Preheat your oven to 190°C (fan 170°C/gas 5). Lightly grease a small baking dish with cooking spray.
Spread one side of each bread slice with the low-fat spread. Using a round cookie cutter or a cup, cut out circles from the center of each slice. Roughly chop the remaining bread and scatter it in the baking dish, along with most of the dried fruit.
Arrange the bread circles, spread-side up, on top of the chopped bread in the dish.
In a bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sweetener, most of the orange zest, and mixed spice powder. Pour this mixture over the bread, ensuring everything is covered. Let it sit for 20 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the liquid.
In a separate bowl, mix the flour with 2 teaspoons of water to make a paste. Transfer this paste to a piping bag or a plastic bag with a snipped corner. Pipe a thin cross on top of each bread circle (or use a knife to create a simple cross).
Sprinkle the remaining dried fruit, orange zest, and mixed spice over the pudding.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Serve warm with a dollop of plain low-fat yogurt or cottage cheese, if desired.
Tips:
For a richer flavor, use a small amount of melted butter instead of the low-fat spread. Adjust the amount to fit your calorie goals.
Get creative with the dried fruit! Use a combination of your favorites or chopped nuts for added texture.
Don’t skip the soaking time! This ensures the bread has a fluffy center and a crisp top.
No piping bag? No problem! Simply use a knife to create a cross on each bread circle.