Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this Coconut Cheesecake Bread Pudding! It’s like a tropical vacation for your taste buds, combining the creamy goodness of cheesecake with the cozy, nostalgic feel of warm bread pudding. I remember the first time I made it; the sweet smell of coconut filled my kitchen, and I couldn’t wait to dig in! This dessert is not just a treat; it’s a hug in a bowl. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be dreaming about it long after it’s gone. Perfect for family gatherings or just a sweet night in!
Ingredients for Coconut Cheesecake Bread Pudding
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this heavenly dessert. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up your own Coconut Cheesecake Bread Pudding:
- 4 cups of cubed bread: I usually go for a nice French or challah bread; it adds such a lovely texture!
- 1 can (14 oz) of coconut milk: This is where the tropical vibes come from. Make sure to shake it well before opening!
- 1 cup of cream cheese, softened: For that rich cheesecake flavor. Let it sit out for a bit to soften up; it’ll mix in so much easier!
- 3/4 cup of sugar: Just the right amount to sweeten things up without overpowering the coconut flavor.
- 4 large eggs: These are essential for binding everything together and giving that custardy texture!
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the whole dish. I love using pure vanilla extract for the best flavor!
- 1 cup of shredded coconut: You can use sweetened or unsweetened, depending on your taste preference. I like a mix for texture!
- 1/2 tsp of salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance all those delicious flavors.
With these ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to creating a comforting and utterly delicious Coconut Cheesecake Bread Pudding that everyone will love!
How to Prepare Coconut Cheesecake Bread Pudding
Alright, let’s get you on the path to making this delightful Coconut Cheesecake Bread Pudding! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a warm, comforting dessert that’ll impress everyone.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your pudding bakes evenly. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step; otherwise, your pudding might not set just right!
Step 2: Prepare the Bread Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, toss together your 4 cups of cubed bread and 1 cup of shredded coconut. I find that using my hands works best for this part! Just gently mix them until the bread is well-coated with the coconut. You want that coconut to get cozy with the bread cubes; it adds such a fantastic texture!
Step 3: Create the Custard Mixture
Now, let’s whip up that luscious custard! In another bowl, combine the 1 can of coconut milk, 1 cup of softened cream cheese, 3/4 cup of sugar, 4 large eggs, 1 tsp of vanilla extract, and 1/2 tsp of salt. I like to use an electric mixer for this, but you can also go old school with a whisk. Blend everything until it’s super smooth and creamy—this is the magic that binds the bread and coconut together!
Step 4: Combine and Soak
Pour that dreamy custard mixture over your bread and coconut blend. Give it a gentle stir to make sure all the bread cubes are soaked in the custard goodness. Now, here’s the crucial part—let it sit for 30 minutes. This soaking time allows the bread to absorb all those delightful flavors and helps create that perfect custardy texture!
Step 5: Bake the Pudding
Transfer your mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden and set; a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Ah, the smell wafting through your kitchen will be heavenly!
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, let your Coconut Cheesecake Bread Pudding cool for a bit. It’s tempting to dig in right away, but giving it about 10-15 minutes will help it set up nicely. Serve it warm, and if you’re feeling extra indulgent, top it with whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate. Enjoy every bite of this tropical delight!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a quick and easy dessert that comes together in just over an hour!
- The rich coconut and cheesecake flavors create a heavenly combination that’s simply irresistible.
- Each bite is warm, comforting, and has that delightful custardy texture that reminds you of home.
- Perfect for serving at gatherings or as a cozy night-in treat that everyone will rave about!
- Leftovers (if there are any!) taste just as good the next day, making it a great make-ahead dessert.
Tips for Success
Making the perfect Coconut Cheesecake Bread Pudding is all about the little details! Here are my top tips to ensure your dessert turns out fabulously every time:
- Use Day-Old Bread: If you can, use bread that’s a day or two old. It’ll soak up the custard better and avoid becoming too mushy. Fresh bread can sometimes get soggy, so this is a game changer!
- Mix the Custard Well: Make sure your custard mixture is smooth and well-blended. Any lumps from the cream cheese can lead to uneven texture. If you’re having trouble, a blender works wonders!
- Don’t Rush the Soaking: Letting the bread soak for the full 30 minutes is crucial. This step is where all the flavors meld together, so don’t skip it or cut it short!
- Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so start checking your pudding a few minutes before the 45-minute mark. You want that golden top and a clean toothpick when testing for doneness.
- Cool Before Serving: Giving your pudding time to cool for about 10-15 minutes after baking helps it firm up and makes it easier to slice. Plus, it’s a great way to let the flavors settle!
- Get Creative with Toppings: While whipped cream and chocolate drizzle are fantastic, don’t shy away from adding fresh fruit, toasted coconut, or even a scoop of ice cream for a delightful twist!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this Coconut Cheesecake Bread Pudding, so get ready for some deliciousness!
Nutritional Information
When indulging in this Coconut Cheesecake Bread Pudding, it’s good to know what you’re treating yourself to! Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional values per serving (1 slice):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 6g
Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But hey, a little indulgence now and then is totally worth it, right? Enjoy every delicious bite of this comforting dessert!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of bread for this Coconut Cheesecake Bread Pudding?
Absolutely! While I love using French or challah bread for its texture, you can experiment with brioche or even whole wheat bread. Just keep in mind that different breads may change the flavor and texture a bit, but it’s all about finding your favorite!
What can I substitute for coconut milk?
If you’re not a fan of coconut milk, you can use whole milk or heavy cream as a substitute. Just remember, you’ll miss out on that tropical flavor, so perhaps add a bit of coconut extract to bring back some of that essence!
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of this delicious Coconut Cheesecake Bread Pudding, simply use gluten-free bread. There are great options out there that will work beautifully in this recipe, allowing everyone to enjoy it!
Can I prepare this Coconut Cheesecake Bread Pudding in advance?
Yes, you can! You can assemble the whole dish a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake. It might need a few extra minutes in the oven if it’s cold from the fridge, so keep an eye on it!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. It’s delicious warm, but I have to admit, I love it cold too!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Coconut Cheesecake Bread Pudding properly will keep it delicious for days! Once it’s completely cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for about 3 days—if it lasts that long! When you’re ready to indulge again, you can reheat it in the microwave for a quick treat, or warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Just cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out. Trust me, it’s just as comforting the next day, and I might even say it tastes better after those flavors have had a chance to mingle!
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Carrot Date Almond Cake with Cardamom Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful cake combining the natural sweetness of carrots and dates with the rich flavor of almonds, topped with luxurious cardamom cream.
Ingredients
- 200 g (1 ½ cups) grated carrots
- 150 g (1 cup) chopped dates
- 100 g (1 cup) ground almonds
- 150 g (1 ¼ cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 100 g (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted
- 150 g (¾ cup) brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs
- 60 ml (¼ cup) milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 100 g (½ cup) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp heavy cream
- ¼ tsp ground cardamom
Instructions
- Prep the ingredients by grating the carrots and chopping the dates.
- Mix the dry ingredients in a medium bowl.
- Combine the wet ingredients in a large bowl until smooth.
- Fold in the grated carrots, chopped dates, and ground almonds into the wet mixture.
- Pour the batter into a prepared cake pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes.
- Prepare the cardamom cream while the cake is baking.
- Cool the cake, then drizzle the cardamom cream over the top before serving.
Notes
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake light and airy.
- Use measuring cups for accuracy in ingredient quantities.
- Line the cake pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Check for doneness with a toothpick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Carrot Cake, Date Cake, Almond Cake, Cardamom Cream, Baking Recipe
