Dreamy, creamy, and oh-so-refreshing, Haupia (Hawaiian Coconut Pudding) is an island favorite that brings a taste of aloha to any table. With its luxuriously silky texture and delicately sweet coconut flavor, this classic Hawaiian dessert is pure tropical bliss—perfect for luaus, potlucks, or just a little everyday treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Island-Inspired Flavors: Each bite of Haupia (Hawaiian Coconut Pudding) captures the essence of the tropics with real coconut milk and a gorgeous melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Easy and Accessible: With just five simple ingredients, you can whip up an authentic Hawaiian dessert that feels special—no fancy skills required.
- Naturally Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free: No need for specialty swaps; this recipe is deliciously inclusive right from the start.
- Totally Customizable: From crunchy toasted coconut to juicy pineapple, you can top your Haupia any way you please for endless fun and flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of my favorite things about Haupia (Hawaiian Coconut Pudding) is just how streamlined and essential the ingredient list is. Each component plays a starring role in creating that signature creamy, pillow-soft pudding with sweet tropical notes and the perfect consistency.
- Cornstarch: This is the secret to that dreamy, sliceable texture—just enough to set the pudding, never chalky.
- Water: Used to dissolve the cornstarch and create the all-important slurry for flawless thickening—no clumps allowed!
- Full-Fat Coconut Milk: Authentic Haupia simply wouldn’t be the same without it; it brings all the tropical flavor and lush body to the dessert.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds the right amount of sweetness to balance the creaminess without overpowering the coconut.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a dash deepens the aroma and rounds out the pudding’s flavor beautifully.
- Optional Toppings: Toasted coconut, chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or fresh pineapple bits add texture, color, and a playful finishing touch.
Variations
One of the joys of making Haupia (Hawaiian Coconut Pudding) is how simply you can adapt it to fit your mood, the season, or whatever you might have in the pantry. It’s such a flexible dessert—don’t hesitate to play, experiment, and make it your own!
- Chocolate Haupia: Whisk in a few tablespoons of cocoa powder with the sugar, or swirl melted chocolate on top before chilling for a deliciously decadent twist.
- Dairy-Free & Vegan: Haupia is naturally plant-based, but double-check that your toppings—like chocolate chips—are also dairy-free if you’re serving vegans.
- Tropical Fruit Swirl: Add a layer of diced mango, pineapple, or passion fruit puree over the pudding before it sets for a pop of color and flavor.
- Haupia Pie: Pour your pudding over a baked pie crust (graham cracker or shortbread) for a crowd-pleasing classic seen all over Hawaii!
How to Make Haupia (Hawaiian Coconut Pudding)
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Start by greasing an 8×8-inch baking dish and lining it with parchment paper that extends up two sides. Not only does this make for breezy, mess-free cleanup, but it’ll also guarantee those beautiful clean edges when you’re ready to slice and serve your Haupia (Hawaiian Coconut Pudding).
Step 2: Mix the Cornstarch Slurry
In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with water to create a smooth, lump-free slurry. This quick extra step is essential for achieving that signature silky—and never gritty—texture in your pudding.
Step 3: Heat the Coconut Milk Mixture
In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, combine your coconut milk, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk gently and constantly until the mixture just begins to simmer—don’t let it come to a full boil, as gentle heat is key for the smoothest texture.
Step 4: Thicken the Pudding
Reduce the heat to low, then slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Continue to cook, whisking constantly, for 10–15 minutes—patience here is so worth it! You’ll notice the Haupia thickening and pulling away from the sides of the pan when it’s ready.
Step 5: Pour and Chill
Quickly transfer the pudding into your prepared pan (an offset spatula works wonders for smoothing the top) and add any desired toppings. Let it cool at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then refrigerate for 1–2 hours until firm and easy to slice.
Step 6: Cut and Serve
Once completely set, lift the Haupia (Hawaiian Coconut Pudding) from the pan using the parchment handles and slice into 2-inch squares. Serve the chilled squares on their own or with extra garnishes, and get ready for rave reviews!
Pro Tips for Making Haupia (Hawaiian Coconut Pudding)
- Silky Coconut Magic: For a melt-in-your-mouth texture, make sure to whisk constantly after adding the cornstarch slurry—this helps avoid any lumps and keeps the pudding beautifully smooth.
- The Low & Slow Rule: Let your pudding thicken gently over low heat. Rushing the process or cranking up the heat can cause the mixture to split or taste starchy.
- Never Skip the Chill: Resist the temptation to serve Haupia warm! Chilling it fully is crucial for that classic, sliceable consistency and the most refreshing flavor.
- Choose the Right Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk is a must for authentic texture and richness; light or “beverage” coconut milks tend to result in a softer (sometimes watery) pudding.
How to Serve Haupia (Hawaiian Coconut Pudding)
Garnishes
The options for garnishing Haupia (Hawaiian Coconut Pudding) are as fun as they are delicious. Toasted coconut flakes look striking and add a lovely crunch, while fresh pineapple tidbits, chopped macadamia nuts, or a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips offer colorful, crave-worthy finishing touches. Even a simple dusting of powdered sugar gives it an extra hint of elegance.
Side Dishes
This cool, creamy pudding pairs beautifully with a fresh fruit salad—or go for a tropical fruit platter with mango, kiwi, and papaya for a thoughtful nod to the islands. For a Hawaiian luau experience at home, serve it alongside sweet sticky rice or buttery Hawaiian sweet rolls for something truly memorable.
Creative Ways to Present
While squares are the classic approach, you can also cut Haupia into fun shapes using cookie cutters or serve it in individual parfait glasses layered with fruit. For special occasions, create a layered dessert with tropical curd or mousse, or scatter edible flowers across the top for instant wow factor at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Haupia (Hawaiian Coconut Pudding) keeps beautifully in the fridge! Store any leftover squares in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Separate layers with parchment to prevent them from sticking together, and keep unused garnishes on the side until ready to serve.
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze Haupia if needed. Tightly wrap the cooled, cut squares (without toppings) and freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge before serving—note the texture may become slightly softer, but it’s still delicious and totally snackable!
Reheating
Haupia is all about that cool, refreshing vibe, so it’s not meant to be reheated. Simply enjoy it chilled, straight from the fridge for the most authentic flavor and texture!
FAQs
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Can I use light coconut milk instead of full-fat?
Full-fat coconut milk is key to achieving that signature creamy, sliceable Haupia (Hawaiian Coconut Pudding) texture. Light coconut milks may result in a pudding that’s soft, watery, or won’t set as beautifully—it will taste fine, but the texture won’t be quite right.
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How do I know when the pudding is thickened enough?
You’ll notice the mixture thickens noticeably and begins to pull away from the sides of the pan as you whisk. It should resemble a very thick custard that “mounds” when dropped onto itself—don’t stop stirring until it reaches this consistency!
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Can I make Haupia ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! Haupia (Hawaiian Coconut Pudding) is even better when made ahead. It can be chilled and kept refrigerated up to two days in advance—simply add any toppings right before serving for maximum freshness and crunch.
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Why is my Haupia not setting or coming out lumpy?
Lumps usually mean the cornstarch wasn’t fully dissolved, or the pudding wasn’t whisked enough when heated. For best results, dissolve your cornstarch completely in water before adding, and whisk steadily as the pudding thickens. For soft or unset Haupia, check that you used full-fat coconut milk and gave it enough time on the heat and in the fridge.
Final Thoughts
Once you take that first bite of Haupia (Hawaiian Coconut Pudding), I have a feeling it’ll become a beloved staple in your dessert repertoire. It’s a simple, crowd-pleasing treat with big island spirit, and I can’t wait for you to experience just how easy and irresistible homemade Haupia can be. Aloha and happy cooking!
Print
Haupia (Hawaiian Coconut Pudding) Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Description
Haupia, a traditional Hawaiian coconut pudding, is a creamy and luscious dessert that is simple to make and bursting with coconut flavor. This recipe yields a smooth and rich pudding that can be enjoyed on its own or topped with your favorite extras.
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 (13.5 ounce) can full-fat coconut milk, unsweetened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- toasted coconut
- chopped nuts
- mini chocolate chips
- pineapple tidbits
Main Ingredients:
Optional Toppings:
Instructions
- Grease and Line: Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper.
- Create Slurry: Combine cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Set aside after whisking until dissolved.
- Heat Coconut Mixture: In a saucepan, heat coconut milk, sugar, and vanilla until simmering.
- Add Slurry: Slowly incorporate the cornstarch slurry, whisking until thickened, about 10-15 minutes.
- Pour and Top: Pour the haupia into the dish, top with desired toppings.
- Cool and Chill: Let the haupia cool, then refrigerate for 1-2 hours until set.
- Serve: Cut into squares and serve chilled.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 123
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 17mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
