Simple & Irresistible Banana Walnut French Toast Overnight Bake

There’s something magical about waking up to the warm aroma of baked French toast filling your kitchen. This Banana Walnut French Toast Overnight Bake is perfect for cozy weekend mornings when you want a breakfast that feels indulgent yet comforting. Its soft, custardy interior paired with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the satisfying crunch of toasted walnuts makes every bite irresistible.

Inspired by family brunch traditions, this recipe is a modern twist on classic French toast, designed to be made ahead of time so you can spend more time enjoying the morning rather than scrambling in the kitchen. It’s ideal for festive holiday gatherings, a lazy Sunday breakfast, or even a sweet start to a busy weekday. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a recipe that appeals to both beginners and seasoned bakers.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of day-old bread (preferably brioche or challah), cut into 1-inch cubes

• 3 large ripe bananas, sliced

• 1 cup chopped walnuts, toasted

• 6 large eggs

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• Pinch of salt

• Optional: powdered sugar for serving

• Optional: maple syrup for serving

Directions

1. Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray to ensure the French toast doesn’t stick. Set aside.

2. Toast the Walnuts

In a small dry skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts until fragrant, about 3–5 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Remove from heat and allow them to cool slightly.

3. Arrange the Bread and Bananas

Layer half of the cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the sliced bananas on top, followed by half of the toasted walnuts. Repeat with the remaining bread, bananas, and walnuts.

4. Make the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Make sure the mixture is well combined and smooth.

5. Assemble the Bake

Pour the custard evenly over the bread, pressing gently on the top pieces to ensure all cubes are soaked. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 4 hours, to allow the bread to absorb the custard fully.

6. Bake the French Toast

Remove the dish from the refrigerator and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if it isn’t already hot. Bake, covered, for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Allow the bake to cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup if desired. Serve warm for the ultimate comfort breakfast or brunch experience.

Tips for the Perfect Banana Walnut French Toast Bake

• Use day-old bread: Slightly stale bread soaks up the custard without falling apart, resulting in a creamy, custardy texture. Brioche or challah are ideal for a rich flavor.

• Ripe bananas matter: Overripe bananas add natural sweetness and a soft, creamy texture that enhances the custard.

• Toast the walnuts: Toasting brings out their flavor and adds a satisfying crunch to contrast the soft bread.

• Customize your spices: Feel free to add a dash of allspice or cardamom for a warm, aromatic twist.

• Make-ahead convenience: This recipe is perfect for overnight prep. Simply refrigerate the assembled dish and bake fresh in the morning, making it ideal for hosting guests or holiday mornings.

Variations to Try

• Chocolate Banana Walnut: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips between the bread layers for a decadent touch.

• Caramelized Banana: Sauté banana slices in butter and brown sugar before layering for extra caramel flavor.

• Coconut Crunch: Add shredded coconut between layers along with walnuts for a tropical twist.

• Mixed Nuts: Substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds depending on your preference.

Why This Banana Walnut French Toast Overnight Bake Works

The secret to this recipe’s success lies in its balance of textures and flavors. The soft, custardy bread absorbs the sweet vanilla-cinnamon custard, while the ripe bananas melt slightly, creating pockets of natural sweetness. Toasted walnuts introduce a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy base. Unlike traditional French toast cooked on a skillet, this oven-baked method ensures every piece is evenly cooked, golden on top, and perfectly tender inside.

Overnight soaking is key—it allows the custard to penetrate the bread fully, resulting in a rich and decadent breakfast that feels luxurious yet simple. By prepping the night before, you reduce morning stress while ensuring a freshly baked, warm breakfast ready to impress family or guests.

Pairing Suggestions

This French toast bake pairs beautifully with:

• Fresh fruit: Sliced strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a bright contrast.

• Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt brings creaminess and a hint of tang.

• Maple syrup or honey: Drizzle on top for natural sweetness.

• Coffee or tea: A hot cup complements the warm spices and enhances the cozy morning feel.

Making It an Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a birthday morning, or simply treating yourself to a special weekend breakfast, this Banana Walnut French Toast Overnight Bake feels indulgent yet approachable. Its ease of preparation allows for stress-free entertaining, while its rich flavors make it memorable. Adding personal touches like cinnamon dusting, chocolate chips, or fresh fruit makes it versatile for any celebration or cozy gathering.

Imagine waking up to the smell of baked custard and cinnamon wafting through your home. The first bite of soft bread, sweet banana, and crunchy walnut, combined with a touch of maple syrup, makes breakfast feel like a special occasion. This recipe turns an ordinary morning into a moment worth savoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, frozen bananas can be used, but there are a few important steps to ensure the best results. First, allow the bananas to thaw completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Once thawed, pat them dry gently with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Too much liquid can make the custard overly wet and prevent the French toast from setting properly. Using slightly firmer, thawed bananas will also help maintain some texture rather than turning completely mushy. This simple adjustment allows you to take advantage of frozen bananas, making this recipe convenient year-round.

2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! This French toast bake can easily be adapted for a dairy-free version without compromising taste or texture. Replace the milk and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives such as almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk. For a richer and creamier custard, full-fat coconut milk is an excellent choice, giving a subtle tropical flavor that pairs beautifully with bananas. You can also use a dairy-free butter or margarine to grease your baking dish. With these substitutions, this recipe becomes suitable for those with lactose intolerance or anyone following a plant-based diet, while still maintaining the indulgent, custardy texture of the original.

3. How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored safely in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat the French toast bake in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10–15 minutes until warmed through. Reheating in the oven ensures the top remains slightly crisp while the inside stays soft and custardy. If you’d like to make this dish ahead of time for later use, it also freezes very well for up to 2 months. Simply wrap the baked French toast tightly in foil and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Freezing is a great option for busy mornings or meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a comforting breakfast whenever you like.

4. Can I prepare this in a smaller or larger dish?

Yes, this recipe is very flexible when it comes to pan size. If using a smaller dish, slightly reduce the amount of custard to prevent overflow during baking. For a larger dish, proportionally increase the amounts of bread, custard, bananas, and walnuts to ensure each layer remains rich and flavorful. Baking times may need minor adjustments: a smaller dish may cook faster, while a larger dish might require a few extra minutes. Always check that the custard is fully set and the top is golden brown before serving. This flexibility makes the recipe adaptable for both small family breakfasts and larger gatherings.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a comforting, make-ahead breakfast that delivers flavor, texture, and visual appeal, this Banana Walnut French Toast Overnight Bake is a must-try. Its combination of creamy custard, naturally sweet bananas, and crunchy walnuts makes it both irresistible and shareable. Perfect for family breakfasts, brunch gatherings, or a cozy solo morning treat, it proves that simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary.

Don’t underestimate the power of preparing the night before—this overnight bake transforms a traditional French toast experience into something effortless yet spectacular. Serve it warm, garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup, and watch it disappear in moments.

Turn your breakfast or brunch into a celebration of flavor, texture, and comfort with this easy, delicious, and crowd-pleasing Banana Walnut French Toast Overnight Bake.

Simple & Irresistible Banana Walnut French Toast Overnight Bake

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• Author: Michelle Davis
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (including soaking)
• Yield: 8–10 servings 1x

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Description

This Banana Walnut French Toast Overnight Bake is the perfect way to start a cozy morning. With soft, custardy bread, naturally sweet bananas, and toasted walnuts for a satisfying crunch, it’s a make-ahead breakfast that’s ideal for weekends, brunch gatherings, or festive mornings. Preparing it the night before lets the custard soak into the bread, ensuring a rich, flavorful dish that’s ready to bake in the morning.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 loaf of day-old bread (brioche or challah), cut into 1-inch cubes

• 3 large ripe bananas, sliced

• 1 cup chopped walnuts, toasted

• 6 large eggs

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• Pinch of salt

• Optional: powdered sugar for serving

• Optional: maple syrup for serving

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Instructions

ctions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until fragrant. Let cool.

3. Layer half of the bread cubes in the dish, then half the banana slices and half the walnuts. Repeat with remaining bread, bananas, and walnuts.

4. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

5. Pour custard over the bread, pressing gently to soak all cubes. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight or at least 4 hours.

6. Bake covered at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake another 20–25 minutes until top is golden and custard is set.

7. Let cool 5–10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup before serving.

Notes

• Day-old bread works best for soaking.

• Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and creamy texture.

• Toasting walnuts enhances flavor and adds crunch.

• Optional toppings: fresh berries, maple syrup, or powdered sugar.

• Can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight for easy morning baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50–55 minutes

Michelle Davis