Try this Coconut Milk Pudding for a Tropical and Dairy-free Dessert Option

There is a big list of dessert recipes that can be heavy on your pocket as well as on your waistline (not that you need to care about the latter). However, if you are one to go for lighter and healthier alternatives, then this dairy-free coconut milk pudding has the absolute potential to transport you to an island during a tropical sunset. With its creamy and indulgent goodness made from the richness of coconut milk, the sweetness of sugar, and a hint of vanilla, this dish is the ultimate sweet delight.

Coconut milk is one of the best dairy substitutes as it is loaded with good fats and protein. It is richly creamy and the flavor of coconut makes it an excellent choice for a pudding base.

Coconut Milk Pudding:

Ingredients:

• 401 ml coconut milk
• 152 gm sugar
• 33 gm cornstarch
• A pinch of salt
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• Fruit
• Coconut flakes
• Coconut (preferably grated)
• Mint leaves

Method:

1. First, you need to combine the coconut milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan.
2. Then, you have to whisk the mixture thoroughly until the cornstarch dissolves. This avoids lumps in the pudding when cooked.
3. You need to cook the mixture on medium heat, constantly stirring, until it thickens up and boils.
4. You can reduce the heat and cook for five minutes more.
5. No, you have to turn the stove off and stir in vanilla extract.
6. Next, you are going to pour the pudding into individual small cups or large serving dishes.
7. It is important that you allow the puddings to chill for at least two hours, or preferably overnightWhen you serve them, you need to remember to add some toppings over them to make them aesthetically pleasing.

There are some easy tips and tricks to help you achieve the most delicious version of this dessert. In order to get a thicker pudding, you need to use full-fat coconut milk.

Puddings are known to be quite sweet, so you can add a pinch of salt to offset the sugariness.

You can also experiment by adding different flavor extracts such as almond or lemon. It is advisable that you incorporate fresh chopped fruit, dried fruits, or nuts for texture.

If your pudding comes out really thick, you need to add a little coconut milk. If it is thinner than your preference, you have to add more cornstarch, tapioca starch, or arrowroot powder to it. You can choose to add cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to give the pudding a different flavor.

If you want to make it rich with fruits, you can toss in some diced mangoes, pineapples, or kiwis. Coconut is such a versatile base flavor that it would easily incorporate almost all other tropical flavors. If you are a fan of heavier desserts, you may use coconut cream instead of coconut milk. For an exotic touch to your pudding, you can add a pinch of saffron. Both the color and the taste of the pudding will become more vibrant with this addition.

For an even healthier version, you can switch up the sweeteners with honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar. You should buy fresh coconuts from the market rather than preserved coconut puree or shredded coconut for this dessert. This is because the fresh ones would have a certain fragrance and juiciness that would give your dessert signature flavors.

There are some beautiful ways in which you can serve this dessert. First of all, you can top it with some toasted coconut flakes. What would take its presentation to a whole new level would be if you could procure some coconut shells, clean them up well, pour the pudding in them, and top them with tiny decorative umbrellas while serving this dish to your party. However, if you would like something low-effort, there is always the classic whipped coconut cream that you can generously spread over the pudding.

Coconut milk is rich in MCTs that facilitate immune function and energy production.

So, you can now prepare this coconut milk pudding to have a delectable tropical dairy-free dessert, and share it with friends and family. It can also be served as one of the classic Thanksgiving dessert recipes for family dinners or even for quiet birthday celebrations with your close ones.