Caramel Apple Bread Pudding

Oh, FALL! Sweet FALL, is just right around the corner! Mmm, sweet.....SWEET STUFF...Well, I don't think I have to tell some of you that that is my weakness! With Fall obviously right around the corner (OH MAN, I CANNOT WAIT!)...come on, tell me you haven't noticed the way the breeze is cooling down a notch from melt your face off, to, lets wear a light thin jacket or cardigan?!... I feel like I'm going to have to really step it up to get on top of my "health" game & find healthier alternatives for some of my favorite colder weather comfort foods!

Dear Comfort Foods, 

Oh how you do comfort me! Just, this time, can you NOT comfort me by making me gain an extra 10lbs of that comforty gain weight goodness you do so possess?! 

Please & Thank You,

Me.

Tis the season for apples, pumpkins, soups/stews (I have an amazing Italian Beef Stew that I will share with you guys later, I cannot lie, it is pretttttttyyyyy AMAZING!), & comfort casseroles! Now I don't know about you guys, but my favorite cold weather feel good food  that warms me up is bread pudding & boy do I have the perfect recipe! Bread Puddings are warm, ooey-gooey, & so simple to make. I'm not 100% sure where this recipe came from because I wrote it down a few years ago, but it is by far my favorite bread pudding recipe EVER! Like any other bread pudding, this one is even more delicious the next day, after all of the flavors have gotten to know one another & have come together as the yummy caramely bread puddingy goodness it is! 

-Caramel X's & O's...

Caramel Apple Bread Pudding

1c. unsweetened applesauce

1c. fat-free milk

1/2c. egg substitute

1/2c. packed brown sugar

1/2c. fat-free whipped topping

1/2c. fat-free caramel ice-cream topping

 (I use the Sea Salt Caramel indulgence by Smuckers, it is DELISH!)

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

5c. day old bread, cubed

1/2c. peeled, chopped, granny smith apples.

• In large bowl, combine the applesauce, milk, brown sugar, egg substitute, vanilla, & cinnamon.
• Fold in bread crumbs & apples.
• Pour into an 8-inch square baking dish that has been coated with non-stick spray.
• Bake uncovered at 325' for 35-40minutes or until knife comes out clean. 
• Serve warm with whipped topping & caramel. Refrigerate leftovers.