Arabic Mango Bread Custard Pudding – A Middle Eastern-Inspired Summer Dessert
If you’re in the mood for a rich, chilled dessert that’s bursting with tropical flavour and creamy comfort, the Arabic Mango Bread Custard Pudding might just be your next favourite sweet treat. This easy-to-make dessert combines the softness of milk-soaked bread with a smooth mango custard and a final layer of sweet cream, making each bite velvety and refreshing. Inspired by traditional Middle Eastern bread puddings and modern fruit custards, this version is perfect for summer gatherings or a satisfying after-meal indulgence.
What makes this pudding special is its balance of familiar pantry staples and indulgent flavours. With layers of milk-dipped bread, mango custard, and sweet cream, it’s both nostalgic and exotic—ideal for anyone looking to try something unique yet comforting.
The Star Ingredient: Mango
Mangoes, the crown jewel of summer fruits, bring a natural sweetness and vibrant colour to the pudding. Rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants, mangoes also aid digestion and support immunity. In this recipe, both mango pulp and chopped fresh mango are used—first in the custard, and later as a garnish—which creates a double dose of tropical flavour and juicy freshness.
Bread: A Fluffy Foundation
Soft white bread without crusts is used to build the base of this pudding. Bread works wonderfully in absorbing the warm mango custard, allowing each slice to soften and swell with creamy richness. Layering the bread in a baking dish and pouring custard over it in stages ensures that every layer becomes moist and flavourful. This method echoes the classic Arab-style Um Ali bread pudding, where soaked bread forms the foundation of a decadent dessert.
Homemade Mango Custard: Simple Yet Decadent
To prepare the custard, custard powder is first diluted in a small amount of milk. Meanwhile, a litre of milk is brought to a gentle boil and combined with condensed milk and the custard mixture. Constant stirring ensures a smooth consistency without lumps, and once the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, it’s ready.
As the custard cools to room temperature, mango pulp is folded in. This addition not only gives the custard its fruity essence but also transforms the colour into a golden hue that looks as good as it tastes. The final texture is smooth, thick, and slightly airy—ideal for layering over the bread.
Cream Layer: The Finishing Touch
After the pudding sets in the refrigerator for a few hours, it’s time for the final layer—a mix of fresh cream and condensed milk. This creamy topping adds a luxurious richness and complements the fruity mango notes beautifully. It’s light yet indulgent, and once chilled again, gives the pudding a soft top layer that melts in your mouth.
The dish is finally garnished with chopped mango pieces and a mix of dry fruits like pistachios or almonds, adding colour, crunch, and nutrition. The dry fruits enhance the Middle Eastern feel and make the pudding look festive and appealing.
Why You Should Try This Dessert ?
The Arabic Mango Bread Custard Pudding is ideal for summer because it’s served chilled, is made from seasonal fruits, and offers a unique texture with every spoonful. It can be made in advance and stored in the fridge, making it a convenient dessert for parties, Ramadan gatherings, or weekend treats. Plus, it tastes even better the next day when all the flavours have settled in, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert option.
Final Thoughts
This pudding is where simplicity meets luxury. Whether you’re new to Middle Eastern desserts or simply want to make the most of mango season, Arabic Mango Bread Custard Pudding brings together tradition, freshness, and indulgence in one elegant dish. It’s creamy, fruity, and incredibly satisfying—a must-try this summer!
