Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter, cubed
  • 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans, optional
  • 3 large bananas, sliced
  • 12 slices egg bread or challah (about 3/4 pound)
  • 1-1/2 cups 2% milk
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method

  • Place butter in a microwave-safe bowl; microwave, covered, until melted, 30-45 seconds. Stir in brown sugar, cream, cinnamon, allspice and, if desired, pecans. Add bananas; toss gently to coat.
  • Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Arrange bread over top, trimming to fit as necessary.
  • Place remaining ingredients in a blender; process just until blended. Pour over bread. Refrigerate, covered, 8 hours or overnight.
  • Preheat oven to 375°. Remove French toast from refrigerator while oven heats. Bake, uncovered, until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, 35-40 minutes. Let stand 5-10 minutes. Invert to serve.