Pina Colada Bread Pudding from Bahama Breeze features moist bread soaked in a tropical blend of pineapple and coconut custard, topped with toasted coconut flakes and a drizzle of rum-infused caramel sauce, delivering a rich, creamy, and island-inspired dessert experience.
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Baking dish
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Saucepan
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Oven
- Cooling rack
- Small frying pan (for toasting coconut)
Ingredients
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread
- 1 cup canned crushed pineapple (with juice)
- 3/4 cup canned coconut milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup sweetened flaked coconut (for topping)
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 2 tablespoons dark rum
Selecting the right bread is crucial; brioche or challah provide the ideal texture and richness for the pudding. Use canned crushed pineapple with juice to maintain the tropical sweetness and moisture balance in the custard mixture. Toast the sweetened flaked coconut in a small frying pan to enhance its flavor and add a crunchy texture to your topping. Incorporate dark rum into the caramel sauce for an authentic, island-inspired twist that captures the essence of the original dessert. Your Pina Colada Bread Pudding from Bahama Breeze copycat menu will deliver a perfect blend of creamy, fruity, and spiced flavors.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut brioche or challah bread into 1-inch cubes.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add coconut milk, heavy cream, and whole milk to the egg mixture; whisk to combine.
- Stir in crushed pineapple (with juice) and sweetened shredded coconut.
- Add melted butter and mix well.
- Gently fold in bread cubes until evenly coated; allow to soak for 10–15 minutes.
- Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Pour the soaked bread mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle sweetened flaked coconut on top.
- Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until golden and set.
- While baking, toast extra coconut flakes in a small frying pan until golden brown; set aside for garnish.
- Heat caramel sauce in a saucepan over low heat; stir in dark rum and mix until smooth.
- Remove bread pudding from oven and cool slightly on a cooling rack.
- Drizzle warm rum caramel sauce over the bread pudding.
- Garnish with toasted coconut flakes before serving.
Substitution
Pina Colada Bread Pudding from Bahama Breeze copycat menu is a luscious dessert combining tropical flavors and creamy textures. If you cannot find brioche or challah bread, white sandwich bread or croissants can provide a similarly soft and rich base. Coconut milk can be substituted with coconut cream diluted with water to maintain the creamy coconut flavor while adjusting thickness. When toasting the coconut flakes, keep a close eye to avoid burning and ensure even browning for the best texture and flavor. Your rum-infused caramel can be made alcohol-free by omitting the dark rum and substituting with a teaspoon of rum extract for the signature aroma.
Tips
Ensure the bread cubes soak thoroughly in the pineapple-coconut custard for at least 10 to 15 minutes to achieve a moist texture. Use canned crushed pineapple with its juice to maintain the dessert's tropical moisture and flavor balance. When toasting the coconut flakes in a small frying pan, watch closely to prevent burning, as burnt coconut can impart a bitter taste. Your caramel sauce should be warm and smooth before drizzling to enhance the pudding with rich, rum-infused sweetness.
Nutritions
Pina Colada Bread Pudding offers a high-calorie dessert option rich in saturated fats and sugars due to its heavy cream, whole milk, and caramel sauce components. The dish provides a moderate amount of protein from eggs and dairy, while pineapple and coconut contribute small doses of vitamins C, manganese, and dietary fiber. Your serving will contain significant amounts of simple carbohydrates from granulated sugar and bread, impacting blood sugar levels. Be mindful of portion size if you're monitoring caloric intake or sugar consumption.
Storage
Store your Pina Colada Bread Pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its moist texture and tropical flavors. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days when properly chilled. Before serving, gently rewarm the pudding in the oven or microwave to restore its creamy consistency and enhance the aroma of rum-infused caramel sauce.
Variation or Alternatives
To vary the tropical flavor, substitute crushed pineapple with fresh mango chunks or ripe papaya for a different fruit twist. You can replace coconut milk with almond milk for a lighter, dairy-free custard while preserving creaminess. Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg along with cinnamon to enhance the warm spices. For your topping, try mixing toasted pecans or macadamia nuts with the coconut flakes to add crunch and complement the island-inspired profile.
Allergies
Pina Colada Bread Pudding contains common allergens such as eggs, dairy (heavy cream, whole milk, and butter), and coconut, which can trigger reactions in sensitive individuals. The presence of bread made from brioche or challah also introduces gluten, posing a risk for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. If you have allergies to any of these ingredients, it's important to avoid consuming this dessert or seek alternative versions that accommodate your dietary needs.
Why this recipe?
The Pina Colada Bread Pudding at Bahama Breeze is beloved for its rich blend of tropical flavors, featuring cream cheese, coconut, pineapple, and rum sauce that deliver a luscious, indulgent taste. Its perfect balance of sweet and tangy elements creates a unique dessert experience that captures the essence of island-inspired cuisine. Making a copycat version allows your kitchen to recreate this signature dish, impressing guests with authentic Bahama Breeze flavors without the need to dine out. Your homemade Pina Colada Bread Pudding can become a standout treat that brings tropical warmth and comfort to any meal.