Overnight Baked Banana Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe
This Overnight Baked Banana Toast is a delightful make-ahead breakfast casserole that combines chunks of sourdough bread, ripe bananas, and a warm cinnamon streusel topping. Perfect for busy mornings, it can be prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning for a comforting and flavorful start to your day.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 45 min
- Total Time: 65 min
- Yield: 8 servings (1 9x13 inch casserole dish)
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Casserole
- 1 lb sourdough or French bread, cut into chunks
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups (480ml) whole or 2% milk
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup (104g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (36g) light brown sugar, unpacked
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 6-7 medium bananas, chopped
Streusel Topping
- 3/4 cup (98g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (169g) firmly packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (112g) salted butter, cut into pieces
Instructions
- Prepare the Casserole Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Add Bread Chunks: Place the cut chunks of sourdough or French bread into a large mixing bowl and set aside for later use.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until well combined and smooth.
- Combine Bread and Banana: Pour the egg mixture over the bread chunks, add the chopped bananas, and gently stir everything together until the bread is fully soaked and the bananas are evenly distributed.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Pour the wet bread and banana mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spread evenly, cover with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard flavors fully.
- Preheat Oven and Bake Initial Phase: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C) and bake the casserole uncovered for 35-40 minutes or until it is set but not fully browned.
- Prepare Streusel Topping: While the casserole is baking, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Cut in the salted butter and mash it into the flour mixture until it forms crumbly streusel crumbs.
- Add Streusel Topping and Finish Baking: Remove the casserole from the oven after the initial baking phase. Sprinkle the prepared streusel topping evenly over the casserole, then return it to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the streusel is golden brown and slightly melted.
- Serve Warm: Remove the casserole from the oven and serve warm, optionally with syrup for added sweetness.
Notes
- This dish can be prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning for a convenient and delicious breakfast option.
- Use ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and flavor infusion.
- To reduce sugar, you can adjust the sugar quantities to taste or use alternative sweeteners.
- Ensure the casserole is covered and refrigerated overnight to optimize flavor and texture.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and cream with appropriate plant-based alternatives.
- Check the casserole’s doneness by inserting a knife or toothpick; it should come out mostly clean before adding the streusel.