Brazilian Coconut Pudding
Okay, let’s talk about Brazilian Coconut Pudding—this isn’t just a dessert; it’s a little bite of tropical bliss that will have you dreaming of sandy beaches and warm sunsets. Trust me, when this silky, coconut-infused treat hits your taste buds, you’ll be hooked! The sweetness is perfectly balanced with a hint of coconut that makes every spoonful feel like an indulgent escape. So if you’re in the mood to make something that feels like a treat but is easy enough to whip up on a whim, this is the one. And the best part? It’s way easier to make than you’d think!
Why You’ll Love Brazilian Coconut Pudding
This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, and here’s why you need it in your life:
- Versatile: Whether it’s for a casual family dinner, a sweet ending to a holiday feast, or just because you’re craving something delicious, this pudding is the perfect dessert for any occasion.
- Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are simple, and you probably already have most of them on hand. No need to break the bank to enjoy something extraordinary! It’s comfort food that won’t hurt your wallet.
- Quick and Easy: You don’t have to be a pro baker to pull this off. In fact, it’s so simple, you’ll be able to make it while chatting with friends or getting the rest of dinner ready.
- Customizable: Feel free to tweak it to suit your taste! Add a little extra coconut for more tropical flavor, or top it off with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm, cozy twist.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Seriously, this pudding is a crowd favorite. Whether it’s kids or adults, everyone will be reaching for seconds—and no one will believe how easy it was to make!

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Ingredients in Brazilian Coconut Pudding
Let’s talk about the ingredients! The magic here comes from the simplicity of a few key pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Coconut Milk: This is the base of the pudding, giving it that rich, creamy texture and tropical flavor that makes it so irresistible.
- Sugar: To balance the creaminess and create that sweet, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
- Cornstarch: This is your thickening agent. It helps turn that coconut milk into a luscious, pudding-like consistency.
- Eggs: These add a rich texture and help bind everything together.
- Vanilla Extract: A little vanilla goes a long way in adding depth to the flavor.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into how to make this decadent pudding—don’t worry, you’ve got this!
Preheat Your Equipment:
Start by preheating your stove and get your pot ready. We’ll need to cook everything on the stove top, so make sure your pot is large enough to comfortably stir the pudding without it spilling over. This is the first step to ensuring everything cooks evenly and smoothly.
Combine Ingredients:
In a large saucepan, combine the coconut milk, sugar, and cornstarch. Stir it all together until there are no lumps, and everything is well-mixed. The mixture should be smooth, and you’ll be able to tell it’s starting to thicken as it heats up.
Add the Eggs:
Whisk the eggs in a separate bowl, and then slowly incorporate them into the coconut mixture. The key is to add them gently—this will help avoid curdling. Stir constantly as you do this to ensure that everything blends seamlessly.
Cook and Thicken:
Put the saucepan over medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring continuously. You’ll see it start to thicken after a few minutes. Keep stirring—this is the magic happening! Once it’s reached a thick, creamy consistency, it’s ready to go.
Pour and Set:
Once your pudding has thickened up, remove it from the heat and pour it into a serving dish (or individual cups if you want to get fancy). Let it cool slightly before popping it into the fridge to set for at least a few hours. This step is key—allowing it to chill helps it firm up and enhances that rich, velvety texture.
Serve and Enjoy:
Once your coconut pudding is set and ready to go, serve it up! You can garnish it with a sprinkle of toasted coconut, a few fresh berries, or a dusting of cinnamon if you want to get a little extra fancy. Trust me, your guests will be asking for the recipe!
How to Serve Brazilian Coconut Pudding
This pudding is so versatile when it comes to pairing it with sides. Here are a few ideas:
- Tropical Fruit: A light, fresh fruit salad with mango, pineapple, or berries complements the richness of the pudding.
- Biscotti or Cookies: Serve it with a crunchy biscuit or cookie on the side for a fun contrast in textures.
- Crisp, Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette works as the perfect refreshing counterpart to the creamy sweetness.
- On its Own: Honestly, this pudding is delicious enough to stand on its own. A little extra sprinkle of toasted coconut or even a touch of shaved chocolate will elevate it without complicating the flavors.
Additional Tips
- Prep Ahead: You can easily prep this the day before and let it chill overnight. The flavors get even better after a bit of time to set!
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a hint of lime zest to kick up the flavor a notch.
- Make it Dairy-Free: If you need a dairy-free version, just double-check the ingredients in your cornstarch or sugar. This is a naturally dairy-free dessert!
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’ll be just as delicious the next day.
- Double the Batch: This recipe doubles beautifully—if you’re having a crowd over, make extra!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute coconut milk with regular milk?
A1: For sure! Regular milk will work, but you’ll lose that signature coconut flavor. You could also try almond or soy milk if you’re dairy-free.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Yes! This is a great make-ahead dessert. Just let it chill and set in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, or enjoy it chilled!
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: I wouldn’t recommend freezing this pudding—because of the creamy texture, it’s best fresh or chilled.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: If you’re enjoying it warm, reheat gently in the microwave in 30-second intervals. But personally, I love it cold—straight from the fridge!
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Absolutely! Just be sure to use a larger saucepan and check the cooking time to make sure it thickens properly.
Q7: Can I make this vegan?
A7: Yes! Use a plant-based milk (like coconut milk) and substitute the eggs with a flax egg or other egg alternative.
Q8: What side dishes go well with this recipe?
A8: A fresh fruit salad or a light, tangy citrus salad pairs beautifully with the richness of this pudding.
Q9: How can I make this dish healthier?
A9: You can reduce the sugar or use a natural sweetener like stevia, and opt for light coconut milk if you want to cut back on fat.
Q10: What’s the best cookware to use for this recipe?
A10: A medium-sized non-stick saucepan is perfect for making sure your pudding cooks evenly and doesn’t stick.
Conclusion
Brazilian Coconut Pudding is one of those desserts that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or impressing friends at your next gathering, it’s guaranteed to become a new favorite in your recipe box. So, what are you waiting for? Give it a go, and enjoy every sweet, creamy bite!
Print
Brazilian Coconut Pudding
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Brazilian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Brazilian Coconut Pudding (Cocada Cremosa) is a luscious, creamy coconut dessert made with just 5 ingredients and ready in under 10 minutes. Rich, indulgent, and bursting with coconut flavor, it’s a must-try for coconut lovers. Serve it warm or chilled—either way, it’s heavenly. Ideal for fans of homemade recipes, easy desserts, and Brazilian sweets!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
8 oz (about 3 cups) unsweetened shredded or flaked coconut
1 cup coconut milk
½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
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In a medium saucepan, combine butter, sweetened condensed milk, shredded coconut, and coconut milk.
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Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and starts to release from the bottom of the pan (about 8–10 minutes).
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Stir in the heavy cream and remove from heat. The pudding will continue to thicken as it cools.
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Pour into individual serving glasses or bowls.
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Serve at room temperature or chilled, as preferred.
Notes
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This dessert can be served either warm or chilled depending on preference.
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The pudding thickens as it cools, so it’s important to let it set before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg