This haupia coconut pudding with fresh fruit is a delicious variation of the popular Hawaiian coconut dessert with vanilla bean. Free of grains, gluten, and dairy.
In the summer, I get more nostalgic for Hawaii. The lush green has come back from the grave of winter and the air is hot and sticky with the occasional warm breeze. I live in Oklahoma, so there’s nothing tropical about this place, but sometimes when I’m laying outside and close my eyes I can imagine being back on the island I love.
Growing up, one of the desserts I used to enjoy eating was haupia, a traditional Hawaiian coconut dessert. It’s made with coconut milk thickened with a starch and is usually firm enough to cut into squares. I added a little less starch and made it into a pudding instead, which is honestly a lot easier to serve and tastes just as delicious!
I added a half of a vanilla bean instead of vanilla extract to make it a little more special and to keep the mixture from turning brown. I also mixed up a bunch of fresh fruit to top it with, like mango, kiwi, pineapple, and mixed berries….and pretty edible flowers don’t hurt either! I got mine from a local organic nursery which sells pesticide free plants and flowers. Just make sure yours is free from toxic sprays and is safe to eat before putting them on your food.
I like mine with toasted coconut, but the kids prefer theirs without. It’s totally optional, but you could add it if you like that delicious, toasty flavor and extra crunch. I suggest serving it on the side for people to top their own if they choose.
It’s such a simple, yet impressive dessert. The pudding can even be made a day or two before, which makes it a cinch to throw together. This pudding is fresh, creamy, slightly sweet, and made with wholesome ingredients. It’s the perfect summertime dessert, just top it with your favorite fruit and enjoy!
- 1 13.5 oz can full-fat Coconut Milk
(about 1⅔ cup)
- 3 tablespoons Organic Sugar
(for most authentic "haupia" flavor) or light colored Honey
.*
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons Corn Starch
or tapioca starch (for grain-free)
- ½ Vanilla Bean
, split lengthwise and seeds scraped or ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
- fresh fruit salad
- mint leaves, optional
- edible flowers, optional
- toasted coconut, optional
(about 1⅔ cup)
(for most authentic "haupia" flavor) or light colored 
.*
or tapioca starch (for grain-free)
, split lengthwise and seeds scraped or ½ teaspoon vanilla extract- ½ mango, peeled and cubed
- 4-5 strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 kiwi, peeled and diced
- ⅓ cup chopped pineapple
- ⅓ cup blueberries
- ⅓ cup raspberries
- Place coconut milk and sweetener into a medium saucepan. Mix together 2 tablespoons of water with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and add that to the saucepan. Add the vanilla been seeds, the half of the scraped vanilla bean pod, and a pinch of salt to the saucepan and whisk to combine. Place on the stove over medium heat, whisking constantly until the milk begins to thicken. When ready, it should be the consistency of a thick gravy (thick but pourable).
- If making individual servings, divide the pudding immediately into 3 or 4 (4-ounce) serving dishes, cover and refrigerate for a few hours until chilled. If not, pour pudding into an airtight container and refrigerate until chilled.
- Combine fruit together in a medium bowl and gently toss to evenly combine. Can use your favorite fruit in place of any of the ones listed. I recommend combining the fruit just before servings as some of the berries can get mushy. Keep refrigerated until ready to use.
- Place ¼ – ½ cup shredded unsweetened coconut into a dry pan. Place on the stove over medium-low heat and move constantly with a heat-safe spatula or wooden spoon until the coconut is golden brown. Transfer coconut to a bowl immediately to avoid burning.
- To serve, top pudding with several spoonfuls of mixed fruit, mint leaves, edible flowers, and toasted coconut. Makes 3-4 servings.
You may also enjoy these similar recipes:
Healthier Tropical Fruit Pizza
Coconut Shrimp Tacos With Tropical Salsa
Aloha Smoothie
These look exquisite! What would be really cool is using this pudding as a dip or a frosting for a better substitute!
Thank you, Cassie. I like your options here 🙂
These looks so beautiful, I don’t think I’d actually have the guts to eat them. Very well presented and styled, and the photography is stunning.
Thank you, Sara!
I love Haupia and this is the prettiest Haupia I’ve ever seen! I like the idea of making it into more a pudding too.
Thank you for your kind words, Erlene! I love haupia. It’s one of my favorite desserts. I hope you have a wonderful weekend 🙂
Such pretty pictures! love everything about this delicious pudding!
Thank you, friend! It’s really delicious!
I have never heard of this before! I am going to have to try it. I love coconut anything, and this looks absolutely delicious!
If you love coconut, then you must try it! So simple and delicious. Thanks for stopping by, Heather!
This is absolutely gorgeousness Joscelyn. This picture screams Hawaii, just stunning. I love coconut flavor anything and I can imagine this being so fresh and delicious. All the colors and fresh feel, so summery.
Loving it.
xoxo
Thank you, my friend. Summer has me craving all things coconut. It really does remind me so much of Hawaii. I need to get back there someday soon!
This looks delicious! I want my fruit to look that way, lol. Beautiful pictures, too!
Aw, thank you so much, Georgiana! I hope you have a wonderful week!
Your pictures are so enticing! I am deathly allergic to kiwi, but I will make this work 🙂 Thank You for sharing such deliciousness!
Oh I am sorry to hear about your allergy, Sheila. It will definitely work without kiwi. I hope you get a chance to try this out. It’s really delicious!
Love this unique coconut pudding! I’ve never tried haupia, but I am now dead-set on experiencing it. Thank you for exposing me to a new flavour!
Thanks Ksenia! I love this flavor. You have to try it, especially if you love coconut.
This coconut pudding is so beautiful Joscelyn! I love the flowers on top! I’ve never tried Haupia before, it sounds amazing. I can’t wait to try it! <3
Thanks, friend. I hope you get a chance to try it out. Thank you for your kind words!
That is absolutely gorgeous, I need to try this out! Finally a tropical theme food that I’m not allergic to hehe 🙂
Aw, thanks girlie! I always appreciate your love and support 🙂