This Peanut Butter Banana Overnight French Toast layers brioche and bananas, soaked in a creamy peanut butter custard. Then, the next morning, it is ready to be baked and topped with melted peanut butter, sliced bananas, peanuts, and optional maple syrup. Once people (or should I say ‘I’) dig in, it won’t last long! For another breakfast or brunch option that is easy to prepare the night before, try my Overnight French Toast Casserole, too, made with a brown sugar crumble! If you prefer the classic, don’t miss out on my best French Toast recipe!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Brioche Bread: I love using brioche bread in this overnight French toast dish because it’s slightly sweet, cake-like, and pastry-like—perfect for soaking up the custard! Challah bread also works well, as it holds up beautifully overnight. Whatever bread you choose, just be sure it is a sturdy bread that can absorb the custard mixture.
- Bananas: Diced bananas are layered with the bread, before adding the custard mixture. I like to slice up a banana for the topping, too!
- Peanut Butter: I prefer creamy peanut butter for both the custard mixture and to melt for the topping. But, crunchy peanut butter would also work–it will add a little extra texture and crunch!
- Custard Mixture: The custard mixture combines eggs, whole milk, heavy whipping cream, melted peanut butter, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Toppings: Toppings are optional, but I love the added flavor they each bring! Serve the French toast dish with diced bananas, melted peanut butter, maple syrup, and crushed peanuts.
More Delicious Topping Ideas For Peanut Butter Banana Overnight French Toast
It’s easy to customize this overnight French toast with even more delicious toppings! Here are some of my favorite ideas for additional toppings:
- Whipped Cream–I mean, why not add a dollop for extra indulgence?!?
- Chocolate Chips (or peanut butter chips for even more peanut butter flavor!)
- Caramel Sauce
- Coconut Flakes
- Other kinds of chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts
- Fresh berries (like sliced strawberries)
Make Ahead Peanut Butter Banana French Toast: Refrigerate Overnight or Freeze For Later
I love recipes like these–ones that I can get prepared the night before and pop in the oven the next day (or when I am ready if I freeze it).
- Refrigerate Overnight: Assemble the casserole as directed, then cover and refrigerate overnight. The next day, bake directly from the refrigerator. What a convenient and flavorful way to start your day!
- Freeze Before Baking: Prepare the overnight French toast as instructed. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking. Or, bake directly from frozen, adding 20-30 minutes or so to the baking time.
How To Store Leftover Peanut Butter Banana Overnight French Toast
To store leftovers, allow the peanut butter banana French toast to cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual portions to an airtight container. (I like the idea of individual portions–perfect for when I need a quick breakfast to heat up!) It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Peanut Butter Banana Overnight French Toast
Ingredients
- 1 loaf (16 ounces) brioche bread, cut into ½-inch cubes
- 2 medium bananas, diced
- 8 large eggs, room temperature, beaten
- 2 cups (490 g) whole milk, room temperature
- ½ cup (119 g) heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup (129 g) creamy peanut butter, melted
- ¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Toppings
- ¼ cup (64.5 g) creamy peanut butter, melted
- 1 ripe banana, sliced
- peanuts, chopped
- maple syrup, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Add half of the bread and half of the diced bananas in an even layer. Top with a second layer of bread and bananas.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, peanut butter, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and fully combined.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers of bread and bananas, pressing down gently to help the bread absorb the liquid. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and let the dish sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the center is set and does not jiggle.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
- Top with a drizzle of melted peanut butter, bananas, and crushed peanuts. Serve warm with maple syrup.
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What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
This is really, really good! I love that it is all put together the night before and ready to throw it in the oven the next morning!
Elizabeth
You had me at peanut butter and bananas. I love that combo, and this overnight French toast did not disappoint! Wow, I loved it!
Bella
Peanut butter and banana is a classic combo, and adding it to French toast makes sense to me! The only thing that throws me off a little bit in overnight French toast is the texture. It seems a little soft, but the flavor is still there!
Annabelle
If you're a fan of peanut butter and banana, you'll love this recipe. The overnight prep makes it so easy, and the flavors are spot on. The added crunch from the peanuts gives it a great texture. This would go over really well for guests, I think.
Selena
I love how easy this is to make ahead. The peanut butter flavor comes through so well without overpowering the dish, and the bananas add the perfect amount of sweetness. I’d definitely make this again for a special brunch.
