Baked Banana Toast Casserole Recipe
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
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
- Prepare the casserole dish: Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish thoroughly to prevent sticking during baking.
- Prepare bread base: Place the chunks of sourdough or French bread into a large mixing bowl and set aside for now.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Preheat oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature.
- Initial baking: Bake the casserole uncovered for 35-40 minutes until it is mostly set and slightly golden on top.
- 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.
- Add streusel topping: Remove the casserole from the oven and evenly sprinkle the streusel topping on top of the casserole.
- Final bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the streusel melts slightly and turns golden brown.
- 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