Paradise Bread Pudding from King's Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant features soft, sweet Hawaiian bread soaked in a rich custard infused with warm cinnamon and vanilla, topped with a luscious pineapple glaze and whipped cream, offering a moist, flavorful dessert with tropical sweetness and creamy textures.
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Serrated bread knife
- Cutting board
- Baking dish
- Saucepan
- Spatula
- Ladle
- Cooling rack
- Oven
- Electric mixer or hand whisk (for whipped cream)
- Serving spoon
Ingredients
- 1 loaf King's Hawaiian Sweet Bread
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple (drained, juice reserved)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup cold heavy cream (for whipped cream)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for whipped cream)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for whipped cream)
You should use King's Hawaiian Sweet Bread for an authentic texture and flavor, as its soft, sweet profile is essential in achieving the moistness of the bread pudding. Whole milk and heavy cream combine to create a rich custard base that soaks into the bread, while fresh eggs are crucial to setting the pudding properly. The pineapple glaze requires drained crushed pineapple with reserved juice, brown sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice to balance sweetness and add tropical tartness. Ground cinnamon and vanilla extract infuse warm, aromatic notes that enhance the overall dessert experience. This Paradise Bread Pudding copycat menu from King's Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant delivers the perfect combination of tropical sweetness and creamy textures you crave.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice King's Hawaiian Sweet Bread into 1-inch cubes using serrated bread knife and cutting board.
- Place bread cubes in a mixing bowl.
- In another mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, granulated sugar, 2 tsp vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, salt, and melted butter.
- Pour custard mixture over bread cubes, gently fold with spatula to coat evenly. Let soak for 10-15 minutes.
- Transfer soaked bread mixture into greased baking dish.
- Bake in oven for 40-45 minutes, until golden and custard is set.
- For pineapple glaze: In a saucepan, combine drained crushed pineapple, reserved pineapple juice, brown sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and becomes glossy. Remove from heat and set aside.
- For whipped cream: Whip 1 cup cold heavy cream, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract with mixer or hand whisk until soft peaks form.
- Remove bread pudding from oven and let cool on cooling rack for 10-15 minutes.
- Spoon pineapple glaze over warm bread pudding.
- Top with whipped cream before serving.
Substitution
Paradise Bread Pudding from King's Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant copycat menu uses King's Hawaiian Sweet Bread, but if unavailable, you can substitute with other soft, sweet breads like brioche or challah to maintain a similar texture and flavor. When preparing the pineapple glaze, freshly crushed pineapple can replace canned for a fresher taste, though you may need to adjust the sugar and cornstarch quantities to balance acidity and thickness. If whole milk or heavy cream is not on hand, a mix of milk and half-and-half can be used to achieve the custard's rich consistency. Your whipped cream topping can be made using an electric mixer or a sturdy hand whisk; just be patient to reach the desired fluffy texture. To prevent the bread pudding from becoming too soggy, avoid oversaturating the bread with custard and allow it to soak briefly before baking.
Tips
Ensure the bread cubes are evenly coated with the custard mixture and soaked for the full 10-15 minutes to achieve a moist texture. When baking, check that the custard is fully set by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean without liquid custard. Stir the pineapple glaze constantly over medium heat to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth, glossy finish. For perfectly whipped cream, chill your mixing bowl and beaters beforehand, then whip until soft peaks form to maintain lightness and fluffiness on Your dessert.
Nutritions
Paradise Bread Pudding from King's Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant provides a comforting combination of carbohydrates and fats, primarily from the sweet Hawaiian bread and rich custard made with whole milk, heavy cream, and eggs. The dish offers a moderate amount of protein thanks to the eggs and dairy ingredients while delivering sugars from granulated and brown sugars, as well as natural sugars in the pineapple glaze. The inclusion of pineapple adds vitamin C and antioxidants, supporting your immune health amid the dessert's indulgence. Enjoying this moist, flavorful bread pudding occasionally can satisfy your sweet cravings while providing some nutritional benefits from its dairy and fruit components.
Storage
Store your Paradise Bread Pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its moist texture and tropical flavors. Keep the pineapple glaze and whipped cream in separate sealed containers and add them fresh before serving to preserve their creamy and luscious qualities. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and freshness.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute coconut milk for whole milk and heavy cream to enhance the tropical flavor profile of the bread pudding. Instead of crushed pineapple, try using fresh pineapple chunks for a more textured glaze, or swap pineapple with mango for a different tropical twist. Adding toasted macadamia nuts or shredded coconut on top before baking can provide added crunch and richness. Consider infusing the custard with a splash of rum to deepen the dessert's warmth and complexity.
Allergies
This Paradise Bread Pudding may pose allergy risks for individuals sensitive to dairy, eggs, or gluten due to its inclusion of whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, and King's Hawaiian Sweet Bread containing wheat. The presence of corn starch could be problematic for those with corn allergies, while pineapple may trigger sensitivities or oral allergy syndrome in some people. Your careful attention to these ingredients is essential if you have food allergies or intolerances.
Why this recipe?
The Paradise Bread Pudding from King's Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant combines the rich, sweet flavors of Hawaiian bread with a creamy, custard base that appeals to dessert lovers seeking comfort and indulgence. Its unique texture balances softness with a slight caramelized crust, creating a memorable taste experience that stands out among traditional puddings. Your attempt to make a copycat version lets you enjoy this beloved dish at home, customizing sweetness and spice levels to perfectly suit your preference. Replicating this dessert can capture the essence of Hawaiian cuisine, making it a rewarding culinary challenge.