Diet French Toast Strata
A light and flavorful French toast strata with cinnamon, apples, and cream cheese, perfect for breakfast or brunch, especially suited for those seeking a healthier, low-fat option.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spray an 8 x 8-inch square pan with nonstick spray.
- In a medium bowl, blend 1/3 cup Splenda granular, egg substitute, skim milk, vanilla extract, and maple extract.
- Tear the cinnamon raisin bread into small 1 x 2-inch pieces.
- Toss the bread and sliced apples with the egg mixture in the bowl to coat evenly.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan.
- Cut the low-fat cream cheese into 8 chunks and place on top of the bread mixture.
- In a small bowl, blend the remaining 1 tablespoon Splenda granular and cinnamon.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the strata.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Bake at 350°F for 40 to 50 minutes or until lightly browned and set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using whole grain bread instead of cinnamon raisin bread. You can also swap out the low-fat cream cheese for Greek yogurt for added protein. If you're not a fan of apple, try adding berries or bananas instead. Be sure to mix the ingredients well to ensure an even distribution of flavors throughout the strata.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm, topped with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of sugar-free syrup for added sweetness. This strata pairs beautifully with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad for a complete meal. For a delightful brunch, consider serving it alongside Dot Neal'S Pound Cake for a sweet finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds to a minute, or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through. This dish can also be enjoyed cold for a quick breakfast.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Diet French Toast Strata contains roughly 224 calories, with 3g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular eggs instead of egg substitute?
Yes, you can substitute regular eggs for egg substitute. Each egg typically replaces 1/4 cup of egg substitute, so you would need about 4 eggs for this recipe. Keep in mind this will alter the calorie count and may not fit a strict diet.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread that resembles cinnamon raisin bread. There are many options available in stores. Just ensure the other ingredients, like the cream cheese and extracts, are also gluten-free.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! This strata is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble it the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Just bake it in the morning for a warm, delicious breakfast that's ready to serve.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).