Sugar Free Pudding: Creamy Brazilian Flan Without Sugar

Brazilian pudim is a baked custard with a caramel top — denser and silkier than American pudding from a box. Making it without sugar means two changes: a homemade sugar free condensed milk base and an allulose caramel, which is the one sweetener that browns like real sugar.

If this is your kind of baking, try our fudgy sugar free brownies (gluten free) next.

Browse the full index of sugar free and gluten free recipes to plan the week.

Ingredients

• For the caramel: 1/2 cup (100 g) allulose and 2 tbsp water
• 1 1/4 cups (150 g) instant nonfat dry milk powder
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) hot water
• 1/3 cup (65 g) granulated erythritol
• 3 large eggs plus 2 egg yolks
• 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) whole milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. 1

   Make the caramel: heat the allulose and water in a small pan over medium heat, swirling but not stirring, until amber, about 5 minutes. Pour immediately into a 6-cup ring mold or 8-inch round pan and tilt to coat.

2. 2

   Blend the dry milk powder, hot water, and erythritol until smooth — this is your sugar free condensed milk.

3. 3

   Add the eggs, yolks, milk, and vanilla and blend on low for 30 seconds. Blending on high adds bubbles and gives the flan holes.

4. 4

   Pour through a fine strainer into the caramel-lined mold.

5. 5

   Set the mold in a larger roasting pan, add hot water halfway up the sides, cover with foil, and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 50 to 60 minutes, until the center barely jiggles.

6. 6

   Chill at least 6 hours, ideally overnight, then run a knife around the edge and invert onto a rimmed plate.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make sugar free caramel with erythritol?

Not really. Erythritol recrystallizes as it cools and turns grainy and hard. Allulose is the reliable choice for a pourable sugar free caramel.

Why did my flan turn out full of holes?

The oven ran too hot or the custard was over-blended. Keep the water bath and stay at 325°F (160°C); the custard should never simmer.

Is this dessert keto?

Not strictly — the milk powder and milk contribute lactose. It is sugar free and gluten free, at roughly 8 g carbs per serving.