Banana-Stuffed French Toast

1.  Ingredients
2. 16 slices cinnamon-raisin bread
3. 1/2 cup whipped cream cheese
4. 4 large bananas, peeled and thinly sliced 
5. 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter 
6. 6 eggs 
7. 3/4 cup milk 
8. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
9. Pinch of salt
10. 
    
11. Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 225°F. Lay 8 slices of bread on a work surface and spread 1 side of each with cream cheese. Top each with slightly overlapping banana slices. Cover with remaining bread to make sandwiches.
2. Melt 2 Tbsp. butter over medium heat in a large nonstick skillet. Meanwhile, in a large, shallow bowl, beat eggs, milk, vanilla and salt with a fork. Dip 4 sandwiches into egg mixture to soak both sides, about 5 seconds. Lay sandwiches in skillet and cook, turning until browned, about 5 minutes one side, 3 minutes other side. Repeat with remaining butter and sandwiches. When done, transfer to oven racks; do not stack. Serve hot with warm maple syrup.
3. 
   
4. Alternative
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6. I have made a few alterations for my family. I use brioche or French bread. Then dip the bread in the egg mixture and cook it on one side then flip it, spread the cheese, slice the bananas on the bread and add some walnuts add the second slice of bread after cooking it on one side putting the cooked side inside. Then turn and cook the second side of the second slice of bread. That way all four sides of the two slices of bread have been cooked. I find I use more butter than suggested. 

                    2nd Alternative

   

              Cook apples add a small amount of cinnamon and walnuts.