Haupia
A silky-smooth, jiggly Hawaiian coconut pudding that melts in your mouth. Made with just a handful of pantry ingredients, haupia is the essential dessert at every luau and potluck across the islands. Sweet, creamy, and naturally dairy-free, it firms up like a firm jelly and is traditionally cut into neat little squares.
For 4 servings
- mix · ~1 min
Whisk the dry ingredients with water.
1.In the saucepan, whisk cornstarch and sugar together until no lumps remain.2.Pour in the water and whisk until completely smooth and dissolved.3.Whisk in the salt. - mix · ~1 min
Add the coconut milk.
1.Pour the full-fat coconut milk into the saucepan with the cornstarch mixture.2.Whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform, with no streaks of cornstarch.TIPMake sure the cornstarch slurry is smooth before heating or you'll get lumps. - boil · ~8 min
Cook the haupia mixture until thick.
1.Place the saucepan over medium heat.2.Whisk constantly and continuously while the mixture heats up — do not stop whisking.3.After 5-7 minutes, the mixture will visibly thicken and start to bubble.4.Once you see the first few thick bubbles, lower the heat to medium-low and whisk for 1 more minute.5.The haupia is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and a finger drawn through leaves a clean trail.TIPConstant whisking is non-negotiable — stepping away for even 30 seconds can cause scorching or lumps. - mix · ~1 min
Finish with vanilla.
Remove the saucepan from heat. Add vanilla extract and whisk thoroughly for 30 seconds to distribute evenly.
- assemble · ~1 min
Pour into dish and set.
1.Immediately pour the hot haupia mixture into an 8x8 inch baking dish or a similar flat container.2.Use a spatula to spread it evenly into the corners.3.Let it cool on the counter for 15 minutes, then cover with plastic wrap.4.Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until completely firm and set.TIPPress plastic wrap directly onto the surface if you want to prevent a skin from forming, though a slight skin is traditional. - serve · ~2 min
Slice into squares and serve chilled.
1.Run a butter knife around the edges of the dish.2.Turn the set haupia out onto a clean cutting board.3.Cut into neat squares or rectangles with a sharp knife wiped clean between each cut.TIPFor the cleanest cuts, dip your knife in warm water and wipe dry between each slice.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use full-fat canned coconut milk for the richest, creamiest texture; light coconut milk yields a thinner set.
- 2Whisk the cornstarch and sugar together before adding liquid to prevent clumps from forming.
- 3Do not stop whisking while the mixture heats — constant motion prevents scorching and lumps.
- 4Cook until the mixture visibly thickens and large bubbles appear, then continue for 1 minute to fully activate the cornstarch.
- 5Test doneness by coating the back of a spoon: draw a finger through — if the line holds clean, it's ready.
- 6Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for a perfectly firm, sliceable set.
- 7For clean cuts, dip your knife in warm water and wipe dry between each slice.
Adapt it for your goals.
Coconut-lime
Add 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice and 1 teaspoon lime zest along with the vanilla for a tangy, tropical twist that cuts the sweetness.
lower sugarLower-sugar
Reduce sugar to 3 tablespoons and add 1 tablespoon honey or agave for a less sweet, slightly floral version.
toasted coconutToasted-coconut
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons toasted shredded coconut over the top before the haupia sets for added crunch and nutty flavor.
chocolate haupiaChocolate-haupia
Whisk 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder into the cornstarch-sugar mixture before cooking for a rich chocolate-coconut hybrid.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Naturally Dairy-Free
Made entirely from coconut milk, this dessert is free from dairy, making it suitable for lactose-intolerant and vegan diets.
Minimal Ingredients
Uses only six pantry staples with no artificial additives, preservatives, or refined oils besides sugar.
Coconut Medium-Chain Triglycerides
Coconut milk contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are metabolized differently than other fats and may provide quick energy.
Gluten-Free
Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, making haupia a safe dessert option for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Frequently asked questions
Lumps usually happen if the cornstarch isn't fully dissolved before heating, or if you stopped whisking during cooking. Make sure the slurry is perfectly smooth before turning on the heat.
