Bananas Foster French Toast

8 slices cinnamon bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 8 cups)

8 eggs

1 cup milk

2 1/2 cups real maple syrup

1 teaspoon rum extract

6 ripe bananas, cut into 1/2-inch slices

1 cup chopped pecans

Spray bottom of 13 x 9-inch (3-quart) baking dish with cooking spray.

Arrange bread cubes in baking dish.

In large bowl, beat eggs, milk and 1/2 cup of the maple syrup with wire whisk. 

Pour over bread in baking dish.  Cover and refrigerate 8 hours or overnight.

Here's what it will look like the next morning before baking.

Heat oven to 350°F. Uncover; bake 35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown along edges. Let stand 7 to 10 minutes before serving.

Meanwhile, in medium microwavable bowl, microwave remaining 2 cups maple syrup uncovered on High 1 to 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until warm.  Stir in rum extract.

Sprinkle banana slices and pecans evenly over bread; drizzle with warmed syrup mixture.  Serve immediately.