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An Irresistible Morning Delight: Overnight Banana French Toast Casserole
There’s nothing quite like waking up to the comforting aroma of a delicious breakfast that’s ready to go. This Overnight Banana French Toast Casserole is a dream come true for those who love a hearty breakfast without the morning hassle. With its sweet, cinnamony banana flavor, this dish is a perfect blend of ease and indulgence, promising to become a favorite from the very first bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This French toast casserole is a game-changer for breakfast lovers. It combines the delightful softness of custard-soaked bread with the convenience of a make-ahead dish. No more flipping individual slices on the stove! Just cube up some bread, slice a few bananas, and let the oven do the work. Plus, the buttery, golden brown streusel topping adds a perfect finishing touch that will have you coming back for seconds.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- A 9×13-inch baking dish
- A large mixing bowl
- A medium mixing bowl
- A whisk
- A fork or pastry cutter
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb loaf French bread, cubed
- 8 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 6-7 bananas, 1 sliced, the rest chopped
For the Streusel Topping:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup salted butter, chopped
Preparation
- When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
- Add the cubed bread and chopped bananas to the egg mixture and stir until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and cover tightly with foil. Refrigerate overnight if desired.
- Bake the casserole, covered, until set, approximately 35-40 minutes.
- While the casserole is baking, prepare the streusel topping. In a medium bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the butter and mash with a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture is crumbly.
- When the casserole is nearly done, remove the foil, sprinkle with the streusel topping and sliced banana, and bake uncovered until golden brown, about 5-10 minutes. Enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Make sure to use stale or day-old bread for the best texture.
- Refrigerating overnight allows the flavors to meld wonderfully, but if you’re short on time, a couple of hours will suffice.
- For an extra crispy topping, broil for the last minute, watching closely to avoid burning.
Additional Tips and Variations
- Try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy element.
- For a tropical twist, add a handful of shredded coconut to the streusel topping.
- If you’re not a fan of bananas, swap them for apples or berries.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Calories: Approximately 450
Protein: 7g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 4g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, challah or brioche are excellent substitutes, adding richness to the dish.
Can I prepare this without refrigerating overnight?
Absolutely! While overnight chilling enhances the flavors, you can bake it after a few hours if needed.
Conclusion
This Overnight Banana French Toast Casserole is a delightful way to start any day, letting you savor a homemade breakfast without the morning rush. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your delicious creations and experiences with us!
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