diff --git a/IPython/parallel/client/client.py b/IPython/parallel/client/client.py
index 4571023..2121a8d 100644
--- a/IPython/parallel/client/client.py
+++ b/IPython/parallel/client/client.py
@@ -694,12 +694,9 @@ class Client(HasTraits):
             except:
                 content = error.wrap_exception()
             # build a fake message:
-            parent = {}
-            header = {}
-            parent['msg_id'] = msg_id
-            header['engine'] = uuid
-            header['date'] = datetime.now()
-            msg = dict(parent_header=parent, header=header, content=content)
+            msg = self.session.msg('apply_reply', content=content)
+            msg['parent_header']['msg_id'] = msg_id
+            msg['metadata']['engine'] = uuid
             self._handle_apply_reply(msg)
 
     def _handle_execute_reply(self, msg):