There is something irresistibly comforting and delightfully tropical about Pineapple Bread Pudding Recipe. This dish takes the humble bread pudding to new heights by adding juicy pineapple tidbits, creating a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and custardy textures. Whether you’re craving a warm dessert or a unique side that surprises your guests, this pineapple-infused twist will quickly become a cherished recipe in your kitchen repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward this magical dish, and luckily, they are simple yet essential. Each one plays a special role in delivering a flavorful, luscious, and perfectly textured Pineapple Bread Pudding Recipe that will charm everyone at your table.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Melted to add richness and moisture throughout the pudding.
- Granulated sugar (1½ cups): Sweetens the custard base for that classic dessert feel.
- Large eggs (3): Bind everything together and create the custardy texture that bread pudding is famous for.
- Milk (1 cup): Gives the dish its creamy softness and helps soak the bread cubes.
- Pineapple tidbits (20 ounces): Adds vibrant tropical flavor and juicy bursts that contrast beautifully with the custard.
- Stale bread cubes (4 cups): The sturdy foundation that soaks up the custard and holds the pudding together.
How to Make Pineapple Bread Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. Then, grab a large casserole dish about 9×13 inches in size and spray it generously with nonstick spray so your pudding won’t stick later on. This simple prep ensures smooth baking and easy serving.
Step 2: Mix the Butter, Sugar, Eggs, and Milk
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with granulated sugar until smooth and glossy. Next, stir in the beaten eggs and milk slowly to blend everything into a rich, creamy custard that will soak perfectly into the bread.
Step 3: Add Pineapple and Juice
Open your can of pineapple tidbits and pour in both the fruit and the remaining juice (you’ll want to drain just half the juice before adding). This addition brings brightness and a lovely tropical tang that will make your Pineapple Bread Pudding Recipe truly stand out.
Step 4: Fold in the Bread Cubes
Gently fold in the stale bread cubes to the pineapple custard mix. Take your time here to avoid crushing the bread, as you want those soft, soaked cubes to retain some of their shape to give the pudding wonderful texture.
Step 5: Transfer to the Casserole Dish
Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly so every corner will cook perfectly and absorb the custard flavors.
Step 6: Bake Until Set
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. This slow, gentle baking makes the custard firm up just right, with juicy pockets of pineapple throughout.
Step 7: Optional Topping
If you’re feeling a little extra flair, sprinkle brown sugar or cinnamon sugar on top for a caramelized crust that adds a subtle crunchy sweetness.
Step 8: Serve
Your Pineapple Bread Pudding Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed as a comforting dessert or a unique side — either way, it’s a delight for the senses.
How to Serve Pineapple Bread Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a garnish can elevate your Pineapple Bread Pudding Recipe to show-stopping status. Try a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes to complement the tropical flavors and add a touch of elegance.
Side Dishes
This pudding works wonderfully as a side dish alongside spiced meats or even a light salad. If you’re serving it as a main dessert, pair it with fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic finish that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not serve your Pineapple Bread Pudding Recipe in individual ramekins for a personal touch? Or, try layering it with coconut cream and pineapple slices in a trifle dish to impress guests with both taste and presentation. The possibilities are as fun as they are delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying this delightful pudding, store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. It should stay moist and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick snacks or last-minute desserts.
Freezing
If you want to make Pineapple Bread Pudding Recipe ahead of time, it freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, pop a portion into the oven at 325°F, covered loosely with foil, for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. This keeps the pudding moist and prevents it from drying out, making every bite taste freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple adds extra brightness and a bit more texture. Just be sure to drain any excess juice to avoid making the mixture too watery.
What type of bread works best for this recipe?
Stale bread is ideal because it absorbs the custard without becoming mushy. A sturdy white bread or brioche works wonderfully, but avoid overly dense or sweet breads to keep the flavors balanced.
Can I add other fruits or nuts?
Yes! Pineapple pairs beautifully with toasted coconut, macadamia nuts, or even raisins. Feel free to get creative, but keep the balance of moisture in mind so the pudding sets properly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The original recipe uses regular bread, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free bread, and ensure all other ingredients are labeled gluten-free.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can adapt the Pineapple Bread Pudding Recipe by using plant-based milk, vegan butter, and egg substitutes like flax eggs. The texture and flavor might shift slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — a wonderfully inviting Pineapple Bread Pudding Recipe that brings warmth, sweetness, and a splash of sunshine to your table. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to bring smiles and maybe even some happy dance moves. Dive in and enjoy every luscious bite!
Print
Pineapple Bread Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pineapple Bread Pudding is a delightful twist on a classic dessert, combining the tropical sweetness of pineapple with tender, custardy bread baked to perfection. With its rich buttery base and moist texture, it’s perfect served warm as a comforting dessert or even a unique side dish.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (57 grams, melted – ½ stick)
- 3 large eggs (150 grams, beaten)
- 1 cup milk (227 grams)
Dry Ingredients
- 1½ cups granulated sugar (300 grams)
- 4 cups stale bread cubes (176 grams)
Fruit
- 20 ounces pineapple tidbits (567 grams, drained of half the juice, about 1 can)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Lightly spray a large casserole dish, about 9×13 inches or 2.5 quarts, with nonstick spray and set it aside.
- Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir them together until fully incorporated to create a sweet, buttery base.
- Add Eggs and Milk: Beat the eggs thoroughly, then stir them into the butter-sugar mixture along with the milk, blending well to form a custard-like liquid.
- Incorporate Pineapple: Add the pineapple tidbits along with the remaining juice you kept, and stir to evenly distribute the fruit throughout the custard mixture.
- Fold in Bread Cubes: Gently fold in the stale bread cubes, taking care not to crush them so they can absorb the liquid mixture without becoming mushy.
- Transfer and Bake: Pour the complete mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.
- Optional Topping: Once baked, sprinkle the top with brown sugar or cinnamon sugar if desired for an extra touch of sweetness and flavor.
- Serve: Let the pudding cool slightly then serve warm as a comforting dessert or a flavorful side dish, perfect for gatherings or family meals.
Notes
- Using stale bread is key as it soaks up the custard better without getting too soggy.
- Drain half the juice from the canned pineapple to keep the pudding from becoming too wet.
- For a richer pudding, consider using half-and-half instead of milk.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated.
- Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg before baking can add a warm spice note.
