Start your day on a sweet note with our irresistible Overnight Banana French Toast Casserole! This make-ahead breakfast dish combines the classic flavors of French toast with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, creating a delightful treat that’s perfect for special occasions or leisurely weekend mornings. With a rich custard base, tender chunks of bread, and a crunchy streusel topping, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Join us as we dive into the details of crafting this delicious dish and explore its keto and low-carb variations.
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
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bread:
- Cube the French bread loaf into bite-sized pieces and arrange them evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Mix the Custard:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
3. Layer the Bananas:
- Arrange the sliced bananas over the cubed bread in the baking dish, reserving the chopped bananas for later.
4. Pour the Custard Over:
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and bananas, ensuring that all the bread cubes are soaked in the liquid.
5. Chill Overnight:
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, allowing the bread to absorb the custard mixture.
6. Make the Streusel Topping:
- In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped salted butter.
- Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix the ingredients until crumbly.
7. Bake the Casserole:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish and sprinkle the chopped bananas over the soaked bread.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the top of the casserole.
8. Bake Until Golden:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and set in the center.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Slice into squares and serve warm with maple syrup, whipped cream, or your favorite toppings.
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread cubes and a gluten-free flour blend for the streusel topping to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Add Nuts: For extra crunch and flavor, stir chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts into the streusel topping before sprinkling it over the casserole.
- Customize the Fruit: Feel free to experiment with different fruits such as berries, peaches, or apples in place of or in addition to the bananas for a personalized twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I prepare this casserole in advance? A: Absolutely! That’s the beauty of this recipe. Simply assemble the casserole the night before and let it chill in the refrigerator overnight. Then, just pop it in the oven the next morning for a hassle-free breakfast.
Q: Can I use stale bread for this recipe? A: Yes, using slightly stale bread works great for French toast casseroles as it helps the bread absorb the custard mixture without becoming too soggy.
Q: How should I store leftovers? A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
For Keto Version:
- Substitute almond flour or coconut flour for the all-purpose flour in the streusel topping.
- Use a low-carb sweetener such as erythritol or stevia in place of granulated and brown sugars.
For Low-Carb Version:
- Follow the keto version suggestions above, and adjust the ingredients according to your preferred macros.
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of our Overnight Banana French Toast Casserole for a breakfast that’s sure to impress. With its decadent custard base, luscious bananas, and buttery streusel topping, this dish is a true delight for the senses. Whether you’re serving it up for a special occasion or treating yourself to a leisurely weekend brunch, this casserole is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your breakfast repertoire. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to savor every delicious bite!
