Mango Coconut Bread Pudding Recipe

If you adore the cozy comfort of bread pudding but crave a tropical twist that brightens every bite, then you are going to absolutely love this Mango Coconut Bread Pudding. It’s a luscious harmony of sweet, juicy mangoes and creamy coconut milk soaked into tender cubes of bread, transforming a humble dessert into a vibrant, soul-satisfying experience. This dish is perfect for warm afternoons or cozy evenings when you want a dessert that feels indulgent yet refreshingly different. Trust me, once you try this Mango Coconut Bread Pudding, it will become your go-to recipe for sharing with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of simple but essential ingredients, this Mango Coconut Bread Pudding achieves the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. Each component plays a distinct role – from the soft, custardy base to the tropical sweetness that makes it so special.

• Stale bread: Using 6 cups of 1-inch cubes gives the pudding its comforting, absorbent texture that soaks up all the custard.
• Ripe mangoes: Two peeled and diced mangoes add juicy bursts of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• Large eggs: Four eggs create the rich custard that binds everything together beautifully.
• Coconut milk: One 13.5 oz can infuses every bite with creamy, tropical flavor that is simply irresistible.
• Granulated sugar: Half a cup sweetens the pudding just perfectly without overpowering the fruit’s natural sugars.
• Vanilla extract: One teaspoon enhances the overall warmth and rounds out the flavors.
• Shredded coconut: Half a cup sprinkled on top adds a delightful, toasty finish and an extra layer of texture.
• Butter or cooking spray: For greasing the baking dish to prevent sticking and help form a golden crust.

How to Make Mango Coconut Bread Pudding

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This simple step ensures your bread pudding won’t stick and will come out with a nice golden crust.

Step 2: Whisk the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the four large eggs, coconut milk, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and luscious. The eggs and coconut milk create a creamy base, while the sugar and vanilla add a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth.

Step 3: Combine Bread and Mango

Add the cubed stale bread and the diced ripe mangoes to the custard mixture. Gently fold everything together, making sure each piece of bread is thoroughly coated and the mangoes are evenly distributed. Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes – this allows the bread to soak up all those tropical flavors for maximum tenderness.

Step 4: Transfer and Top

Pour the soaked bread and mango mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded coconut over the top to create a crunchy, flavorful topping that will brown beautifully in the oven.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still soft. The aroma of coconut and mango filling your kitchen is a sign that this Mango Coconut Bread Pudding is close to being ready to enjoy.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove the pudding from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the pudding to firm up just enough to slice nicely, while still maintaining that creamy consistency.

How to Serve Mango Coconut Bread Pudding

Garnishes

To enhance the tropical vibes, consider garnishing your Mango Coconut Bread Pudding with fresh mango slices or a sprinkle of toasted shredded coconut. A drizzle of coconut cream or a dusting of cinnamon can also add beautiful flavor and a lovely finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to cool the warm custard. For a lighter contrast, fresh berries or a small citrus salad can add a refreshing burst alongside the rich pudding.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, serve Mango Coconut Bread Pudding in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for a charming, rustic presentation. You can also layer the pudding with mango chunks and coconut flakes in clear glass dishes to showcase all the delicious textures and colors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover any leftover Mango Coconut Bread Pudding tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining its creamy texture and rich flavors.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of this bread pudding by placing them in an airtight container or freezer-safe wrap. For best results, freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, so it warms evenly without drying out.

Reheating

Reheat your Mango Coconut Bread Pudding gently in the microwave or oven. If using an oven, cover it loosely with foil and warm at 325°F until heated through. Microwaving in short bursts prevents the custard from becoming rubbery while keeping it deliciously moist.

FAQs

Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread?

It’s better to use stale or slightly dried bread because it soaks up the custard without becoming too mushy. If your bread is fresh, you can lightly toast it or leave the cubes out for a few hours to firm up before using.

What type of mango works best for this bread pudding?

Choose ripe and juicy mango varieties like Ataulfo or Alphonso for the sweetest and most fragrant results. Their buttery texture complements the creamy coconut custard perfectly.

Is there a dairy-free way to make this pudding?

Absolutely! This recipe is already largely dairy-free thanks to the coconut milk. Just be sure to use dairy-free bread and substitute butter for a plant-based alternative or cooking spray for greasing.

Can I add other fruits to the Mango Coconut Bread Pudding?

Yes! Pineapple chunks, banana slices, or passion fruit pulp would all work wonderfully alongside mango and coconut, adding even more tropical flair and fresh flavors.

How do I know when the pudding is fully baked?

The top should be nicely golden brown and slightly crispy, while the center feels set but still soft to the touch. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs.

Final Thoughts

This Mango Coconut Bread Pudding is truly a labor of love that rewards you with vibrant tropical flavors and irresistible comfort in every spoonful. Whether you’re making it for a casual family dessert or a special gathering, it’s a sure way to brighten up the table and charm your guests. Give it a try, and soon it might become that sweet treat you crave whenever you want a taste of sunshine and nostalgia all in one.

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