Baked Banana Toast Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Baked Banana Toast Casserole is a comforting and delicious breakfast treat that combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with a rich custard and a crunchy streusel topping. It’s perfect for an overnight prep and makes mornings effortlessly delightful.

Ingredients

• 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
• 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

1. Step 1: Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prepare for the bread mixture.
2. Step 2: Place the bread chunks in a large bowl and set aside.
3. Step 3: In another large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon until well combined.
4. Step 4: Pour the egg mixture over the bread chunks and add the chopped bananas. Gently stir to combine everything evenly.
5. Step 5: Transfer the bread mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover the dish and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to soak.
6. Step 6: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C).
7. Step 7: Bake the casserole for 35-40 minutes until it is set and lightly golden on top.
8. Step 8: While the casserole bakes, prepare the streusel topping. Combine the flour, brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a bowl. Add the butter and mash it into the dry ingredients until the mixture is crumbly.
9. Step 9: Remove the casserole from the oven when it’s almost done. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the top.
10. Step 10: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the streusel is melted and golden brown.
11. Step 11: Serve the warm casserole with syrup for a cozy breakfast treat.

Tips & Variations

• Use day-old bread for better texture as it absorbs the custard without becoming mushy.
• Swap bananas for other fruits like apples or berries for a different flavor.
• Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts to the streusel for extra crunch.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and cream with coconut milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative.

Storage

Store leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through or in a 350°F (176°C) oven for 10-15 minutes. The topping may lose some crispness after refrigeration but will still be delicious.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I assemble this casserole the same day and bake it immediately?

Yes, but the casserole will be less custardy. Soaking overnight allows the bread to absorb the egg mixture fully, giving a more tender texture.

Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely. Sourdough and French bread work best for their texture and flavor, but brioche or challah can make it richer and slightly sweeter.

Baked Banana Toast Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 53 reviews

This delightful Baked Banana Toast Casserole is a warm, comforting breakfast dish that combines chunks of sourdough bread with fresh bananas, a rich custard base, and a crumbly cinnamon streusel topping. Prepared the night before and baked to perfection, it’s perfect for a cozy morning or a special brunch.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 12 hours (including overnight soaking)
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread Base

• 1 lb sourdough or French bread, cut into chunks

Egg Mixture

• 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

Fruit

• 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

1. Prepare the casserole dish: Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish thoroughly to prevent sticking during baking.
2. Prepare bread base: Place the chunks of sourdough or French bread into a large mixing bowl and set aside for now.
3. Create egg mixture: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until fully blended and smooth.
4. Combine ingredients: Pour the egg mixture over the bread chunks, then add the chopped bananas. Gently stir everything together ensuring the bread pieces soak up the custard and bananas are evenly distributed.
5. Set overnight: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Cover it with plastic wrap or a lid, then refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard fully.
6. Preheat oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature.
7. Initial baking: Bake the casserole uncovered for 35-40 minutes until it is mostly set and slightly golden on top.
8. Prepare streusel: While the casserole bakes, mix the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Add the cut pieces of salted butter and use a fork or your fingers to mash and blend the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly and streusel-like.
9. Add streusel topping: Remove the casserole from the oven and evenly sprinkle the streusel topping on top of the casserole.
10. Final bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the streusel melts slightly and turns golden brown.
11. Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving warm. It pairs wonderfully with maple syrup or your favorite syrup topping.

Notes

• This casserole can be prepared a day in advance, saving time on busy mornings.
• Use ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
• Feel free to substitute the sourdough with French or even challah bread for a different texture.
• Adjust the cinnamon amount according to your preference for spice.
• The streusel topping adds a lovely crunch but can be omitted for a simpler version.
• Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.

Keywords: banana casserole, baked banana toast, breakfast casserole, overnight casserole, banana bread breakfast, streusel topping, brunch recipe