images

BANANAS FOSTER BAKED FRENCH TOAST

Bananas Foster for breakfast! This baked French toast serves up all the taste of the spectacular dessert in fine fashion.

—L.G. NASSON QUINCY, MA



PREP: 20 MIN. + CHILLING • BAKE: 35 MIN. • MAKES: 6 SERVINGS


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)

1/2 cups 2% milk

3 eggs

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Place butter in a microwave-safe bowl; microwave, covered, 30-45 seconds or until melted. Stir in brown sugar, cream, cinnamon, allspice and, if desired, pecans. Add bananas; toss gently to coat.

2. Transfer to an ungreased 13x9-in. baking dish. Arrange bread over top, trimming to fit as necessary.

3. Place remaining ingredients in a blender; cover and process just until blended. Pour over bread. Refrigerate, covered, 8 hours or overnight.

4. Preheat oven to 375°. Remove French toast from refrigerator while oven heats. Bake, uncovered, 35-40 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand 5-10 minutes. To serve, invert onto a plate.