Bread Pudding: Recipe Makeover

Can a decadent, rich pudding really be made from plain old white bread? Yes, especially when that bread is drenched in heavy cream and eggs and then drowned in a butter-based caramel sauce. This hearty dessert can weigh in at 800 calories and 30 grams of saturated fat per warm, gooey bowl. Thanks, but no thanks. Our bread pudding is a slimmer, trimmer, and top-rated (by our picky Test Kitchen judges) redesign.

The Classic: 
• 843 calories per slice
• 50.3 grams total fat
• 30.2 grams saturated fat

The Makeover: 
• 300 calories per slice
• 4.8 grams total fat
• 2.4 grams saturated fat

At only 80 calories per ounce, crusty French bread is a healthy choice; heavier recipes may use challah, croissants, or even doughnuts!

Brown sugar, bourbon, and a pinch of salt are made rich with half-and-half instead of heavy cream, saving 6g of saturated fat per drizzle.

A combination of low-fat milk and fat-free evaporated milk subs in for heavy cream and butter, saving 275 calories and 21g of saturated fat per serving.

Soak the bread cubes in the egg-milk mixture for at least 20 minutes to ensure maximum custard absorption. Gently press on the bread once or twice while the cubes soak.

Drizzle a thin layer of sauce in the middle of the pudding to keep the bread supermoist while baking. Bake in a loaf pan to create a crispy crust around the creamy interior.