Yummy Low Calorie-Low Fat Pineapple Bread Pudding

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, custardy bread pudding. It’s a dessert that whispers of cozy evenings and shared family meals. My grandmother, bless her heart, used to make a version that was so rich and decadent, it felt like a forbidden indulgence. For years, I’ve tried to recreate that same soul-satisfying warmth, but with a lighter touch, something that wouldn’t leave me feeling weighed down. It was a culinary quest, a delicious challenge. Then, I stumbled upon this recipe, and it was like finding a missing piece of a puzzle. It delivers all the beloved textures and comforting flavors, yet it feels so wonderfully guilt-free. The pineapple adds a bright, tropical twist that elevates it beyond the ordinary, making it my go-to for a delightful treat that’s both nourishing and incredibly delicious.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 65 minutes (plus 2 hours chilling time)
• Servings: 8
• Yield: 1 medium-sized casserole dish
• Dietary Type: Low-Calorie, Low-Fat

Ingredients

• 4 cups day-old bread, cut into cubes
• 3/4 cup fat-free egg substitute
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cup 1% low-fat milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple tidbits in juice
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Equipment Needed

• Medium-sized casserole dish (approximately 8×8 inch or similar)
• Non-stick cooking spray
• Medium-sized mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven
• Spatula (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing your baking vessel. Coat a medium-sized casserole dish with non-stick spray. This ensures your beautiful bread pudding won’t stick and makes for easier cleanup.
2. Next, arrange the bread cubes in the prepared casserole dish. Distribute them evenly to create a good base for the pudding. Set this aside for now.
3. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, it’s time to create the luscious custard base. Whisk together the fat-free egg substitute, sugar, 1% low-fat milk, and vanilla extract. Ensure these are thoroughly combined for a smooth, consistent mixture.
4. Now, introduce the star of our tropical twist! Add the pineapple tidbits, along with their juice, to the egg substitute mixture. Mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated. The juice from the pineapple will add moisture and a delightful sweetness to the pudding.
5. Carefully pour the pineapple and custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the casserole dish. Gently press down on the bread with a spoon or spatula if needed to ensure all the cubes are submerged and begin to soak up the liquid.
6. This next step is crucial for developing the perfect texture. Cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the dish in the refrigerator for at least two hours to allow the bread to soak up the custard. For an even better result, and to ensure the bread is fully saturated, you can let it chill overnight.
7. When you’re ready to bake your delightful bread pudding, preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius). This lower temperature allows the pudding to cook through gently without the top browning too quickly.
8. Remove the casserole dish from the refrigerator and uncover it.
9. Now for that lovely golden crust. Pour the melted butter evenly over the top of the bread pudding. This will help create a slightly crisp and wonderfully golden-brown surface.
10. Bake for approximately 50 minutes, or until the top of the pudding is lightly browned and the center appears set. You can test for doneness by gently inserting a knife near the center; it should come out mostly clean, or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
11. Once baked to perfection, serve the bread pudding warm. Its comforting aroma and delicious taste are best enjoyed fresh from the oven.
12. Should you have any delicious leftovers (and I highly recommend making extra!), refrigerate them promptly.

Expert Tips & Tricks

To elevate this already wonderful bread pudding, consider a few chef-inspired tweaks. Using slightly stale bread is key, as it absorbs the custard better without becoming mushy. If your bread is fresh, you can lightly toast the cubes in a low oven for about 10-15 minutes before assembling. For an extra burst of flavor, grate a little fresh ginger into the custard mixture – it pairs beautifully with the pineapple. When pouring the custard over the bread, try to ensure all pieces are somewhat submerged; if you see dry spots, gently nudge them down. The chilling time is your friend here; don’t rush it! It truly makes a difference in the pudding’s texture and how well it holds together.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Yummy Low Calorie-Low Fat Pineapple Bread Pudding is best served warm, allowing the comforting aromas to fill your kitchen. It’s delightful on its own, but for an extra touch of indulgence without adding significant calories, consider a small dollop of light whipped topping or a sprinkle of toasted unsweetened shredded coconut. For an even more decadent experience, a light dusting of cinnamon can add a wonderful warmth.

To store any remaining bread pudding, ensure it has cooled slightly before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat individual portions gently in the microwave or a low oven until warmed through. Freezing is also an option; allow the pudding to cool completely, then wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional content per serving:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	184.3 kcal
Total Fat	3.1 g	4%
Saturated Fat	1.4 g	6%
Cholesterol	5.6 mg	1%
Sodium	185.2 mg	7%
Total Carbohydrate	34.2 g	11%
Dietary Fiber	1 g	3%
Sugars	25.3 g	101%
Protein	5.5 g	11%

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is fantastic as is, feel free to explore some creative variations. For a different fruit profile, you could substitute the pineapple tidbits with drained canned mandarin oranges or chopped fresh peaches when in season. If you prefer a hint of spice, add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard mixture along with the vanilla. For those seeking a dairy-free option, you could try using unsweetened almond milk or oat milk instead of 1% low-fat milk, though this may slightly alter the richness.

FAQs

Q: Why is it important to use day-old bread?
A: Day-old bread is slightly drier, allowing it to absorb the custard mixture more effectively without becoming overly soggy.

Q: Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old?
A: Yes, but it’s best to lightly toast the fresh bread cubes in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes before using them. This will mimic the dryness of day-old bread.

Q: What if I don’t have fat-free egg substitute?
A: You can use regular eggs, but you’ll need to adjust the quantity. Typically, 2 large eggs would be a suitable substitute for 3/4 cup of fat-free egg substitute, but this will increase the calorie and fat content.

Q: My bread pudding didn’t set, what did I do wrong?
A: This can happen if the bread wasn’t sufficiently chilled or if the oven temperature was too high, causing the outside to cook before the inside could set. Ensure adequate chilling time and that your oven is accurately calibrated.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The bread pudding can be assembled and chilled in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Yummy Low Calorie-Low Fat Pineapple Bread Pudding is a testament to the fact that delicious, comforting desserts don’t need to be laden with guilt. It’s a recipe that has brought smiles to my table and I’m confident it will do the same for yours. The interplay of sweet pineapple, soft bread, and a light, custardy embrace is simply divine. I encourage you to give it a try, perhaps on a quiet afternoon with a good book, or as a light, satisfying end to a weeknight dinner. Share your experiences and any delightful variations you discover – happy baking!