📝 About This Recipe
Transport your senses to the shores of Waikiki with this quintessential Hawaiian dessert, a velvety coconut cream pudding that balances refreshing lightness with rich, tropical indulgence. Traditionally served at luaus, Haupia is beloved for its smooth, gelatin-like texture and its pure, unadulterated coconut flavor. This recipe yields a perfectly firm yet melt-in-your-mouth consistency that makes it the ideal palate cleanser or sweet finale to any island-inspired feast.
🥗 Ingredients
The Coconut Base
- 28 ounces Full-fat Coconut Milk (Two standard cans; do not use 'light' coconut milk for best texture)
- 1 cup Water (Divided into two 1/2 cup portions)
- 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar (Adjust slightly more or less depending on desired sweetness)
- 1/4 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt (Essential to balance the richness of the coconut)
The Thickener
- 3/4 cup Cornstarch (Ensure it is fresh for the best set)
Optional Aromatics & Garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract (Optional; enhances the floral notes of the coconut)
- 2 tablespoons Toasted Shredded Coconut (For garnish and added texture)
- 4-5 pieces Fresh Mint Leaves (For a pop of color when serving)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Lightly grease an 8x8 inch square glass baking dish with a tiny amount of neutral oil or coconut oil to ensure easy removal later.
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2
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch with 1/2 cup of room temperature water. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is a smooth, milky slurry with no lumps remaining.
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3
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, pour in both cans of full-fat coconut milk, the remaining 1/2 cup of water, the granulated sugar, and the sea salt.
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4
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly with a wooden spoon or whisk until the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture begins to steam.
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5
Just before the coconut mixture reaches a boil, give your cornstarch slurry another quick whisk to incorporate any settled starch at the bottom.
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6
Reduce the heat to low. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the hot coconut milk in a steady stream, whisking constantly to prevent any clumps from forming.
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7
Continue to cook the mixture over low heat, stirring incessantly. You will notice it begin to thicken significantly after 3-5 minutes.
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8
Keep cooking and stirring until the mixture becomes thick, glossy, and smooth, resembling the consistency of a very thick Elmer's glue or a heavy custard.
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9
If using vanilla extract, remove the pot from the heat and stir it in now to preserve the delicate aroma.
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10
Immediately pour the hot haupia into your prepared 8x8 dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top as evenly as possible.
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11
Allow the dish to sit on the counter at room temperature until it has cooled completely and lost its jiggly liquid state.
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12
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until it is cold and firm to the touch.
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13
Once set, use a sharp knife to slice the haupia into 2-inch squares. For clean cuts, wipe the knife with a warm, damp cloth between each slice.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always use full-fat canned coconut milk; the fat content is what provides that signature creamy mouthfeel. Don't rush the thickening process; low heat and constant stirring are the secrets to a lump-free, silky texture. If you find lumps in your mixture, quickly pass the hot liquid through a fine-mesh sieve before pouring it into the mold. For a firmer 'finger-food' style haupia, increase the cornstarch by 1 tablespoon; for a softer pudding style, decrease it by 1 tablespoon. To prevent a skin from forming on top, you can press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the hot liquid.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled on small squares of ti leaves or parchment paper for an authentic luau presentation. Pair with a slice of warm Hawaiian Purple Sweet Potato Pie for a stunning contrast in color and flavor. Top with toasted macadamia nuts and a drizzle of honey for an extra layer of crunch and sweetness. Serve alongside fresh tropical fruits like sliced mango, pineapple, or papaya to cut through the richness. Enjoy with a cup of Kona coffee or a refreshing iced hibiscus tea.