Active Time

　　15 min

　　Total Time

　　1 1D4 hr

　　

Ingredients

Makes 4 servings

　　16 (1/2-inch-thick) slices day-old baguette

　　3 cups half-and-half

　　6 large egg yolks

　　3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar

　　3 tablespoons instant-espresso powder

　　3 firm-ripe bananas, halved crosswise, then halved lengthwise

　　1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter

　　

Step 1

Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 325°F.

　　

Step 2

Arrange bread in 2 layers in a 2-quart (8-inch square) baking dish.

　　

Step 3

Whisk together half-and-half, yolks, 3/4 cup sugar, and espresso powder, then pour over bread and soak 10 minutes.

　　

Step 4

Cook bananas in butter in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat, turning over once, until golden brown, about 6 minutes total. Lay bananas, cut sides up, over bread and sprinkle evenly with remaining tablespoon sugar. Bake, uncovered, until custard is set, 50 minutes to 1 hour. Serve warm.