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Cozy up with this easy Banana Bread French Toast Casserole. Perfect for fall, make-ahead brunches, or dessert with ice cream and butterscotch sauce!

When September hits, that’s when I start to come alive. cool weather, warm spices, and the delicious, rich recipes put me in a state of mind that inspires me to create and make big batches for gatherings. That’s why I love this Banana Bread French Toast casserole recipe so much! It’s an uncomplicated recipe that you can make the same day or overnight. It’s perfect for a big crowd without having to stand over it for a long time, and you can add things like sausage or toasted nuts to truly take it to the next level! Bonus, this is also great as a dessert topped with ice cream and my Easy Banana Butterscotch Sauce. Watch the video, grab the recipe and jump into fall with me!

What Is French Toast Casserole?

French toast casserole is similar to a bread pudding, where you take cubed bread, a custard base, sugar and spices in order to make an easy one pan meal you can enjoy the same or next day. The French Toast element comes in with the chosen spices and caramelized bits you get from using brown sugar that deepens in flavor as it bakes. It’s a quick way to serve a crowd without having to stand over a frying pan all morning and can be customized to add things like nuts, chocolate chips, or even sausage for a complete meal. In this version we use a loaf of banana bread for a twist on a classic.

**Does French Toast Casserole Have to Sit Overnight?**

No! If you wake up and decide you want to make a french toast casserole, you absolutely can! But, you should give the bread at least 30 minutes to absorb the custard. In this recipe, we’re using banana bread that has been in the fridge for a few days, so it has lost most of its moisture. This is perfect for bread pudding because the bread will maintain structure even after absorbing the liquid. If you don’t allow your bread enough time to absorb, you run the risk of having some cooked eggy custard separated from you bread bake!

banana bread french toast on plate with banana butterscotch sauce

TIPS FOR BANANA BREAD FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE

1. Use Day-Old or Slightly Dry Banana Bread
Fresh banana bread can be too soft and mushy. Day-old or lightly toasted banana bread holds up better when soaked in the custard mixture and results in a better texture after baking.

2. Balance the Sweetness
Banana bread is already sweet, so adjust the sugar in your custard accordingly. Use maple syrup or brown sugar sparingly in the mix to prevent the casserole from becoming overly sweet.

3. Add Texture with Nuts or Toppings
To avoid a one-note mushy texture, mix in or sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking. A crunchy streusel topping also adds a great contrast.

4. Let It Soak Overnight (or at least 30 mins)
Letting the casserole sit allows the custard to fully absorb into the banana bread. If you’re in a hurry, 30 minutes works, but overnight chilling gives the best flavor and texture.

banana bread french toast in pan after baking

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I use store-bought banana bread for French toast casserole?
Answer: Yes! Store-bought banana bread works perfectly for this recipe – just make sure it’s not too soft or moist. If it feels overly fresh, slice it and let it sit out for a few hours or lightly toast it in the oven. This helps the bread soak up the custard without falling apart.

2. Do I need to refrigerate banana bread French toast casserole overnight?
Answer: While not strictly necessary, refrigerating the casserole overnight is highly recommended. It gives the banana bread time to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a richer flavor and more cohesive texture. If you’re short on time, let it soak for at least 30 minutes before baking.

3. How long should I bake banana bread French toast casserole?
Answer: Bake the casserole at 375°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes covered with foil and uncovered the last 10-15 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.

4. Can I freeze banana bread French toast casserole before or after baking?
Answer: Yes, you can freeze it both ways:
Before baking: Assemble the casserole, wrap it tightly, and freeze. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
After baking: Let it cool completely, then freeze individual portions or the whole dish. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Love This Recipe?

Whether you’re making this for a crowd or as breakfast meal prep for the week, it’s a perfect fall dish that brings a lot of flavor with little effort. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram or TikTok if you make it—I’d love to see how you serve yours!