Coconut Bread Pudding with Mango Sauce : Easy Tropical Dessert in 90 Minutes

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Have you ever craved a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the islands? This coconut bread pudding with mango sauce is exactly that a luscious, tropical escape baked right in your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for creative leftover croissant recipes, croissant dessert recipes, or simply want to transform stale bread into something extraordinary, this recipe delivers pure comfort with every spoonful.

Bread pudding has been a beloved comfort food for generations, but adding coconut milk and fresh mango sauce elevates it to restaurant-quality status. The combination of creamy coconut custard, tender bread cubes, and bright mango topping creates a dessert that’s both nostalgic and exciting. Best of all, it’s surprisingly simple to make with everyday ingredients.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Coconut Bread Pudding

This isn’t your grandmother’s plain bread pudding. The infusion of coconut milk and extract creates an incredibly rich, aromatic base that soaks into every bread cube. The homemade mango sauce adds a fresh, tangy-sweet contrast that cuts through the richness perfectly. You can use regular white bread, brioche, or even day-old croissants for an extra-decadent twist.

This recipe is ideal for meal prep, holiday gatherings, or whenever you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The pudding bakes hands-off in your oven while you prepare the simple mango sauce on the stovetop.

Essential Equipment You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, make sure you have these kitchen essentials ready:

• Oven – For baking the bread pudding to golden perfection
• Mixing Bowls – For combining your custard ingredients
• Baking Sheets – To toast the bread cubes initially
• Pots – For simmering the mango sauce
• Measuring Cups and Spoons Set – For precise ingredient measurements
• Kitchen Utensils – Whisks and spatulas for mixing
• Cutting Board and Chef’s Knives – For cubing bread and dicing mangoes

Ingredients Breakdown

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
White bread (cubed)	1 loaf	Base of the pudding
Coconut milk	3 cups	Creates rich, tropical custard
Condensed milk	14 oz can	Adds sweetness and creaminess
Coconut extract	1 tablespoon	Enhances coconut flavor
Eggs (beaten)	4	Binds custard together
Cinnamon	½ teaspoon	Warm spice note
Sugar	½ cup	Sweetens the pudding
Ripe mangoes (peeled, diced)	3	Fresh fruit sauce
Water	6 tablespoons	For mango sauce
Sugar (for sauce)	5 tablespoons	Sweetens the sauce
Cinnamon stick	1	Infuses spice into sauce
Lime juice	1 teaspoon	Brightens mango flavor
Grated coconut	For garnish	Beautiful finishing touch

Ingredient Tips

Choose day-old or slightly stale bread for best results it absorbs the custard mixture better than fresh bread. If using croissants from leftover croissant recipes or croissant breakfast recipes, they’ll create an even richer pudding. For the mango sauce, select ripe mangoes with a sweet fragrance and slight give when pressed.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Bread Base

1. Toast the bread cubes: Place your cubed bread in a large baking pan. Put it in your preheated oven at 400°F for about 5 minutes. This light toasting helps the bread hold its structure when soaked in custard.
2. Make the coconut custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, condensed milk, coconut extract, cinnamon, and beaten eggs using your kitchen utensils. Mix until completely smooth and well combined.
3. Soak the bread: Add the toasted bread cubes to the milk mixture. Gently stir to ensure every piece is coated. Let this stand for approximately 20 minutes, allowing the bread to absorb most of the custard. This soaking time is crucial for achieving that perfect creamy texture.

Baking the Pudding

4. Transfer to baking pan: Pour the entire bread pudding mixture into a greased baking pan using your baking sheets or a deep baking dish. Spread evenly.
5. Bake: Place uncovered in a 350°F oven for 1 hour. The pudding is ready when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown with slightly crispy edges.

Creating the Mango Sauce

6. Start the sauce: While your pudding bakes, prepare the mango topping. In a medium pot, combine water, 5 tablespoons of sugar, and the cinnamon stick over high heat. Bring to a boil.
7. Add the fruit: Once boiling, add your diced mango (prepared on your cutting board with your chef’s knife) and lime juice.
8. Simmer and reduce: Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally with your kitchen utensils to prevent burning. The sauce should thicken and become syrupy.

Final Assembly

9. Serve: Once the bread pudding has cooled slightly, top it generously with the warm mango sauce and sprinkle with grated coconut for a beautiful presentation.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Don’t rush the soaking: The 20-minute soak time ensures your bread fully absorbs the coconut custard, resulting in a uniformly creamy texture throughout.

Check for doneness: The knife test is your best friend here. Insert a clean knife into the center if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, you’re good to go.

Customize your bread: This recipe works beautifully with brioche, challah, or even croissant recipe ideas from your previous baking adventures. Each bread type brings its own character to the dessert.

Sauce consistency: If your mango sauce becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time. If it’s too thin, simmer a bit longer.

Make ahead: You can prepare the custard-soaked bread mixture the night before and refrigerate it. Just add 10 extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Store leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.

Serve this pudding warm or at room temperature. It’s delicious on its own but even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For brunch, try it alongside your favorite crossiant breakfast recipes or as part of a tropical-themed spread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of milk instead of coconut milk?
Yes, but you’ll lose the tropical coconut flavor that makes this recipe special. Whole milk or half-and-half can work as substitutes, but consider adding extra coconut extract to maintain that signature taste.

What if I can’t find fresh mangoes?
Frozen mango chunks work perfectly! Thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before making the sauce. You can also use canned mango, though fresh provides the best flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?
This recipe is already mostly dairy-free since it uses coconut milk. To make it completely dairy-free, substitute the condensed milk with coconut condensed milk, which is available at most health food stores.

How do I know when the bread pudding is done?
Besides the knife test, look for a golden-brown top and edges that pull slightly away from the pan. The center should be set but still have a slight jiggle when you shake the pan gently.

Can I use this recipe for individual servings?
Absolutely! Divide the mixture among greased ramekins and reduce baking time to 30-40 minutes. Individual servings make elegant presentations for dinner parties.

What other fruits can I use for the sauce?
Pineapple, passion fruit, or papaya all work wonderfully with the coconut base. You could even try a mixed tropical fruit compote.

Why This Recipe Works for Croissant Lovers

If you’re exploring croissant dessert recipes or have leftover croissants from your croissant recipe breakfast experiments, this bread pudding is your answer. Croissants bring extra buttery richness and flaky layers that create pockets of texture throughout the pudding. Day-old croissants from your French croissant recipe attempts or stuffed crossiant recipes work especially well since they’re already slightly dry and will soak up the custard beautifully.

This recipe bridges the gap between rustic comfort food and elegant dessert, making it perfect for both casual family dinners and special celebrations. The tropical flavors feel fancy, but the preparation is forgiving and accessible.

Equipment You’ll Need

Here’s everything to make this recipe a breeze:

• Air Fryer
• Thermomix
• Oven
• Electric Mixer
• Food Processor
• Pots
• Frying Pans
• Kitchen Utensils
• Cutting Board
• Chef’s Knives
• Measuring Cups and Spoons Set
• Mixing Bowls
• Blender
• Baking Sheets
• Electric Can Opener
• Colander Strainer Basket
• Peeler
• Meat Tenderizer
• Garlic Press
• Rolling Pin
• Steamer Insert
• Weight Kitchen

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