Baked Banana Toast Casserole

This Overnight Baked Banana Toast transforms ordinary bread into a decadent breakfast casserole that feels like having dessert for breakfast. The magic happens while you sleep as the bread soaks up a rich custard infused with sweet bananas and warm cinnamon.

I created this recipe when my inlaws surprised us with an overnight visit and I needed something special but easy for breakfast. The smell of caramelized bananas and cinnamon wafting through the house became our new weekend tradition.

• Sourdough or French bread provides the perfect structure to soak up the custard without becoming mushy
• Eggs create the custard base that transforms into a pudding like texture when baked
• Whole milk and heavy cream add richness that makes this feel indulgent
• Granulated sugar and brown sugar work together for the perfect sweetness with caramel notes
• Vanilla extract enhances the natural sweetness of the bananas
• Ground cinnamon adds warmth that complements the bananas beautifully
• Medium bananas should be ripe with some brown spots for the best flavor
• All purpose flour in the streusel creates the perfect crumbly texture
• Salted butter in the streusel balances the sweetness and adds richness

How To Make Overnight Baked Banana Toast

Prepare the dish

Thoroughly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish ensuring you get into all corners to prevent sticking. This step is crucial because the custard can make cleanup challenging if not properly greased.

Create bread base

Cut the bread into 1 inch chunks with some irregularity for texture. Day old slightly stale bread works best as it absorbs more custard. Place bread chunks in a large bowl ensuring you have enough space for mixing.

Make custard mixture

In a separate bowl whisk together eggs milk cream sugars vanilla and cinnamon until completely combined with no visible egg streaks. The mixture should be smooth and pourable. This custard base will transform the bread overnight.

Combine components

Pour the custard mixture over the bread chunks adding the chopped bananas simultaneously. Gently fold everything together ensuring each piece of bread gets coated with custard. Be careful not to mash the bananas or bread while mixing.

Overnight rest

Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish spreading it evenly to the edges. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight. This resting period allows the bread to fully absorb the custard.

Baking preparation

Remove the casserole from the refrigerator while preheating your oven to 350°F. Allowing it to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes helps it bake more evenly.

Initial bake

Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. The top should be lightly golden and the edges might puff slightly higher than the middle.

Prepare streusel topping

While the casserole bakes combine flour brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Add cold butter pieces and use your fingers or a fork to work it into the dry ingredients until you have a crumbly texture with pea sized pieces.

Add topping and finish

Remove the partially baked casserole and evenly sprinkle the streusel over the top. Return to the oven for 5 more minutes until the streusel melts slightly and turns golden brown.

Serve warm

Allow the casserole to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. The cooling period helps it set up for easier cutting. Serve with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar.

The bananas are truly the star of this dish. I discovered that using bananas at different ripeness levels creates incredible flavor complexity. Very ripe bananas melt into the custard while slightly firmer ones maintain their shape for beautiful texture variation.

Making It Your Own

The beauty of this casserole lies in its versatility. Try adding a handful of chocolate chips for a more indulgent version or mix in berries alongside the bananas for a fruity twist. My children love when I add a layer of peanut butter between the bread chunks for a PB and banana flavor profile.

For a dairy free option substitute almond milk and coconut cream for the regular milk and cream. The flavor profile shifts slightly toward tropical which actually enhances the banana flavor beautifully.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This casserole keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to airtight containers. To reheat individual portions microwave for 45 seconds or warm in a 325°F oven for about 15 minutes until heated through.

You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The texture remains surprisingly good though the streusel topping might not be quite as crisp after freezing.

Serving Suggestions

Transform this breakfast casserole into a complete brunch spread by serving alongside savory options like bacon or a simple egg frittata. The sweet and salty combination is irresistible.

For a dessert version top warm servings with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. The contrast of cold ice cream with the warm casserole creates a delightful temperature play.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different type of bread for this banana toast casserole?

Yes, while sourdough or French bread are recommended for their texture and flavor, you can substitute with brioche, challah, or even day-old sandwich bread. The key is using slightly stale bread that will better absorb the egg mixture without becoming soggy.

→ How ripe should the bananas be for this dish?

Medium-ripe to slightly overripe bananas work best—they should be yellow with some brown spots. These bananas are sweet enough to flavor the dish but still firm enough to maintain some texture when baked.

→ Can I prepare this dish the same day instead of overnight?

While the overnight soak creates the best texture, you can prepare this dish the same day. Allow the bread to soak in the egg mixture for at least 2-3 hours in the refrigerator before baking to ensure proper absorption.

→ What can I serve with this banana toast casserole?

This casserole pairs wonderfully with maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar. For a complete breakfast, serve alongside fresh berries, yogurt, crispy bacon, or breakfast sausage. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream transforms it into an impressive dessert.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or warm larger portions in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. The casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

→ Can I add other fruits or nuts to this casserole?

Absolutely! Consider adding blueberries, strawberries, or diced apples for extra fruit flavor. Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds add delightful crunch when mixed into either the casserole or the streusel topping. Chocolate chips make a decadent addition for a dessert-style version.