Overnight Banana French Toast Casserole

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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

  1. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
  3. Add the cubed bread and chopped bananas to the egg mixture and stir until well combined.
  4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and cover tightly with foil. Refrigerate overnight if desired.
  5. Bake the casserole, covered, until set, approximately 35-40 minutes.
  6. 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.
  7. 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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