Coconut Cream Bread Pudding
This delightful Coconut Cream Bread Pudding is a charming twist on the classic bread and butter pudding, inspired by the Dominican nuns of Worcestershire, England. Known as 'White Ladies Pudding,' this sublime dessert showcases the creamy richness of whole milk and the delicate sweetness of golden granulated sugar, while the desiccated coconut brings a tropical flair. This version maintains the spirit of the original recipe but enhances the flavors with a velvety custard base, inviting you to indulge in every creamy bite. Perfect as a comforting dessert for family gatherings or a sweet treat for oneself, this pudding is not only a nod to history but also a modern classic awaiting revival in your kitchen.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Golden granulated sugar
50 (measured)
Desiccated coconut
125 (for sprinkling in layers)
White bread
6-8 slices (crusts removed and thickly buttered)
Whole milk
600 (warmed)
Vanilla essence
to taste (added to milk mixture)
Salt
1 pinch (added to milk mixture)
Eggs
3 (beaten)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F/Gas 4).
2
Grease a pie dish with butter, then scatter half of the desiccated coconut evenly over the bottom.
3
Remove the crusts from the white bread slices and generously butter each slice. Cut the buttered bread into triangles and layer them in the pie dish, neatly arranging them over the coconut.
4
Sprinkle the remaining desiccated coconut over the arranged bread triangles for an added texture and flavor boost.
5
In a saucepan, gently heat the whole milk until warm (not boiling). Remove from heat and add a few drops of vanilla essence along with a pinch of salt.
6
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs and golden granulated sugar until combined, and then slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture while continuously stirring.
7
Carefully pour the custard mixture over the layered bread in the pie dish, ensuring all bread pieces are well soaked.
8
Allow the pudding to soak for 30 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the bread to soften.
9
Place the pie dish into a roasting tin and fill the tin with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the pie dish, creating a bain-marie.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the pudding is set, golden brown, and has risen beautifully.
11
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving, preferably with a drizzle of warm custard, a dollop of cream, or a scoop of ice cream.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Coconut Cream Bread Pudding?
It is a creamy twist on the classic bread and butter pudding featuring desiccated coconut and whole milk for a tropical flair.
What is the historical inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the Dominican nuns of Worcestershire, England, and is known as 'White Ladies Pudding'.
How many eggs are required for the custard?
The recipe requires 3 beaten eggs to create the velvety custard base.
What type of sugar is used in this pudding?
Golden granulated sugar is used to provide a delicate sweetness to the dessert.
How much desiccated coconut is needed?
A total of 125 grams of desiccated coconut is used for layering and sprinkling.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 180°C, which is equivalent to 350°F or Gas Mark 4.
Should the bread crusts be removed?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the crusts should be removed from the white bread slices.
How should the bread be prepared before layering?
The bread should be generously buttered and then cut into triangles.
What type of milk is recommended?
Whole milk is used to ensure the pudding has a rich and creamy consistency.
When should the vanilla essence be added?
Add a few drops of vanilla essence to the milk after it has been gently warmed and removed from the heat.
Do I need to add salt to the recipe?
Yes, a pinch of salt is added to the milk mixture to help balance the flavors.
How is the coconut layered in the dish?
Scatter half of the coconut on the bottom of the greased dish and sprinkle the remaining half over the arranged bread.
How long should the pudding soak before baking?
The pudding should soak for 30 minutes to allow the bread to soften and the flavors to meld.
What is a bain-marie and how is it used here?
A bain-marie is a water bath; place the pie dish in a roasting tin filled halfway with hot water to ensure even cooking.
How long does the pudding take to bake?
The pudding takes between 30 to 40 minutes to bake in the preheated oven.
How do I know when the pudding is finished cooking?
The pudding is done when it is set, has a golden brown color, and has risen beautifully.
What are the best serving suggestions?
It is best served slightly cooled with a drizzle of warm custard, cream, or a scoop of ice cream.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Coconut Cream Bread Pudding is a vegetarian-friendly dessert.
How many slices of bread are needed?
The recipe calls for 6 to 8 slices of white bread.
Can I boil the milk for the custard?
No, you should gently heat the milk until it is warm but not boiling.
What kind of bread is best for this recipe?
Standard white bread is used to create the classic texture for this pudding.
How do I mix the eggs and milk?
Whisk the eggs and sugar first, then slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture while continuously stirring.
What should I use to grease the pie dish?
The pie dish should be greased with butter before adding any ingredients.
What is the general flavor profile of this dish?
It is a sweet and comforting dessert with a tropical coconut flavor and a creamy custard texture.
Does the recipe require specific preparation for the coconut?
The desiccated coconut is used as-is for sprinkling and layering throughout the dish.
Can I serve this pudding cold?
While it is preferably served warm, it can also be enjoyed after it has cooled down.
Is this a traditional British dessert?
Yes, it is considered a British dessert with a tropical twist, originating from Worcestershire.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: sugar, coconut, bread, milk, vanilla, salt, and eggs.
What is the texture of the finished pudding?
The finished pudding has a velvety, soft texture with a slight crunch from the baked coconut.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy recipe that is perfect for family gatherings.