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Haupia squares on a leaf on a plate with orchid flowers
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4.94 from 43 votes

Haupia (Hawaiian Coconut Pudding)

Haupia is a widely popular Hawaiian dessert that is smooth, creamy, and gelatin-like in texture. It's like little refreshing bites of Hawaii!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time0 minutes
Cooling Time2 hours
Total Time2 hours 15 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Keyword: Haupia
Servings: 16 servings
Calories: 22kcal
Author: Erica Walker

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup water
  • 5 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 13 ounces unsweetened coconut milk (full-fat ONLY)
  • 1/4 cup sugar

Instructions

  • Combine cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Stir until cornstarch is dissolved then set aside.
    Cornstarch and water mixed in a small bowl for Authentic Hawaiian Haupia (Coconut Pudding).
  • In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, combine coconut milk and sugar. Whisk constantly until mixture begins to simmer.
    Coconut milk and sugar in a pot for Authentic Hawaiian Haupia (Coconut Pudding).
  • While continuing to whisk, SLOWLY pour in the water/cornstarch mixture until it thickens. Reduce heat to low and continue to whisk until you have a thick, pudding-like consistency. This is important, it needs to be thickened while it is heating or it won't set up.
    Cornstarch mixture combined and whisked with coconut milk mixture for Coconut milk and sugar in a pot for Authentic Hawaiian Haupia (Coconut Pudding)
  • Pour into a greased 8"x8" baking dish or square containers. I actually like to use my smaller glass Tupperware containers becasue the sides are more straight, making for more consistent squares.
    Authentic Hawaiian Haupia (Coconut Pudding) poured into a greased square baking dish.
  • Allow to cool to room temperature, about 10-15 minutes, then cover and refrigerate for 2+ hours.
    Authentic Hawaiian Haupia (Coconut Pudding) covered to be refrigerated.
  • When ready to serve, cut into 2" squares and serve cold. If serving as a custard or pudding, pour into individual serving ramekins or bowls and chill.
    Authentic Hawaiian Haupia (Coconut Pudding) cut into 2 inch squares and served.

Video

Notes

  • Use full-fat coconut milk only.
  • Arrowroot can be used in place of cornstarch.
  • More or less sugar can be used to taste.

Nutrition

Calories: 22kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 0.01g | Fat: 0.03g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.001g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.001g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 0.3mg | Fiber: 0.02g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin C: 0.002mg | Calcium: 0.3mg | Iron: 0.01mg