Sugar-Free Old Fashioned Bread Pudding

Introduction

Indulging in a comforting dessert that warms the soul doesn’t have to compromise your health goals or dietary preferences. At Love With Recipes, we are passionate about creating recipes that blend tradition with innovation, ensuring every bite is both satisfying and nourishing. The Old Fashioned Bread Pudding Redux, a classic American dessert, has been reimagined here as a sugar-free, lower-fat delight that preserves its nostalgic charm while catering to modern dietary needs.

This version draws inspiration from the beloved 1963 Pillsbury Family Cookbook, renowned for its hearty, homey recipes. The traditional bread pudding’s rich custard and sweet notes are beautifully balanced with sugar substitutes and wholesome ingredients to produce a guilt-free treat. Whether you’re seeking a comforting dessert after a hearty meal or a delightful brunch addition, this recipe delivers with a harmonious blend of spices, dried fruits, and tender bread.

Beyond its delicious flavor profile, this bread pudding is also incredibly versatile—perfect for gluten-sensitive diets if gluten-free bread is used, or adaptable with your favorite dried fruits and nuts. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dessert that can be customized to suit your preferences, making it an essential addition to your healthy dessert repertoire.

Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Needed Equipment

• 2-quart casserole dish (preferably glass or ceramic)
• Large mixing bowls (at least two)
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife or bread cutter
• Cutting board
• Small saucepan (for melting butter and heating milk)
• Mixing spatula or spoon
• Large baking sheet or roasting pan (for water bath)
• Oven mitts
• Cooling rack
• Optional: immersion blender or whisk for smooth custard

Tags

• Healthy Dessert
• Gluten-Free Option
• Low Sugar
• Comfort Food
• Family-Friendly
• Slow Baked
• Vegetarian

Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 6 generous servings, each about one cup (240 ml). Ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prepping for the week. Adjust portion sizes based on your preferences and dietary needs.

Difficulty Level

Easy. Suitable for beginner cooks with basic baking skills. The steps are straightforward, focusing on mixing, assembling, and baking with minimal fuss.

Allergen Information

• Contains: Eggs, Milk, Butter, and Gluten (if using regular bread)
• May contain traces of nuts or soy, depending on ingredients used

For allergy-friendly variations, consider substituting dairy options with plant-based alternatives or gluten-free bread options.

Dietary Preference

• Vegetarian
• Low Sugar
• Low Fat (if using reduced-fat dairy and margarine)
• Low Carb (by using low-carb bread options)

Course

Dessert, Snack, Brunch

Cuisine

American, Comfort Food, Classic Desserts

Ingredients

Ingredient List in Tables

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Casserole Dish

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, prepare your baking vessel. Lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray. This step is crucial to prevent the pudding from sticking and ensures easy serving once baked. Use a pastry brush or a paper towel to evenly coat the dish, paying special attention to the corners and edges.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, Splenda sugar substitute, ground cinnamon, salt, and ground nutmeg. Use a whisk or a fork to thoroughly blend these dry ingredients, ensuring the spices and sweetener are evenly distributed. This step establishes the flavor foundation and prevents clumping in the custard mixture.

Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Next, add the vanilla extract to the dry mixture, blending well to incorporate the aroma. In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and beat them until the yolks and whites are fully combined, achieving a uniform yellow color and slightly frothy texture. Gently melt the butter and margarine together in a small saucepan over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring until smooth.

Heat the milk mixture just until it begins to steam but does not boil—this is called scalding. To prevent the eggs from curdling when combined with hot liquids, temper the eggs by slowly adding a small amount of the hot milk mixture into the beaten eggs while whisking vigorously. Then, pour the warmed eggs and melted butter/margarine into the bowl with the dry ingredients, stirring constantly to create a smooth custard base. Gradually add the scalded milk, stirring continuously to ensure a silky, homogeneous mixture.

Step 4: Assemble the Bread Pudding

Cut your bread into cubes—preferably slightly stale or day-old bread for optimal absorption. Add the bread cubes to the custard mixture, tossing gently to coat each piece thoroughly. Add the chopped dates and raisins, ensuring even distribution. Use a spatula to gently fold the mixture, allowing the bread to soak up the custard and the fruits to disperse evenly.

Once combined, pour the entire mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Smooth the top with the spatula or back of a spoon, ensuring an even layer for uniform baking.

Step 5: Water Bath Technique

To achieve a creamy, evenly cooked pudding, place your casserole dish into a larger baking pan or roasting pan. Carefully pour hot water into the larger pan until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the casserole dish. This water bath, or bain-marie, insulates and prevents the pudding from drying out or cracking during baking. Be cautious not to splash water into your pudding mixture.

Ensure the water level remains consistent during baking—if necessary, add hot water during the process to maintain even heat distribution.

Step 6: Baking

Place the water bath on the middle rack of your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 45 to 60 minutes. Start checking for doneness at the 45-minute mark by inserting a knife or toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the pudding appears too liquid or wobbly, continue baking in 5-minute increments.

About 20 minutes into baking, gently stir the pudding with a spoon or spatula to redistribute the fruits and ensure even moisture distribution. This step helps prevent the top from becoming overly crusty while the interior remains tender and custardy.

Step 7: Cooling and Serving

Once baked to perfection, carefully remove the casserole dish from the water bath. Let it sit on a cooling rack for at least 10 to 15 minutes. This resting period allows the pudding to set further, making it easier to cut into neat portions. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with optional toppings such as a dollop of sugar-free whipped cream, a drizzle of sugar-free syrup, or a sprinkle of additional cinnamon for extra flavor.

Preparation Tips

• Stale bread is ideal: Slightly dried bread absorbs custard better, resulting in a more cohesive pudding.
• Fruit choices: Feel free to substitute raisins and dates with chopped apples, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts for additional texture and flavor.
• Custard consistency: Whisk thoroughly to avoid lumps. Using an immersion blender can create a smoother custard if desired.
• Sweetener options: Adjust the amount of Splenda or other sweeteners to taste, keeping in mind that some substitutes are sweeter than sugar.
• Make ahead: Prepare the pudding mixture a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when needed for convenience.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• Use high-quality dried fruits: Soaking the raisins and dates in warm water or a splash of vanilla extract for 10 minutes before adding enhances flavor and plumps them up.
• Adjust sweetness: Taste the custard before pouring over the bread; modify sweetener quantity to suit your preference.
• Layering: For a more visually appealing pudding, layer bread cubes and fruits in the dish, then pour custard over to create a marbled effect.
• Serving options: Serve with a side of fresh berries or a dusting of cinnamon for added freshness and flavor.
• Texture variation: Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans on top before baking for crunch.

Add-ons and Variations

• Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds)
• Fresh fruit slices (apples, pears, berries)
• Vegan variation: substitute eggs with flaxseed or chia seed gel, use plant-based margarine and plant milk
• Spices: add a pinch of cloves or allspice for a more complex flavor profile
• Gluten-free version: replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free bread

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad
• Light Greek yogurt with honey
• Herbal tea or coffee
• Low-fat vanilla or cinnamon whipped cream

Improvements and Customizations

• Incorporate mashed bananas or applesauce into the custard for added sweetness and moisture.
• Use coconut milk for a tropical twist and richer flavor.
• Add a splash of bourbon or rum extract to enhance the aroma.
• Top with a sprinkle of oats or crushed graham crackers for a crispy crust.
• Mix in chocolate chips or sugar-free chocolate chunks for a decadent variation.

Save and Store

This bread pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions for 30-60 seconds or bake in a low-temperature oven (around 300°F or 150°C) until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as described.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this bread pudding vegan?

Yes. Substitute eggs with flaxseed or chia seed gel (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg), use plant-based margarine instead of butter, and replace milk with almond, soy, or oat milk. Ensure all other ingredients are vegan-friendly.

Can I use different bread types?

Absolutely. While traditional bread pudding uses white bread, you can experiment with whole wheat, gluten-free, brioche, or sourdough for varied textures and flavors. Slightly stale bread will absorb custard better.

Is it suitable for diabetic diets?

This recipe is designed to be sugar-free with sugar substitutes. However, monitor the total carbohydrate content based on your dietary needs and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

How do I prevent the pudding from becoming too dry or too watery?

Ensure the custard mixture is well-balanced and not overbaked. Using a water bath maintains moisture. Check for doneness with a knife—if it comes out clean, the pudding is ready. Cover loosely with foil if browning too quickly.

Conclusion

This Old Fashioned Bread Pudding Redux embodies the best of comfort desserts with a modern, health-conscious twist. Its rich aroma, tender texture, and fragrant spices evoke nostalgic feelings while accommodating dietary preferences. Whether served warm with a dollop of sugar-free whipped cream or chilled for a refreshing treat, this dessert is a testament to the versatility and enduring appeal of classic American baking. At Love With Recipes, we believe that indulgence and health can coexist beautifully, and this recipe is a perfect example of that philosophy. Experiment with variations, enjoy the process, and savor every wholesome bite.

References

• Pillsbury Family Cookbook, circa 1963
• Nutrition Data, USDA Food Database (2023)