Ingredients
serves 4-6
4 cups (about 8 slices) bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (whole wheat would be least sinful, but use whatever you have on hand)
4 oz reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
2 very ripe bananas, mashed
2 large eggs
2 egg whites
3/4 cup milk
3 Tbsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon
zest of 1 orange (or splash of OJ if you don't have an orange on hand)
powdered sugar for garnish, if desired
Lightly spray an 8x8 dish with cooking spray.
Add the bread to the dish. With a standing or handheld mixer, beat the cream cheese and bananas until smooth. Add the eggs and egg whites, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in the milk, syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and zest, and mix until smooth. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the bread. Cover and refrigerate overnight. **If you don't have overnight, it works fine to make it in the morning and let it sit at room temperature for a while until most of the liquid is soaked up**
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
If bread mixture has been refrigerated, remove from fridge and let sit at room temp for about 15 minutes. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until center is set and a knife inserted into center comes out clean.
Sift powdered sugar over top, if using. Cut/scoop and serve. You can use more maple syrup, but it might not be necessary.
serves 4-6
4 cups (about 8 slices) bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (whole wheat would be least sinful, but use whatever you have on hand)
4 oz reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
2 very ripe bananas, mashed
2 large eggs
2 egg whites
3/4 cup milk
3 Tbsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon
zest of 1 orange (or splash of OJ if you don't have an orange on hand)
powdered sugar for garnish, if desired
Lightly spray an 8x8 dish with cooking spray.
Add the bread to the dish. With a standing or handheld mixer, beat the cream cheese and bananas until smooth. Add the eggs and egg whites, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in the milk, syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and zest, and mix until smooth. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the bread. Cover and refrigerate overnight. **If you don't have overnight, it works fine to make it in the morning and let it sit at room temperature for a while until most of the liquid is soaked up**
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
If bread mixture has been refrigerated, remove from fridge and let sit at room temp for about 15 minutes. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until center is set and a knife inserted into center comes out clean.
Sift powdered sugar over top, if using. Cut/scoop and serve. You can use more maple syrup, but it might not be necessary.
