.

Reheating or Freezing Tips

When ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat portions in the microwave for a quick treat or place it in an oven preheated to 350°F (176°C) until warmed through. If you need to freeze the casserole, it’s best to do so before baking it. Wrap tightly and it can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking on the day you plan to serve it.

Tips for Perfect Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole Every Time

Avoid These Common Mistakes

One common error is over-soaking the bread. Aim for just enough time to allow the bread to absorb the mixture without becoming overly soggy. Ensure you use bread that is a day or two old; fresh bread does not hold up as well. Keep an eye on the baking time, as overbaking can lead to a dry casserole.

Helpful Tricks for Success

For added flavor, consider infusing the custard mixture with a little nutmeg or experimenting with different types of bread, such as brioche or challah, for different textures and tastes. Use ripe bananas for the best sweetness and flavor. If you have time, let your bread chunks sit out overnight to dry slightly before assembling; this will help them absorb the custard more effectively.

Fun Variations of Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole

Flavor Variations or Recipe Twists

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Consider adding chocolate chips for a sweet treat, or incorporating chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture. Swapping out some bananas for seasonal fruits such as apples or pears can create delightful variations.

Dietary-Friendly Adjustments

For a vegan version, substitute eggs with a flaxseed meal mixture and use non-dairy milk and cream alternatives. To cater to keto or lower-carb diets, consider using almond flour instead of regular flour, and sugar alternatives to keep it diabetic-friendly.

FAQs

What If My Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole Doesn’t Turn Out Right?

If your casserole is too dry, it may have been overbaked or not enough custard was absorbed due to insufficient soaking. A good tip would be to check for doneness a few minutes earlier. If it’s too soggy, the bread may have absorbed too much custard; using slightly stale bread can help with absorption.

Can I Prepare This in Advance?

Absolutely! This casserole is designed to be prepared in advance. Assemble it the night before and let it soak overnight in the fridge. It’s an excellent dish for entertaining, as it requires minimal effort on the day you serve it.

What Ingredients Can I Swap?

Substituting ingredients is encouraged for making the dish suitable for different dietary needs. Gluten-free bread works well instead of traditional bread, and you can easily mix in different fruits or sugary replacements to cater to various diets without losing the essence of this delightful casserole.

In conclusion, the Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole is a wonderful dish that brings together the joys of sweet, comforting breakfast and ease of preparation. Whether enjoyed during a special brunch or as a satisfying weeknight meal, it celebrates the love of great food with family and friends. Try it out, and you might find it’s not just a recipe, but a new favorite tradition!

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