Last Updated on February 13, 2025 by Kimberly Stroh

If you love a thick and dense French toast, you must try an overnight version. The custard has plenty of time to soak through the bread, and the result is amazing. This Overnight Banana French Toast recipe has a sweet caramelized banana flavor and notes of cinnamon. It reminds me of Bananas Foster and traditional French toast coming together for the ultimate brunch dish. No matter what you want to call, I promise you’ll love how easy it is to make!

Why We Love This Recipe

This is a great brunch casserole. It’s baked in a 9×13-inch baking dish and makes 12 servings. If you plan on a decadent holiday brunch, this is the perfect recipe. You’ll save time by doing most of the work the night before. All you have to do is bake the French toast for 55-65 minutes before serving. 

If you’re looking for other great brunch casseroles, I love Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole. Another sweet option is my Blueberry Bread Pudding. For side dishes, Oven-Baked Bacon is always a family favorite.

When To Make Overnight Banana French Toast

The fresh banana reminds me of spring and summer. Of course, you can make this French toast anytime, but the fruity flavor is great for warmer weather. Include Overnight Banana French Toast as part of your Easter brunch, or consider making it for Mother’s Day as a treat to Mom. It’s easy to pull off even if you make it for a regular Sunday brunch since all your prep work is completed the night before.

Banana French Toast Ingredients:

• Ripe Bananas: Pick ripe bananas because they’ll be sweeter.
• Lemon Juice: The juice helps prevent the bananas from browning.
• French Bread: Another option is challah bread. Cube the bread.
• Cream Cheese: The pockets of cream cheese are sweet and give it a pastry-like flavor
• Eggs: Large size
• Milk: Whole or 2% works
• Granulated Sugar
• Butter: Salted or Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter Works
• Maple Syrup: Try to use real maple syrup or avoid sugar-free
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds flavor depth

You want to ensure the bread you use in the recipe covers the bottom of the pan. In this case, I’d recommend a 14-ounce loaf, but I think 16 ounces would also be fine. You don’t want the cream cheese sitting on the bottom of the pan. 

Recipe Variations

If you want to change the flavor palette of this recipe, add a second fruit to the casserole. Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries are a nice touch. They will also add more color to your brunch table. 

Additionally, any thick bread will work: French or challah. Day-old bread makes great French toast! If you don’t have any lemon juice handy, a splash of orange juice works. The acidity keeps the banana from turning.

How To Make Overnight Banana French Toast

In a small bowl, toss the bananas with lemon juice. Place half of the bread in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer the cream cheese and bananas.

Top with the remaining bread. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, sugar, butter, syrup, and cinnamon.

Pour over the bread. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Bake uncovered at 350ºF until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, about 55-65 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.