Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Lightly grease large baking dish (9X13 or large square dish for thicker pieces)

Lay bread cubes across entire bottom of baking dish, and piled up about 1.5-2 inches

In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup, and vanilla. Pour over bread cubes, and use a spoon to push down (even stir a bit) making sure bread is fully covered with liquid. You can always add more bread if there is excess liquid, or even remove a few pieces if there are some dry.

Sprinkle with brown sugar if you like. It is not necessary but will give it a sweet crunch on top. Cover with sliced bananas, (also optional!) Again: push down so they get some liquid coverage. (A few on top will not hurt.)

Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Then remove foil and continue to bake, 10-15 more minutes (you'll need to check it as cooking times will vary.) You'll know it's done when the bread is golden brown and the egg mixture is no longer wet. Stick a knife down in the center to check, and if it is still wet, bake for another 5-10 minutes.

Remove from oven and top with more maple syrup (I honestly enjoy it plain as well. It is similar to a bread pudding texture!) ENJOY!