Creating Coconut Cheesecake Bread Pudding is straightforward when you follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare Bread: In a large bowl, add the cubed stale bread and shredded coconut. Toss to combine and set aside.
3. Make Cream Cheese Mixture: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the granulated sugar and mix until well combined.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, coconut extract, salt, and cornstarch to the cream cheese mixture. Whisk until smooth and fully incorporated.
5. Combine Mixtures: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the bread and coconut. Gently fold until all the bread is coated and soaked in the mixture.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the bread pudding mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
7. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool for about 15 minutes before serving.
9. Dust with Powdered Sugar: If desired, dust the top with powdered sugar for an elegant touch before serving.

By following these steps, you’ll create a Coconut Cheesecake Bread Pudding that is both delicious and visually appealing.