BANANAS FOSTER FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE

Bananas Foster French Toast Casserole image

Provided by Cindy McLaughlin

Time 3h30m

Number Of Ingredients 13

6 Tbsp butter, cut into pats, plus more for greasing
3 large ripe bananas, sliced, plus more for serving
1/3 c light brown sugar packed
1 Tbsp dark rum (optional)
6 oz cream cheese, cut into pats at room temperature
16 oz loaf italian bread, sliced & torn itno bite sized pieces
2 1/2 c whole milk
1/2 c heavy cream
6 large eggs
1/3 c light brown sugar, packed
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
maple syrup, for serving

Steps:

1. Butter a 9" x 13" casserole dish.
2. Melt butter in a medium sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once foaming , add bananas and sauté until softened, about 2 minutes. Add the 1/3 cup brown sugar and stir until it melts with the butter. Carefully add the rum and let cook for one more minute, until the mixture is thick and syrupy. Remove from heat and cool.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, cream, eggs, 1/3 cup brown sugar, cinnamon and vanilla until smooth.
4. Add half of the bread to the buttered casserole dish. Sprinkle with half of the cream cheese and half of the brown sugar sauce. top with remaining bread and repeat with sauce and cream cheese. Pour the milk and egg mixture over the top and press down lightly to make sure the bread is absorbing the liquid. Cover tightly with foil, then place in the refrigerator for at least two hours or (preferably) overnight.
5. Remove casserole from the refrigerator. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake casserole for 30 minutes, then remove foil and continue to bake for 20 minutes, until puffed and golden.
6. Serve topped with powdered sugar, sliced bananas and maple syrup.