Description
Indulge in the ultimate breakfast treat with this Overnight Baked Banana French Toast Casserole, combining the comforting flavors of French toast and ripe bananas. Prepare it the night before for a stress-free, delicious morning meal that feeds a crowd!
Ingredients
Scale
- stale brioche or challah or French baguette, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3–4 medium ripe bananas, sliced about 1/4-inch thick
- 8–10 large eggs
- whole milk
- heavy cream or half-and-half
- brown sugar
- pure maple syrup
- cinnamon
- nutmeg
- pure vanilla extract
- butter, melted
- optional: chopped pecans or walnuts
- optional: chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare Your Baking Dish: First, generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
- Prep the Bread: Cut the chosen bread into 1-inch cubes. If the bread isn't stale, spread the cubes on a baking sheet and let them air dry for a couple of hours.
- Slice the Bananas: Slice the ripe bananas into 1/4-inch thick rounds, setting aside a few for presentation.
- Whisk the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (and cream, if using), brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Arrange half of the bread cubes in the baking dish, scatter half of the sliced bananas over the bread, and add any optional nuts or chocolate chips. Repeat with the remaining bread, bananas, and optional add-ins.
- Pour the Custard: Pour the egg custard evenly over the bread and banana layers, pressing down gently to ensure all pieces are submerged.
- The Overnight Soak: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight.
- Bake in the Morning: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge 30 minutes before baking.
- Bake Until Golden and Set: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until golden brown on top and set in the center.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Scoop out portions and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 45-55 mins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg
Keywords: Using slightly stale bread is crucial for the best texture. Adjust the sweetness of the custard to your liking, and consider adding toppings like powdered sugar or maple syrup for extra flavor.