Creamy Coconut Pudding Recipe

Sweet Toasted Coconut Pudding Recipe: A Tropical Dream Dessert

Dive into a tropical paradise with this luscious toasted coconut pudding that whisks you away to sun-drenched beaches.

The rich, golden-brown toasted coconut adds a deep, nutty complexity to every spoonful.

Creamy and smooth, this dessert promises a delightful escape from ordinary sweets.

Each bite bursts with warm, caramelized coconut notes that dance on your palate.

The simple ingredients come together to create a luxurious treat that feels both comforting and exotic.

Silky, decadent, and impossibly easy to make, this pudding turns an everyday dessert into a gourmet experience.

You’ll want to savor every last drop of this coconut-infused dream.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients in Toasted Coconut Pudding

For Toasting and Base:
  • Shredded Sweetened Coconut: Adds rich, nutty flavor and crunchy texture to elevate the pudding's complexity.
  • Vanilla Wafers: Provides a classic, buttery base that complements the coconut's sweetness and adds delightful crunch.
For Creamy Pudding Foundation:
  • Instant Coconut Pudding: Creates a smooth, intensely coconut-flavored foundation with minimal preparation effort.
  • Whole Milk: Delivers rich, velvety consistency and enhances the pudding's luxurious mouthfeel.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Introduces deep caramel-like sweetness and helps create a silky, decadent texture.
For Whipping and Finishing:
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Transforms the dessert into an airy, cloud-like treat with luxurious volume.
  • Confectioners Powdered Sugar: Softens and sweetens the whipped cream without granular texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Infuses warm, aromatic depth that beautifully harmonizes with coconut's tropical essence.

Tools for Toasted Coconut Pudding Preparation

  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for whisking pudding ingredients smoothly.
  • Whisk: Essential for blending pudding mix without lumps.
  • Cookie sheet: Helps toast coconut evenly with parchment paper.
  • Parchment paper: Prevents coconut from sticking and burning.
  • Separate bowl: Used for whipping cream to soft peaks.
  • Electric mixer or hand mixer: Beats cream quickly and efficiently.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient amounts.
  • Large serving bowl or individual jars: Helps layer and serve pudding beautifully.

How to Make Toasted Coconut Pudding Easily

Tropical Coconut Dream

  • Coconut Transformation

Spread shredded coconut on a baking sheet, watching it turn golden and releasing a warm, nutty fragrance in the oven.

  • Creamy Base

Whisk together silky pudding mix and milk until the mixture transforms into a smooth, luxurious landscape of sweetness.

  • Fluffy Cloud Topping

Whip cream into dreamy peaks that dance softly when folded into the pudding’s creamy embrace.

  • Layered Symphony

Build delightful layers of crisp wafers, golden coconut, and luscious pudding, creating a dessert that tells a story of texture and flavor.

  • Flavor Fusion

Let the dessert rest in the refrigerator, allowing the ingredients to mingle and develop a deeper, more complex taste profile.

  • Serving Magic

Scoop out chilled spoonfuls of this tropical delight, garnishing with extra toasted coconut for a crunchy finale that transports you to a beachside paradise.

Tips & Add-Ins for Toasted Coconut Pudding

  • Creamy Coconut Comfort: Some extra tips to make your pudding spectacular!
  • Toasting Technique: Watch coconut carefully while baking – it can burn quickly. Stir every minute to ensure even golden-brown color and prevent scorching.
  • Milk Magic: Use full-fat milk for richer, creamier pudding texture. Whole milk provides deeper flavor compared to low-fat alternatives.
  • Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare pudding up to 24 hours in advance. The longer it chills, the more intense the flavors become and layers blend beautifully.
  • Texture Twist: Swap vanilla wafers with graham crackers or shortbread cookies for different crunch and complementary flavor profiles.

Presentation Guide for Toasted Coconut Pudding

  • Tropical Beach Party Plating: Create a stunning dessert presentation by serving the pudding in clear glass parfait cups, reminiscent of a sunny Caribbean getaway. Sprinkle extra toasted coconut on top for a delightful crunch.
  • Textural Coconut Crumble Topping: Crush additional vanilla wafers and mix with toasted coconut to create a crunchy garnish that adds exciting texture and enhances the pudding's tropical flavor profile.
  • Fruity Tropical Companion: Pair the pudding with fresh mango chunks or pineapple slices on the side. The bright, tangy fruits complement the creamy coconut pudding and provide a refreshing contrast to the sweet dessert.
  • Rum-Inspired Adult Twist: For grown-up gatherings, drizzle a small amount of coconut rum over the pudding or add a light rum-infused whipped cream to elevate the dessert's sophistication and bring out deeper tropical notes.

Save and Store Toasted Coconut Pudding Smartly

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store the toasted coconut pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain its creamy texture and fresh taste.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the pudding layers a day before serving to enhance flavor depth and allow ingredients to blend beautifully, saving you precious preparation time.
  • Smart Ingredient Separation: Keep toasted coconut in a separate sealed container at room temperature for up to a week, adding it just before serving to maintain its delightful crunch and prevent soggy layers.
  • Freezing Friendly Option: While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze individual portions in sealed containers for up to 2 weeks, thawing in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying the delectable dessert.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Creamy Coconut Pudding Recipe

Creamy Coconut Pudding Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Mouthwatering toasted coconut pudding combines creamy coconut richness with deep caramelized notes. Tropical flavors and silky texture invite you to savor each spoonful of this delightful dessert.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (14 oz / 397 g) bag shredded sweetened coconut
  • 2 (3.4 oz / 96 g) boxes instant coconut pudding
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 (14 oz / 397 g) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
  • ⅓ cup confectioners powdered sugar
  • 2 tsps vanilla extract
  • 1 (11 oz / 312 g) box vanilla wafers

Instructions

  1. Toasting Coconut: Spread shredded coconut evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet, roasting at 425°F until achieving a golden-brown hue, stirring midway to ensure uniform caramelization.
  2. Pudding Base Preparation: Whisk instant coconut pudding mix, whole milk, and sweetened condensed milk until achieving a silky, homogeneous texture, allowing the mixture to thicken and develop a luxurious consistency.
  3. Cream Incorporation: In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream with confectioners sugar and vanilla extract until forming sturdy peaks, then gently fold into the pudding base, preserving its ethereal lightness.
  4. Layering Construction: In a serving vessel, create alternating strata of vanilla wafers, toasted coconut, and creamy pudding mixture, repeating the process to build a visually captivating and texturally complex dessert.
  5. Finishing Touch: Garnish the top layer with remaining toasted coconut, cover, and refrigerate for a minimum of two hours to allow flavor melding and complete setting.
  6. Serving Presentation: Present the chilled dessert, inviting guests to savor the intricate layers and tropical nuances of this coconut-infused delicacy.

Notes

  • Toast Coconut Carefully: Watch closely during toasting to prevent burning, stirring halfway for even golden-brown color.
  • Prevent Lumpy Pudding: Whisk pudding mix and milk thoroughly to achieve a smooth, silky consistency without clumps.
  • Whip Cream Perfectly: Use a chilled bowl and whip cream until stiff peaks form for maximum volume and stability.
  • Chill for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerate the dessert for at least two hours to allow flavors to meld and texture to set properly.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Global

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 36 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star