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1
Preheat the oven to 350F.
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2
Place the walnuts on a rimmed baking sheet, and toast until lightly browned and fragrant, about 10 minutes.
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3
Set aside.
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4
When cool, chop the walnuts coarsely.
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5
Whisk together the eggs, cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a medium bowl, and set aside.
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6
Combine the bananas, dark brown sugar, and walnuts in another bowl; set aside.
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7
Lay out 6 slices of bread on the work surface.
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8
Top each slice with 1/3 cup banana mixture.
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9
Top with the remaining bread slices; press gently to seal the sandwiches.
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10
Place the sandwiches in a shallow baking dish (or 2 dishes) large enough to hold them in a single layer.
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11
Pour the egg mixture over the bread, and soak 10 minutes.
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12
Carefully turn the sandwiches over, and soak 10 minutes more, or until the bread is soaked through.
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13
Reduce the oven temperature to 250F.
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14
Place a wire rack on a baking sheet; set aside.
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15
Heat the remaining banana mixture in a small skillet over medium-low heat until the sugar is melted and the bananas are soft and slightly translucent, about 3 minutes.
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16
Add 4 tablespoons butter, and stir to combine; keep warm.
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17
Heat 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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18
Fry half of the sandwiches until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per side.
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19
Transfer to the wire rack, and place in the oven while cooking the remaining sandwiches.
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20
Wipe out the skillet, and repeat with the remaining butter, oil, and bread.
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21
Keep in the oven until ready to serve.
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22
Cut into triangles, and serve with warm banana mixture and maple syrup, if desired.