Pumpkin Bread Pudding

Ingredients

• 4 cups cubed day-old whole wheat bread
• 1/2 cup chopped dates or raisins
• 1/3 cup plus 2-1/2 tablespoons chopped pecans, divided
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup canned pumpkin
• 2 large eggs, separated
• 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• Half-and-half cream or whipped cream, optional