Warm, cozy, and perfect for feeding a crowd — this Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole is pure comfort breakfast bliss. Made with thick slices of French bread, ripe bananas tucked between layers, and a rich custard that soaks overnight, it bakes into a golden, custardy morning showstopper. The main keyword appears once here to help searchers find this exact recipe: Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole.
This recipe is wonderful for busy mornings, weekend brunches, and holiday gatherings. If you love custardy breakfast bakes, you might also enjoy these cinnamon-sugar French toast muffins, a smaller, hand-held take on the same flavor profile.
Why You’ll Love This Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole
- Custardy, not soggy — bakes up with a tender center and golden top.
- Make-ahead convenience — assemble the night before for effortless mornings.
- Family-friendly — feeds a crowd and kids love the banana flavor.
- Texture contrast — soft bread, creamy custard, and crunchy pecan topping.
- Versatile — easily doubled, swapped, or jazzed up with mix-ins.
Ingredients Needed :
Bread
- 1 loaf French bread
Custard
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
Sweeteners & Flavor
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add-ins & Toppings
- 3 ripe bananas
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- Maple syrup, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions :
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with melted butter.
- Slice French bread into 1 inch thick pieces and arrange in the prepared baking dish.
- Peel bananas and slice into rounds, tucking them between the bread slices.
- In a large bowl whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and banana layers, pressing down gently so all pieces soak up the custard.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours.
- Remove the dish from the refrigerator, uncover, and sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, until the custard is set and the top is golden brown. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving, then drizzle with maple syrup to taste.
For another brunch idea with similar flavors but different presentation, see these French toast pancakes.
Serving Suggestions Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole
- Serve warm with a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup and extra sliced bananas.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent brunch or dessert twist.
- Brighten the plate with fresh berries or a citrusy fruit salad to cut the richness.
- Pair with crisp bacon or breakfast sausage for a salty contrast and coffee or a cappuccino to complete the meal.
Tips for Success Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole
- Use slightly stale bread — it soaks up custard better than very fresh bread.
- Slice the bread 1-inch thick so it holds shape but still becomes tender inside.
- Press the bread gently into the custard so the center soaks through for even texture.
- Let it rest 10 minutes after baking; the custard firms up and slices cleanly.
- Swap pecans for chopped walnuts or leave nuts off for nut-free households.
- For a playful bite-sized brunch, try serving flavor samples inspired by French toast shots at a buffet-style brunch.
variation (if any)
- Chocolate banana: sprinkle 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips between layers.
- Berry-swirl: layer thinly sliced strawberries or a spoonful of berry jam between bread slices.
- Tropical: swap bananas for thin mango or pineapple slices and add shredded coconut on top.
- Gluten-free: use a sturdy gluten-free loaf cut into 1-inch slices and follow the same soak/bake method.
FAQs
Q: Can I use another type of bread?
A: Yes — challah, brioche, or stale sandwich loaf all work well. Denser bread gives a custardier interior.
Q: How long can I refrigerate before baking?
A: Refrigerate covered up to 24 hours. Overnight (6–12 hours) is ideal for full flavor and texture.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes — cool completely, slice, and freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Q: Do I need heavy cream?
A: The heavy cream adds richness, but you can use all milk for a lighter version — the texture will be slightly less custardy.
Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with melted butter.
- Slice the French bread into 1 inch thick pieces and arrange them in the prepared baking dish.
- Peel the bananas and slice them into rounds, tucking them between the bread slices.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and banana layers, pressing down gently so all pieces soak up the custard.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours.
- Remove the dish from the refrigerator, uncover, and sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving, then drizzle with maple syrup to taste.
