Global Coconut Pudding Recipes for an Exotic Dessert Spread

Irresistible for dessert lovers around the globe, coconut pudding is a versatile delight with a creamy texture and rich coconut flavor. Coconut pudding can be found in different international cuisines all around the world-from the tropical islands of the Caribbean to the fragrant kitchens of Asia. Each region adds its characteristic flavor, using local ingredients and techniques to create novel versions of this old favorite.

Experience global coconut pudding recipes and take your dessert repertoire to the next level for all the Indian dessert lovers. Be it for a dinner party or just because you crave something indulgent, this will give you the opportunity to taste coconut in entirely different exotic ways. So, let's start with a surefire coconut pudding recipe and then see how different cultures have reinvented this creamy dessert.

Recipe for Coconut Pudding

Ingredients:

• 1 can of coconut milk (400ml)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Fresh fruit or toasted coconut flakes for garnish

Method:

1. Add coconut milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt to a saucepan. Whisk well, so there are no lumps. Cook on medium heat constantly stirring until it thickens up and a little froth starts to bubble.
2. Let the heat be low and continue to stir for 2 minutes more until all starchy taste is cooked out. Take the pan off the heat and add the vanilla extract and stir to combine. Pour the pudding into serving dishes or ramekins and let cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set. Serve with fresh fruit or toasted coconut flakes on top.

10 International Coconut Puddings Recipes for Your Exotic Dessert Spread

Khanom Thai

This two-layered pudding has a creamy coconut custard set over a slightly salty rice flour base. Mix rice flour, tapioca flour, and coconut milk to make the liquid base. Steam until firm then pour over a second layer of sweetened coconut milk that has had a pinch of salt added. Steam again until set. Serve in small bowls for a traditional Thai experience.

Hawaiian Haupia

Haupia is a firm coconut pudding often served at Hawaiian luaus. Haupia is a coconut milk custard with sugar and arrowroot or cornstarch, which thickens over a stove then sets in a square pan before it's cut into squares for a cold dessert which is light yet very satisfying.

Filipino Maja Blanca

It's a creamy dessert that combines coconut milk, cornstarch, and sugar with the addition of sweet corn kernels. After thickening, it's poured into a mold and chilled. Topped with toasted coconut or latik (coconut curds), Maja Blanca is a nice balance of creamy, sweet, and nutty flavors.

Arroz con Coco, or Mexican Coconut Rice Pudding

This version of rice pudding introduces coconut milk, sugar, cinnamon, and cloves as major ingredients, with cooked rice. For an added flavor, this pudding can be mixed with rum-soaked raisins. It is served both warm and chilled, usually sprinkled with ground cinnamon for added flavor.

Malaysian Sago Gula Melaka

This dessert features sago pearls that are cooked until translucent, then mixed with rich coconut milk sauce and palm sugar syrup. The contrasting flavors of sweet, creamy, and slightly smoky make it a favorite in Malaysia. Serve chilled for that tropical treat.

Watalappan, Sri Lanka

Watalappan is a coconut custard pudding from Sri Lanka that's flavored with cardamom, nutmeg, and jaggery. It is made by whisking in eggs and using thick coconut milk, along with melted jaggery, and then baking in a water bath until set. Cashews add extra texture and flavor.

Jamaican Toto Pudding

This is a rich coconut dessert, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. Fresh grating of coconut is used mixed with flour, sugar, and spices, then baked till firm. It is a rich dessert that goes well with a cup of coffee or tea.

Vietnamese Bánh Flan

Silky custard dessert made with Coconut milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla that has a rich creamy texture. A layer of caramelized sugar coats the bottom of the mold to add a bittersweet counterpoint to the sweetness of the flan. Chill before serving.

Indian Sweet Coconut Pudding Rice

Commonly called Narali Bhath, a traditional Maharashtrian rice recipe, with the pudding-like quality making it look beautiful as a dessert. It is prepared from cooked basmati rice that has been cooked in coconut milk with jaggery and saffron and cardamom and nuts with raisins to garnish.

French Blancmange

It's a traditional French dessert made from coconut milk, almond milk, sugar, and gelatin. Poured into molds, this chilled dessert is served when set, accompanied by fresh fruits or a fruit coulis. Light, gentle sweetness makes it elegant at any dessert table.