Of course! A “Coconut and Milk Dessert” describes a whole world of creamy, tropical, and delightful treats. Since this is a broad category, I’ll give you a few of the most popular and easy-to-make options, ranging from a simple, traditional pudding to a stunning frozen pie.
Option 1: Coconut Pudding (Coconut Panna Cotta Style)
This is a silky, smooth, and incredibly simple dessert that requires no baking. It’s light yet rich with coconut flavor.
Ingredients:
· 1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
· 1 (13.5 oz) can coconut cream
· ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
· 2 teaspoons unflavored powdered gelatin (or 2 sheets)
· 3 tablespoons cold water
· For garnish: Toasted coconut flakes, fresh berries, or a drizzle of mango puree.
Instructions:
- Bloom Gelatin: Sprinkle the gelatin over the 3 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes spongy.
- Heat Coconut Mixture: In a saucepan, combine the coconut milk, coconut cream, and sugar. Warm over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Do not let it boil.
- Dissolve Gelatin: Remove the coconut mixture from the heat. Whisk in the bloomed gelatin until it’s completely dissolved and no granules remain.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Strain and Pour: For an ultra-smooth texture, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a pouring jug.
- Chill: Divide the mixture among serving glasses or ramekins. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.
- Serve: Garnish with toasted coconut flakes and your favorite fruit.
Option 2: Coconut Mango Sticky Rice (A Classic)
This famous Thai dessert combines warm, sweet coconut rice with cool, ripe mango. It’s absolutely divine.
Ingredients:
· 1 cup Thai sweet rice (or glutinous rice)
· 1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk, divided
· ½ cup (100g) sugar
· ¼ teaspoon salt
· 1-2 ripe mangoes, peeled and sliced
· 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker sauce)
Instructions:
- Soak Rice: Soak the rice in cold water for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
- Steam Rice: Drain the rice and steam it for 20-25 minutes until tender.
- Make Coconut Sauce: While the rice is steaming, warm most of the coconut milk (reserve about ¼ cup) in a saucepan with the sugar and salt. Stir until dissolved. Once the rice is cooked, place it in a bowl and pour this hot coconut mixture over it. Stir gently, cover, and let it sit for 20 minutes to absorb the flavor.
- Make Topping Sauce (Optional): Mix the reserved ¼ cup of coconut milk with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. Heat in a small pan until it thickens slightly into a creamy sauce.
- Serve: Place a portion of the warm coconut rice on a plate next to sliced mango. Drizzle with the optional topping sauce.
Option 3: No-Bake Coconut Cream Pie
This is a show-stopping dessert that’s cool, creamy, and packed with coconut flavor.
Ingredients:
· 1 prepared graham cracker pie crust
· 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
· ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
· 1 (13.5 oz) can cold full-fat coconut milk (do not shake – you need the solid cream)*
· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
· 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
· For topping: Whipped cream and toasted coconut.
Instructions:
- Beat Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Whip Coconut Cream: Carefully scoop the solid coconut cream from the top of the can (leave the watery part behind for smoothies!). In another bowl, whip this solid coconut cream with the vanilla until it forms soft peaks.
- Combine: Gently fold the whipped coconut cream and the shredded coconut into the cream cheese mixture.
- Fill and Chill: Pour the filling into the pie crust, smooth the top, and chill for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
- Top and Serve: Before serving, top with fresh whipped cream and a generous sprinkle of toasted coconut.
*Tip: Place the can of coconut milk in the refrigerator overnight to help the cream solidly separate.
Why These Desserts Are So Good
· Naturally Creamy: Coconut milk provides a rich, dairy-free creaminess that is incredibly luxurious.
· Tropical Flavor: They offer a wonderful escape with their sweet, nutty, and tropical taste.
· Versatile: They can be easily adapted to be gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan.
No matter which one you choose, you’re in for a delicious, tropical treat! Enjoy