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    Home » Recipes » Sweet Recipes

    Coconut Cream Pudding

    Mar 6, 2021 | by Jennifer | Last Updated: Jul 5, 2021

    Jump to Recipe

    This easy, creamy and delicious coconut pudding is coconut cream pie, without the pie part. A great coconut dessert to enjoy anytime.

    If you're a fan of coconut cream pie, you will love this pudding. It's the pie without the pie part. Creamy, full of coconut flavour and a great dessert to enjoy any time.

    Enjoy these puddings as individual servings, as I have done here, or just pour it into a bowl and spoon it out from there. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and some toasted coconut.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredient Notes
    • Step-by-Step Photos
    • Cook's Notes
    • Recipe
    • Comments, Questions and Reviews

    Ingredient Notes

    Coconut Milk - full-fat coconut milk is recommended, for best results. I haven't tested this recipe with light or reduced fat coconut milk. It may work, though I suspect it will produce a thinner pudding.

    Whole Milk or Half and Half Cream - I enjoy this pudding with full-fat whole milk (3.5% b.f.), though you can also use Half and Half Cream (10% b.f.), for a richer pudding, if you like. 2% milk may work, though I haven't tested it.

    You may be able to use a non-dairy milk here, though I haven't tested it myself. You may also be able to use all coconut milk, though again, I haven't tested it. (If you do, let me know how it works).

    Coconut - Any coconut is fine here (shredded, flaked, desiccated). Use what you have or what texture you prefer in the pudding. Sweetened coconut is recommended for best results.

    Eggs - As this is a custard pudding, the eggs are needed for the pudding to set, so can't be omitted.

    You will also need - white sugar, cornstarch, salt, vanilla.

    Step-by-Step Photos

    photo collage of making coconut pudding 1

    1. Start by combining all the ingredients except the coconut and the vanilla in a large saucepan. The process involves heating the mixture slowly over medium-low heat. This will take 10-15 minutes. Be patient. We need to warm the eggs slowly, so they don't suddenly cook and you have a pot of scrambled eggs. Watch and stir regularly to start. As the mixture warms, stir constantly, so you can judge when it is is done and quickly get it off the heat.

    photo collage of making coconut pudding 1

    2. I start with a whisk, to make sure the mixture is nice and smooth to start. As it cooks, switch to a spoon, as it is easier to judge when the mixture is starting to thicken and nearing boiling. Once the pudding is getting close to done, I switch back to the whisk, to keep the pudding smooth. (If lumps appear, it isn't a fail. You can generally whisk them out or pour through a sieve before adding the coconut). When the pudding is done, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the coconut and vanilla. From there, you can ladle into individual serving dishes or into one large bowl.

    Refrigerate the pudding at least 2 hours, but it will be even better after 3 or 4 hours of refrigeration. If you like a skin on your pudding (my husband does, for sure!), leave the pudding uncovered in the fridge. If you don't want a skin, let the plastic wrap come into contact with the top of the pudding as it refrigerates.

    Cook's Notes

    • You can use either whole milk or half and half cream for this pudding, or you can split the difference and use half of each. I find the pudding make with whole milk quite satisfying for basic, everyday family eating. Adding some or all half and half produces a richer and slightly thicker pudding, which is nice for a special dessert.
    • As this is an egg based pudding, you need to heat the mixture slowly, so keep the stove at the medium-low setting and be patient. You don't want to cook the mixture to a full boil, but just to the point where one bubble will break the surface or when the mixture noticeably thickens. Sometimes, the mixture will curdle, meaning you'll notice lumps in it. Generally a vigorous whisk will smooth in out or an immersion blender at the end of cooking, but before adding the coconut. You can also pour it through a fine sieve into a bowl before adding the coconut, as well.
    • You will get about 4 large ramekins or 6 smaller ramekins, if making individual portions.
    • Some may be wondering about adding coconut extract to this pudding. I don't love extracts in general, as I never find the taste particularly pleasing and I don't like the aftertaste. I just tend to prefer natural flavour, even if it isn't quite as forward as when using an extract. But that's just me. If you want to add a half teaspoon or so, go right ahead.
    • The pudding will keep in the fridge for several days, though after a certain point (48-hours-ish), it will start to thin actually, as the liquid separates from the solids. It's still fine to eat. You can stir it back together and enjoy.

    coconut cream pudding in ramekin 

    Recipe

    coconut cream pudding in ramekins with whipped cream on top

    Coconut Cream Pudding

    Easy, creamy and delicious, this pudding is coconut cream pie without the pie part. Will make 4 large or 6 smaller ramekins, or just place into one large bowl and spoon it out.
    Author: Jennifer
    5 stars from 4 ratings
    Print it Pin it + Collection Go to Collections Share by Email
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Refrigeration Time: 2 hrs
    Total Time 2 hrs 30 mins
    Course Dessert
    Servings 6 servings

    Ingredients
     

    • 14 oz full-fat coconut milk, not light or fat-reduced (400ml)
    • 1 1/4 cups whole milk (3.5%) or half and half cream (10%), or half of each
    • 2 large eggs
    • 3/4 cups white sugar
    • 1/3 cup cornstarch
    • 1/4 tsp salt
    • 1/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract

    For topping to serve (optional):

    • Whipped Cream
    • Toasted Coconut *see Notes
    Prevent screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Combine the coconut milk, milk or half and half, eggs, sugar, cornstarch and salt in a large saucepan. Whisk until smooth. Place over medium-low heat and cook, stirring regularly to start, then constantly once it starts to steam. This will take about 10-15 minutes, so be patient.
    • Once mixture noticeably thickens and a bubble breaks the surface (at about 205F, if you have a thermometer), it’s done. Remove from heat. Whisk well to remove any lumps or if still a little lumpy, you can pour and press through a fine sieve into a bowl or use an immersion blender before adding the coconut and vanilla. Remove from the heat and add the 1/4 cup processed coconut and the vanilla. Pour into individual ramekins or one large bowl.
    • If you don't want a skin on your pudding, cover with plastic wrap so the plastic wrap rests right on top of the pudding. Leave uncovered in the refrigerator if you want a skin. Refrigerate at least 2 hours, but better after 3-4 hours of refrigeration. The pudding will thicken further as it refrigerates.
    • Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkling of toasted coconut.

    Notes

    How to toast coconut: Add coconut to a dry, non-stick skillet. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the coconut turns evenly golden. Remove immediately to a plate to allow it to cool without cooking further. You can toast the coconut ahead and keep ii in an airtight container at room temperature, to use as and when needed.
    Be sure to read the Ingredient and Cook's Notes above the Recipe Card for more tips on making this recipe. You will also find Step-by-Step Photos there, as well.
    Nutritional information reflects making the pudding with whole milk.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 299kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 67mg | Sodium: 161mg | Potassium: 248mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 170IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 78mg | Iron: 3mg

    Nutritional information provided for general guidance only and should not be relied upon to make personal health decisions.

    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American, Canadian
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    Meet the Author:
    Hi! I'm Jennifer, a home-cook of many years and a lifelong seeker of delicious food! I'm an equal opportunity eater. I enjoy eating all the foods!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Josie says

      April 16, 2022 at 1:00 pm

      I made this today & they're in the fridge now... Used ramekins on some of the mixture after filling the pie dish... I'm sure my guests tomorrow will love this... Can I put caramel (like brulee) for those in ramekins?.. Thank you Jennifer for this lovely treat. ❤

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        April 16, 2022 at 7:41 pm

        Hi Josie, I usually just top the ramekins with toasted coconut, but if you have another idea, I say go for it :) Enjoy!

        Reply
    2. Sonja C. says

      February 05, 2022 at 3:48 am

      Absolutely dreamy good made with coconut cream! So good,creamy, without the shredded coconut I had a bowl warm! Thank You!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        February 05, 2022 at 11:23 am

        So glad to hear, Sonja :) Thanks so much!

        Reply
    3. Hannah Rathgeber says

      December 21, 2021 at 9:36 pm

      5 stars
      This was amazing! We made it with coconut cream instead of half and half and it was delicious. Will definitely be making this again.

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        December 22, 2021 at 10:08 am

        So glad you enjoyed it, Hannah! Thanks so much :)

        Reply
    4. Linda says

      October 25, 2021 at 5:38 pm

      Can this be made with coconut cream? They look delicious!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        October 25, 2021 at 7:06 pm

        Hi Linda and possibly. I haven't tried it, but, in theory, it should work, though it would be much more rich, I suspect. If you try it, let me know how it works out!

        Reply
    5. Milena says

      March 08, 2021 at 11:03 am

      Such a lovely treat, I love these mini coconut puddings. Delicous!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        March 08, 2021 at 12:03 pm

        Thanks Milena :)

        Reply
    6. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says

      March 08, 2021 at 10:44 am

      5 stars
      Coconut cream pie has always been one of my favorite desserts Jennifer, so I know I'd love these little puddings! They look delicious!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        March 08, 2021 at 12:04 pm

        Thanks Mary Ann and it's always been a favourite of mine, too :)

        Reply
    7. Dawn - Girl Heart Food says

      March 08, 2021 at 9:31 am

      5 stars
      I have such fond memories of coconut cream pie from when I was a kid so I know I'd love this pudding! Just what my Monday needs :)

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        March 08, 2021 at 12:04 pm

        Thanks Dawn and yes, a great Monday treat :)

        Reply
    8. Pat says

      March 07, 2021 at 7:55 pm

      5 stars
      I need this now! Wait .....asking my wife a question.,Christine can you make this for me? You know I love coconut. Jenifer she said she will make it for me.. thanks this looks like a keeper for me all the flavours are for me.

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        March 07, 2021 at 7:56 pm

        Lol! So glad, Pat. This is one of my favourites. Enjoy :)

        Reply

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