Haupia (Hawaiian Coconut Pudding)

Aloha! I’m so excited to share a beloved Hawaiian treat with you – Haupia.

It’s a dreamy coconut pudding that will transport your taste buds straight to the islands. 

This traditional dessert is beloved in Hawaiian cuisine and culture. And its silky texture and rich coconut flavor make it stand out at any gathering. 

Haupia is easy to make with only a few simple ingredients, and it is guaranteed to impress your friends and family. 

Happy Haupia-making! 

What Is Haupia?

Haupia is a traditional Hawaiian dessert that’s creamy, coconutty, and absolutely delicious!

It’s essentially a coconut milk-based pudding that’s thickened with cornstarch, giving it a smooth, gelatin-like texture.

Originating from Hawaii, haupia is often served at luaus and special occasions, either as a dessert on its own or as a topping for cakes, like the famous Hawaiian haupia pie.

Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Coconut Pudding

Versatile Treat: It’s great as a standalone dessert or as a pie filling. You can even make layered desserts, such as adding it over cooled brownies!

Simple Yet Delicious: Impress guests with a sophisticated treat that requires minimal ingredients and effort.

Cultural Connection: This authentic recipe allows you to embrace Hawaiian culinary traditions and share a piece of Polynesian culture with friends and family.

Subtle Sweetness: The tropical taste of haupia is subtly sweet with a pure coconut essence. It’s a refreshing and not overly sugary dessert option that appeals to those who enjoy a more understated sweetness.

Ingredients

• Full-Fat Coconut Milk: Rich, creamy, and bursting with tropical flavor – don’t settle for anything less than full-fat.

• Granulated Sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the rich coconut. Adjust to your liking, but don’t overdo it.

• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor. However, you can leave it out if you don’t have any on hand.

• Cornstarch: The magic ingredient that transforms coconut milk into luscious pudding. Whisk it well to avoid lumps!

• Water: A necessary sidekick to the cornstarch. Together, they create a slurry that thickens the haupia to perfection.

How to Make Haupia (Hawaiian Coconut Pudding)

While it may look fancy, haupia is actually quite simple to make at home with just a handful of ingredients.

So this recipe is a great one to have in your back pocket for impressing guests or satisfying your sweet tooth without much fuss.

Check out these easy steps to make it:

1. PREP: Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish and line with parchment paper.

2. MIX: Combine the cornstarch and water in a small bowl, whisking until dissolved. Set aside.

3. HEAT: Warm the coconut milk, sugar, and vanilla extract until it simmers.

4. THICKEN: Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Continue whisking until thick, about 10-15 minutes.

5. POUR: Transfer the thickened haupia to the prepared pan. Smooth the top with an offset spatula.

6. COOL: Let it cool at room temperature for 15 minutes, then refrigerate for 1-2 hours until fully set.

7. CUT: Once set, cut into 2-inch squares. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Tips For the Best Haupia (Hawaiian Coconut Pudding)

What I love about haupia is how it showcases the pure, natural sweetness of coconut.

By slowly thickening the coconut milk with a touch of sugar and vanilla, you create a pudding that’s decadent yet light.

That said, there are a few things to keep in mind before you begin.

• Use full-fat coconut milk. For the richest flavor and creamiest texture, use only full-fat coconut milk. Light and low-fat varieties do not work as well.

• Line the pan. You can just grease the pan if yo prefer, but I think it’s easier with parchment. Plus, you don’t get that greasy finish on the edges.

• Whisk constantly while cooking. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth texture, especially after adding the cornstarch slurry.

• Simmer gently. Keep the heat low and let the mixture simmer gently to avoid scorching or curdling the coconut milk.

• Adjust the consistency. For a firmer haupia, increase the cornstarch by 1 tablespoon. For a looser pudding texture, decrease the cornstarch by 1 tablespoon.

• Variations. Try flavors like lime zest, matcha powder, or pureed fruit. Or layer the haupia with cake, fruit, or chocolate for a more elaborate dessert. You can also adjust the sugar levels to your preferred sweetness. 

• Topping ideas. I like toasted coconut or mini chocolate chips. You can also sprinkle some chopped nuts over the top. Pineapple tidbits are a fun choice, but be sure to drain and pat them dry first.

How to Store

Haupia is the perfect sweet treat to enjoy on a warm day or whenever you need a little taste of paradise.

Better yet, it’s a terrific make ahead option for parties!

To Store: Place the haupia in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3 days. Keep it covered, or it will absorb flavors from the other foods in the fridge.

To Freeze: Cut the haupia into individual portions, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month, thawing in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

More Dreamy Coconut Desserts to Try

Coconut Bread with Glaze
Coconut Cream Pie Bars
Coconut Sorbet
Coconut Snowballs

Haupia (Hawaiian Coconut Pudding)

Course: DessertCuisine: Hawaiian

Servings

16

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Chill time

2

hours 

Calories

50

kcal

This simple haupia recipe combines rich coconut milk with sugar and cornstarch to create a creamy Hawaiian dessert with plenty of sweet tropical flavor.

Ingredients

• 5 tablespoons cornstarch

• 1/2 cup water

• 1 (13.5 ounce) can full-fat coconut milk

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• optional toppings: toasted coconut, chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or pineapple tidbits

Instructions

• Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper.
• Combine the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Whisk until the cornstarch is completely dissolved. Set aside.
• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the coconut milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk constantly until it just starts to simmer.
• Reduce the heat to low and slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Continue to whisk until the pudding is thick, about 10-15 minutes. It’s ready when the mixture starts to pull away from the sides of the pan.
• Pour the thickened haupia into the lined pan. Use an offset spatula to smooth the top. If desired, top with toasted coconut, chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or pineapple tidbits (drained and patted dry).
• Let the haupia cool at room temperature for 15 minutes, then refrigerate for 1-2 hours until completely set.
• Once it’s set, cut the haupia into 2-inch squares. Serve chilled, and enjoy!

Notes

• Use only full-fat coconut milk for the best flavor and texture.
• Adjust the amount of sugar to your taste preference.
• Increase the cornstarch by 1 tablespoon for a firmer haupia. Decrease the cornstarch by 1 tablespoon for a looser pudding texture.

Haley van der Ploeg

Haley van der Ploeg is a food writer and content creator for Insanely Good Recipes, where she authors blog posts, creates recipes, and crafts tantalizing photos.

Haley is passionate about food and its ability to gather people across cultures, languages, and generations. She believes everyone can learn to cook.

Most days, you can find Haley reading, baking elaborate cakes, and hosting get-togethers for friends and family. If Haley isn't home, she’s probably on a plane jetting off to exciting adventures and new cuisines.

She lives with her husband in the Netherlands and has taught him that vegetables *can* taste good.

See Full Bio

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