Banana-Pecan French Toast Bake

This is a super easy recipe to make, using common ingredients many people often have in their pantry. It's a satisfyingly sweet dish that can be served as a breakfast item, or as a dessert. Goes great with a hot cup of coffee!

Banana-Pecan French Toast Bake
by Rachael

1 1/4 + 1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup maple syrup
3 bananas, sliced
1/2 cup chopped pecans
12 slices white bread
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
6 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1/4 teaspoon cardamom

In a Good Cook mixing bowl, combine 1 1/4 cup brown sugar, melted butter and maple syrup. With a Good Cook Silicone Spatula, gently fold in bananas and pecans.

Spread the mixture evenly across the bottom of a Good Cook 13" x 9" Nonstick Covered Cake Pan.

Place one layer of bread on top of the mixture, about 6 pieces, trying not to overlap.

In another small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup brown sugar and the cinnamon.

Evenly sprinkle half of this mixture over the bread slices. Add another layer of bread, and sprinkle the rest on top.

In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla and

cardamom. Pour evenly over the bread.

Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least one hour, or overnight, so the bread will soak up the milk mixture.

Remove cover, and bake at 325°F for 45-50 minutes, or until set. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.

To serve, cut into squares, and gently flip the piece over so that the bananas and pecans are on top.