Creating Bananas Foster Bread Pudding can be straightforward if you follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.

2. Prepare the Bread: In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread and sliced bananas. Set aside.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.

4. Combine Mixtures: Pour the egg mixture over the bread and bananas. Gently fold to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid. Let it sit for 15 minutes.

5. Prepare the Topping: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the brown sugar and dark rum, cooking until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.

6. Add Nuts: If using, fold in the chopped walnuts into the bread mixture.

7. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the bread mixture into the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the warm rum topping evenly over the top.

8. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

9. Cool: Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool for about 15 minutes before serving.

10. Serve: Spoon out the warm bread pudding into bowls and drizzle additional sauce on top if desired.

Following these steps will guide you in creating this amazing dessert effortlessly.