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Hawaiian Haupia

Hawaiian haupia recipe: silky, set coconut milk pudding, cool, sweet and impossibly smooth. The classic Hawaiian luau and plate lunch dessert, cool and creamy.

⏱ 15 minPrep time
🔥 30 minCook time
🍽 4Servings
🏷 DessertCategory
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Haupia is Hawaii’s traditional coconut pudding, made for centuries from freshly grated coconut and coconut milk thickened with starch. Modern versions use cornstarch, but the result is the same: a cool, wobbly, intensely coconut square that has graced luaus and plate lunches for generations.

Its texture is unique — firmer than custard, silkier than gelatin, with clean coconut sweetness. Serve chilled squares plain, or topped with toasted coconut and a drizzle of honey.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Grease an 8x8-inch dish or line it with plastic wrap.
  2. In a bowl, whisk the cornstarch with 1/2 cup of the coconut milk until smooth.
  3. In a saucepan, heat the remaining coconut milk, coconut cream, sugar and salt over medium heat until steaming.
  4. Whisk in the cornstarch mixture and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened and glossy, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Stir in the vanilla, pour into the dish and smooth the top. Chill for at least 4 hours until fully set.
  6. Cut into squares and serve cold, garnished with toasted coconut.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Whisk constantly while the pudding thickens — it can catch and scorch quickly. For a firmer haupia that holds its shape for plating, add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch.

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Recipe details

Prep15 min
Cook30 min
Servings4
CategoryDessert
PublishedAugust 17, 2026
Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →