Spiced Coconut and Tiki-Style Rum Bread Pudding

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Warm bread pudding infused with rum, coconut milk, and tropical spices for a comforting tiki-inspired dessert. This caribbean-inspired desserts ready in about 70 minutes layers cubed day-old brioche bread, coconut milk, dark rum into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 50 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 9x9-inch baking dish with 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter to prevent sticking.
  2. Step 2: Place 6 cups cubed day-old brioche bread into a large mixing bowl.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups coconut milk, 1/4 cup dark rum, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 3 large eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg until smooth and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour the coconut-rum custard over the bread cubes and gently press down to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid. Let soak for 15 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Transfer the soaked bread mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is set but slightly wobbly in the center.
  6. Step 6: Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Sprinkle 1/4 cup toasted shredded coconut evenly over the top before serving warm.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Coconut and Tiki-Style Rum Bread Pudding take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (20 min prep + 50 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Spiced Coconut and Tiki-Style Rum Bread Pudding?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Coconut and Tiki-Style Rum Bread Pudding?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Spiced Coconut and Tiki-Style Rum Bread Pudding for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Spiced Coconut and Tiki-Style Rum Bread Pudding?

Caribbean desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.