Name: Overnight Baked Banana French Toast
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf thick-cut bread; 2 large ripe bananas; 4 eggs; 1 cup milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/3 cup brown sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 2 tbsp butter (for greasing); Powdered sugar for topping; Maple syrup for serving

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Overnight baked banana French toast always brings me back to the first big family brunch I hosted when I wanted something comforting and effortless and I needed a dish I could prepare the night before because I was nervous about having enough time in the morning and I remember mixing the creamy banana custard late at night while everyone else slept and feeling so excited to surprise them the next day. When I pulled it out of the oven in the morning and the sweet banana aroma filled the kitchen I felt an instant rush of pride and joy watching my family’s faces light up as they took their first bites and declared it the best breakfast ever.

I love how this overnight baked banana French toast makes mornings so much easier since most of the work is done ahead and you just pop it in the oven while you sip your coffee and enjoy a slow start and it’s become my go-to recipe when I want something cozy and indulgent without standing by the stove flipping slices one by one and the combination of custardy bread sweet bananas and a hint of cinnamon feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
Thick-cut bread – Soaks up the custard beautifully and holds its shape after baking.
Ripe bananas – Add natural sweetness and creamy texture.
Eggs – Create the rich custard base.
Milk – Helps make the custard smooth and velvety.
Heavy cream – Adds richness and extra indulgence.
Brown sugar – Gives a deep caramel-like sweetness.
Vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor with a warm note.
Ground cinnamon – Adds cozy spice to the custard.
Butter – For greasing the baking dish and a touch of flavor.
Powdered sugar – For a pretty finish on top.
Maple syrup – Perfect for drizzling when serving.

Tools You’ll Need

Large mixing bowl – To whisk the custard ingredients together.
Whisk – Helps mix the custard smoothly without lumps.
Baking dish – Where you layer and soak the bread overnight.
Knife – To slice the bread and bananas evenly.
Measuring cups and spoons – To keep all the flavors balanced.
Plastic wrap – To cover and chill the dish overnight.
Oven – For baking the French toast to golden perfection.

Instructions

Step 1

I start by greasing a baking dish with butter to prevent sticking and add extra flavor.

Step 2

Then, I slice the bread into thick pieces and arrange them in the dish. I like to tuck in banana slices between and on top of the bread for extra banana goodness.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, I whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until completely smooth and combined.

Step 4

Next, I pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and bananas, making sure every piece is soaked. I press the bread down lightly so it really absorbs all the custard.

Step 5

I cover the dish with plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge overnight. This step is my favorite because it makes the morning so easy!

Step 6

In the morning, I preheat the oven to 350°F and remove the plastic wrap from the dish.

Step 7

I bake the French toast for about 45-50 minutes, until it’s puffed up and golden brown on top and the edges are slightly crispy.

Step 8

Finally, I let it cool for a few minutes, then dust it with powdered sugar and top with more banana slices before serving with plenty of maple syrup.

Tips

If I want to make it extra decadent, I sometimes add chocolate chips or chopped nuts between the bread layers. I also like to swap heavy cream for coconut milk to give it a tropical twist. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can use slightly stale bread—it soaks up the custard better!

Ways to Serve

I enjoy serving this overnight baked banana French toast with crispy bacon, fresh berries, or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat. It’s also delicious on its own with just a drizzle of warm maple syrup and a cup of coffee on the side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make overnight baked banana French toast without bananas?

Yes! You can skip them or swap in berries, peaches, or even apple slices.

Can I prepare overnight baked banana French toast further ahead?

I usually prepare it one night in advance, but you can make it up to 24 hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge.

Can I freeze leftover overnight baked banana French toast?

Absolutely. I cut it into portions and freeze, then reheat in the oven or microwave.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you try this overnight baked banana French toast soon! It makes mornings feel special and effortless and I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Share your favorite toppings or creative twists with me!

Happy Cooking!