Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh pineapple works beautifully, but you'll need to crush it yourself (a food processor works well) and you might want to add 1-2 tablespoons of the juice since fresh pineapple tends to be less sweet than canned.

My bread pudding seems too dry/too wet. What went wrong?

Bread pudding texture depends greatly on your bread type. Very fresh bread absorbs less liquid, while very stale bread soaks up more. If your pudding seems dry during mixing, add 1/4 cup milk. If it seems too wet, add another handful of bread cubes or bake it a few minutes longer.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Replace the butter with coconut oil for a complementary flavor that works beautifully with the pineapple. The result is slightly different but equally delicious with a subtle tropical undertone.

Is there a way to make this less sweet?

You can reduce the white sugar to 3/4 cup without significantly affecting the texture. The pineapple provides natural sweetness, but I wouldn't recommend cutting the sugar further as it affects the structure of the pudding.

Pineapple Bread Pudding Recipe

Name: Pineapple Bread Pudding Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup butter (1 stick), melted; 1 cup white sugar; 6 eggs; ½ tablespoon vanilla extract; 6 thick slices of white bread, cubed; 1 20oz can crushed pineapple, drained; ½ cup packed brown sugar

This Pineapple Bread Pudding transforms ordinary ingredients into something truly magical – a warm, comforting dessert with tropical sweetness in every bite. The crushed pineapple adds a refreshing twist to classic bread pudding, creating a perfectly balanced treat that’s both nostalgic and exciting. With minimal prep work and everyday ingredients, this recipe delivers impressive results that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortlessly Impressive: Creates a show-stopping dessert with minimal effort – perfect when you need something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Budget-Friendly Luxury: Uses simple, affordable ingredients to create a dessert that tastes far more sophisticated than the sum of its parts.
Versatile Comfort Food: Works beautifully as a casual family dessert or dressed up for special occasions with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Make-Ahead Marvel: Can be prepared in advance and reheated, actually improving in flavor after a day in the refrigerator.

Ingredients You’ll Need

White Bread: Forms the foundation of the pudding, soaking up all the delicious flavors. Thick-sliced white bread works best, but day-old bread is even better as it absorbs more of the custard mixture.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create that gorgeous golden crust. Use unsalted if you want more control over the overall sweetness.
White Sugar: Sweetens the custard base and helps create a beautiful texture. Don’t reduce this too much as it’s essential for the structure.
Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the pudding. They’re the binding agents that transform bread and liquid into a cohesive, sliceable dessert.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor profile.
Crushed Pineapple: The star ingredient that adds tropical sweetness and moisture. Make sure to drain it well to avoid a soggy pudding.
Brown Sugar: Creates a delicious caramelized top crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft pudding below. Don’t skip this finishing touch!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Tropical Paradise Version

Add 1/2 cup toasted coconut flakes to the mixture and garnish with more coconut on top before serving for a piña colada inspired treat.

Boozy Adult Edition

Add 2 tablespoons of dark rum or coconut rum to the custard mixture for a sophisticated flavor upgrade.

Nutty Delight

Incorporate 1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts or pecans for delightful texture contrast.

Berry Blend

Mix in a cup of fresh blueberries or strawberries alongside the pineapple for a colorful fruit medley version.

How to Make Pineapple Bread Pudding

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Generously grease an 8×8 baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Preheat your oven to 350°F so it’s fully heated when your pudding is ready to bake.

Step 2: Create the Custard Base

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and white sugar until they’re well combined and slightly airy. The mixture should look smooth and glossy.

Step 3: Add the Eggs

Beat in the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each egg before adding the next. This ensures a smooth, evenly textured custard base without any streaks of egg white.

Step 4: Incorporate Vanilla

Stir in the vanilla extract, making sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 5: Add Bread and Pineapple

Gently fold in the cubed bread and drained crushed pineapple, ensuring every piece of bread is coated with the custard mixture. Let it sit for about 5 minutes so the bread can absorb the liquid.

Step 6: Transfer and Top

Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the top in an even layer.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 50-55 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly. A knife inserted in the center should come out mostly clean.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Bread Selection Matters: Slightly stale bread works wonders in this recipe as it absorbs more flavor without falling apart.
Perfect Drainage: Really take time to drain that pineapple well – excess liquid can make your pudding soggy rather than custardy.
Rest Period: Allow the mixed ingredients to rest for 5-10 minutes before baking to give the bread time to fully absorb the custard.
Visual Doneness Cue: Look for a puffed center and golden-brown top – the pudding will settle as it cools.
Temperature Check: If you’re uncertain about doneness, the internal temperature should reach about 160°F when fully baked.

How to Serve

Warm Indulgence

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts into the pudding, creating a beautiful sauce that perfectly complements the pineapple flavor.

Breakfast Twist

Believe it or not, this makes an extraordinary breakfast treat served with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey.

Party Presentation

For dinner parties, serve in individual ramekins topped with a brûléed sugar crust and fresh pineapple slices for an elegant presentation.

Sauce Pairings

A warm rum sauce or vanilla custard sauce poured over the top elevates this from homey dessert to restaurant-quality indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen and improve overnight!

Freezing

This pudding freezes surprisingly well. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. The texture remains remarkably good after thawing.

Reheating

For the best texture when reheating, warm individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or place the entire pudding (if refrigerated, not frozen) in a 300°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh pineapple works beautifully, but you’ll need to crush it yourself (a food processor works well) and you might want to add 1-2 tablespoons of the juice since fresh pineapple tends to be less sweet than canned.
My bread pudding seems too dry/too wet. What went wrong?

Bread pudding texture depends greatly on your bread type. Very fresh bread absorbs less liquid, while very stale bread soaks up more. If your pudding seems dry during mixing, add 1/4 cup milk. If it seems too wet, add another handful of bread cubes or bake it a few minutes longer.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Replace the butter with coconut oil for a complementary flavor that works beautifully with the pineapple. The result is slightly different but equally delicious with a subtle tropical undertone.
Is there a way to make this less sweet?

You can reduce the white sugar to 3/4 cup without significantly affecting the texture. The pineapple provides natural sweetness, but I wouldn’t recommend cutting the sugar further as it affects the structure of the pudding.

Final Thoughts

This Pineapple Bread Pudding brings together simple ingredients to create something truly special. It’s the perfect recipe when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to fuss with complicated techniques or specialty ingredients. The contrast between the caramelized top, soft custardy center, and bursts of pineapple makes each bite a delightful experience. Whether for a family dessert or a dinner party finale, this pudding never disappoints!