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Hawaiian Haupia (Coconut Pudding Squares)

Traditional Hawaiian Haupia (coconut pudding) is the easiest dessert. All it takes is coconut milk, cornstarch, and sugar. Serve cold for a refreshing treat.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Additional Time
5 hrs
Total Time
5 hrs 20 mins
Servings: 12 squares
Calories: 99 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American , Hawaiian

Ingredients

  • 1 14-oz can coconut milk (anywhere between 12 to 14 oz (340 to 400 g) is fine)
  • ½ cup cornstarch (see Note 1)
  • ½ cup water
  • ¼ cup sugar (to taste; see Notes 2 and 3)
  • ½ cup Toasted shredded coconut (*optional)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Heat coconut milk on medium-high heat until simmering. Make sure to stir frequently to prevent the bottom from burning.
  2. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup cornstarch and 1/2 cup water until smooth (see Note 4).
  3. Add 1/4 cup sugar along with the cornstarch-water mixture to the coconut milk while stirring continuously.
  4. The haupia should immediately start to thicken. Once it reaches a glue-like consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool for 5 minutes. Continue to stir frequently as it cools, in order to prevent a skin from forming on the surface.
  5. Pour the thickened mixture into a square or rectangular container. Smooth the top with your spoon or spatula.
  6. Let cool, uncovered, at room temperature for an hour before covering tightly and transferring to the fridge. Refrigerate for at least four hours before slicing.
  7. Optional: Coat the sliced haupia squares in toasted coconut flakes.

Notes

  • Cornstarch: Do not substitute tapioca starch for cornstarch. Tapioca starch results in a stretchy, goopy texture whereas haupia should be relatively firm and slightly bouncy to the touch.
  • Sugar: Traditional haupia uses regular granulated sugar, as it preserves the pure whiteness of the pudding, but you can substitute with any sweetener of your choice (even zero-calorie options like stevia or monkfruit).
  • Tip: You can adjust the sweetness to taste. Start with adding the amount given in the recipe card (which is on the lower end). Once the mixture is thickened on the stove, use a spoon to remove a small amount and let it cool. Taste to see if it’s sweet enough and stir in more sugar if desired before removing from heat.
  • Important: It’s important to stir the cornstarch and water together first before mixing it with the coconut milk and sugar to ensure your haupia turns out as smooth and glossy as possible.

Nutrition Information

Calories 99kcal (5%) Carbohydrates 9g (3%) Protein 1g (2%) Fat 7g (11%) Saturated Fat 6g (30%) Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g Monounsaturated Fat 0.3g Sodium 5mg (0%) Potassium 74mg (2%) Fiber 0.04g (0%) Sugar 4g (8%) Vitamin C 0.3mg (0%) Calcium 6mg (1%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12squares

Amount Per Serving

Calories 99

% Daily Value*

Calories 99kcal 5%
Carbohydrates 9g 3%
Protein 1g 2%
Fat 7g 11%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g 1%
Monounsaturated Fat 0.3g 2%
Sodium 5mg 0%
Potassium 74mg 2%
Fiber 0.04g 0%
Sugar 4g 8%
Vitamin C 0.3mg 0%
Calcium 6mg 1%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.