Vegan Coconut Pudding: Simple Recipes for Plant-Based Desserts

Coconut pudding is smooth, comforting, and intrinsically delicious. For the plant-based dessert lover, it presents a perfect dairy-free replacement, still rich yet gentle to the stomach. Whether you are a vegan or just looking for more dairy-free treats, coconut pudding is an easy and rewarding dessert option.

The natural sweetness of coconut really makes it perfect for experimenting and using Indian inspired ingredients. Anything from jaggery to freshly used fruits and a lot else can be enhanced in this wholesome vegan dessert in a variety of ways. Beauty lies in how versatile coconut pudding is, it works as a fantastic, chilled summer delight or as something warm for cozier winter afternoons.

Here's a simple vegan coconut pudding recipe, along with seven innovative ways to give it a creative twist using ingredients popular in India.

Vegan Coconut Pudding Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups coconut milk
• 1/2 cup jaggery or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup water
• Grated coconut for garnish

Method:

• Dissolve cornstarch in water in a small bowl until smooth.
• Heat coconut milk and jaggery in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously.
• Slowly whisk in the cornstarch mixture into the saucepan.
• Thicken the mixture over 5-7 minutes, making sure there are no lumps in the mixture.
• Remove from the heat and mix in vanilla extract and salt.
• Pour into your serving dishes, let it reach room temperature and refrigerate at least 2 hours before eating.
• Serve by garnishing grated coconut.

7 Vegan Coconut Pudding: Simple Recipes for Plant-Based Desserts

Jaggery and Cardamom Coconut Pudding

Replace jaggery and crushed cardamom pods that infuse fragrant spice throughout the pudding and give it that warm, caramel-like notes so well. Its wholesome and fragrant version with earthy aroma can be presented in clay pots.

Mango Coconut Pudding

Blend fresh mango puree into the coconut mixture before setting the pudding. The natural sweetness of mango pairs beautifully with coconut, creating a vibrant dessert. Top with chopped pistachios for an extra layer of crunch.

Chia Seed Coconut Pudding

Mix coconut milk with chia seeds and let it sit overnight. The seeds absorb the liquid, creating a thick, pudding-like consistency. Sweeten with date syrup and serve with fresh berries for a nutritious treat.

Coconut Saffron Pudding

Soak a few saffron strands in warm coconut milk before adding it to the pudding mixture. The saffron adds a rich golden hue and subtle, luxurious taste. Add the slivered almonds as garnish for a festive touch.

Coconut and Banana Pudding

Mash ripe bananas right into the pudding and chill the mixture. There is a gorgeous sweetness and great texture from these bananas, really making it heavenly. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for nice contrast.

Rose and Pistachio Coconut Pudding

Add a few drops of rose water to the pudding for delicate floral notes. Garnish with crushed pistachios and dried rose petals to make it look visually appealing, fragrant, and great for celebrations.

Chocolate Coconut Pudding

Mix in unsweetened cocoa powder or melted dark chocolate to make a decadent chocolatey version. Sweeten with coconut sugar and top with grated coconut and cacao nibs for a great finish.