If you're looking for a dessert that transports you straight to a tropical paradise, this Tropical Coconut Bread Pudding is it. It's a delightful twist on a classic comfort food, combining the rich flavors of coconut and pineapple for a dessert that's both exotic and comforting.
Day-old bread cubes are the backbone of this pudding, soaking up the custardy mixture without turning to mush. Coconut milk adds a rich, creamy texture and a tropical flavor that pairs perfectly with the whole milk, which balances the richness. Sugar sweetens the dish, while eggs act as a binder, giving the pudding its structure. Vanilla extract enhances all the flavors, and a pinch of salt brings out the sweetness. Adding crushed pineapple gives bursts of juicy, tangy flavor, and shredded coconut complements the coconut milk, adding texture. A bit of ground cinnamon provides warmth and depth, and finally, unsalted butter drizzled on top helps create a golden, crispy top.
This pudding is delightful on its own, but for extra indulgence, try serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A sprinkle of toasted coconut on top adds a lovely crunch. If you're feeling adventurous, a drizzle of caramel sauce can also complement the tropical flavors beautifully.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that's heating up, grab a 9x13-inch baking dish and give it a good greasing with butter or a non-stick spray—this will make it much easier to serve later.
Next, take a large mixing bowl and whisk together the coconut milk, whole milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. You're looking for a well-combined, smooth mixture here. Once that's ready, toss in your bread cubes and gently stir them until they're thoroughly coated. This is your bread pudding base.
Now, fold in the drained crushed pineapple and shredded coconut. Be gentle—you're not looking to mash the bread, just to distribute the fruit and coconut evenly. Pour this mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out with a spatula to ensure it's even.
Take your melted butter and drizzle it over the top, then sprinkle with ground cinnamon. This will give your pudding a lovely golden brown finish. Pop it in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You'll know it's done when the top is set and beautifully browned.
Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly before serving. This step helps the pudding set further and makes it easier to serve.
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