Cinnamon Spice Bread Casserole

Published at TarlaDalal.com on May 18, 2014

I had been reading bread casserole and bread pudding recipes for quite some time and decided to make a sugar-free, whole wheat version. Having a breakfast / dessert while it is low G.I. is a perfect recipe.

Preparation Time: 10 hrs

Cooking Time: 45 mins

Makes 3 to 4 servings

Ingredients

7 whole wheat bread slices
4 eggs whites
1 cup skimmed milk
6 tsp saccharine
1/4 tsp cinnamon (dalchini) powder
1 tsp vanilla essence
1/4 tsp cardamom (elaichi) powder
a pinch nutmeg (jaiphal) powder
3 to 4 drops oil for greasing
2 cups sliced strawberries

Method
For the custard

1. In a measuring cup, combine the milk and sweetener. 
2. The measuring glass has a convenient pouring snout which will help pouring out the liquid into the casserole dish. 
3. Add the cinnamon, vanilla, cardamom, and nutmeg powder and mix well. 
4. Add egg whites and beat well to a uniform mixture. 

Assembling the casserole

1. The basic idea is to alternate layers of bread and liquid custard and complementing with sliced fruit in between. 
2. Brush the insides of the dish with vegetable oil, or spray with butter spray to avoid contents from sticking during baking. 
3. Layer the bread slices at the base of the baking dish. 
4. Pour the liquid custard, soaking the slices. Make sure the slices are perfectly soaked. 
5. Layer sliced fruit now. 
6. Layer more bread slices on top of the fruit. 
7. Pour more liquid custard, soaking the second layer of bread. 
8. Layer sliced fruit on top. 
9. Pour the custard into the sides and corners, using a toothpick / knife to move the bread. 
10. Cover the dish and refrigerate overnight, or for 6-7 hours before baking. 
11. Baking the casserole
12. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
13. When preheated, put the baking dish in. 
14. Reduce the temperature to 175 degrees and bake for 50-60 minutes. 
15. Keep checking in between, at 20 minute, 10, minute, and 10 minute intervals to avoid overbaking. The idea is to have the bread soak up all the liquid that remains and become golden brown, and slightly crispy. Keep using a toothpick / knife to check the edges to see if all the liquid has gone. 

Serving the casserole

1. Slice fresh fruit for garnish. 
2. Drizzle sugar free syrup if you like. 
3. Cut up pieces and serve with side garnish of fruits and drizzle of sugar-free syrup of your choice, or honey.