Tropical bread pudding

6 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
6ouncesFrench bread, sliced 1/2\"
Thick
3Medium bananas, sliced
½cupFlaked or shredded coconut
1tablespoonFresh lemon juice
4Eggs
cupPacked brown sugar
cupHalf-and-half
1cupMilk
1teaspoonVanilla
Powdered sugar
Banana slices

Directions

Arrange half the bread in the bottom of a greased 9-inch square baking pan. In a bowl, toss the bananas, coconut, and lemon juice; distribute evenly over the bread layer, and top with the remaining bread. In a bowl, beat the eggs and brown sugar. Beat in the half-and-half, milk, and vanilla to blend thoroughly. Pour over the bread, and press the bread down slightly to saturate it completely.

Bake in a 400F oven until the bread is browned and the custard is set, 45-55 minutes. Cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar, and garnish with additional banana slices. Serve warm. Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, if desired.