Sugar-Free Old Fashioned Bread Pudding

Old Fashioned Bread Pudding Redux (Sugar Free)

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

This Old Fashioned Bread Pudding Redux is a delightful twist on a classic dessert, revamped to be sugar-free and lower in fat, yet retaining all the comforting flavors that make bread pudding such a beloved treat. Originally inspired by a circa 1963 Pillsbury Family Cookbook, this version is an easy standby for those occasions when you want a quick-prep dessert that will impress family and guests alike. The combination of all the essential flavors, minus the sugar, offers a guilt-free indulgence that’s both simple and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup Splenda sugar substitute (or other sugar-free sweetener)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup 1% low-fat milk
• 3/4 cup 2% low-fat milk
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup chopped dates
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons margarine

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Casserole Dish:
   Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the pudding from sticking.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, combine the flour, Splenda sugar substitute, ground cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Mix these ingredients thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.

3. Incorporate Wet Ingredients:
   Add the vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and blend well. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until they are well combined. Gently melt the butter and margarine together, then scald the milk by heating it just until it begins to steam but not boil.

   Important Note: To prevent the eggs from scrambling, do not add them directly to the hot milk. Instead, blend the eggs and melted butter/margarine mixture into the dry ingredients. Once mixed, gradually stir in the scalded milk. This method ensures a smooth texture and avoids any curdling.

4. Combine and Bake:
   Stir in the bread cubes and chopped dates, followed by the raisins. Make sure the bread cubes are evenly coated with the mixture. Pour the entire mixture into the prepared casserole dish.

5. Water Bath Technique:
   To achieve a creamy texture, place the casserole dish into a larger baking pan filled with hot water, creating a water bath. This method helps to cook the bread pudding evenly and prevents it from drying out.

6. Bake:
   Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 60 minutes. The bread pudding is done when a knife inserted 1 inch from the edge comes out clean. If you want to ensure that the raisins and dates are evenly distributed, gently stir the pudding around 20 minutes into the baking time.

7. Cool and Serve:
   Once baked, remove the casserole dish from the water bath and let it cool slightly before serving. This allows the pudding to set and makes it easier to cut into portions.

This Old Fashioned Bread Pudding Redux provides a delightful, wholesome dessert experience without the extra sugar and fat. It’s perfect for those who want a traditional treat with a modern, healthier twist. Enjoy it warm, perhaps with a dollop of sugar-free whipped cream or a light drizzle of sugar-free syrup if desired. 🍮

Calories per serving: 173.9
Fat Content: 8 grams
Saturated Fat Content: 4.1 grams
Cholesterol Content: 122 milligrams
Sodium Content: 389.4 milligrams
Carbohydrate Content: 16.4 grams
Fiber Content: 0.5 grams
Sugar Content: 7.1 grams
Protein Content: 8.7 grams

Feel free to explore different variations by adding your favorite fruits or nuts to personalize this classic dessert even further. 🍏🍓