Creating Creamy Bananas Foster Bread Pudding is straightforward if you follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Prepare Bread: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread and sliced bananas. Set aside.
3. Mix Custard: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
4. Combine Mixtures: Pour the custard mixture over the bread and bananas. Gently fold to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid. Let it sit for about 10 minutes.
5. Prepare Rum Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and dark rum (if using) until bubbling and combined.
6. Add Sauce: Drizzle the rum sauce over the bread pudding mixture, allowing it to soak in.
7. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
8. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the pudding is set and golden brown on top.
9. Cool: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 15-20 minutes before serving.
10. Serve: Serve warm, topped with whipped cream and garnished with chopped nuts if desired.

These steps will guide you in creating this incredible dessert effortlessly.