Haupia

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: Hawaiian

Haupia is a classic Hawaiian dessert made from rich coconut milk, offering a creamy, smooth texture and a subtly sweet flavor. This delightful treat is perfect for those who appreciate tropical tastes and is great for gatherings or as a refreshing end to any meal.

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Ingredients

  • 3 cans coconut milk
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • dash of salt

Instructions

  1. Cook over medium heat until thickened.
  2. Pour into a greased 9-inch pan.

Tips & Substitutions

To achieve a smooth texture, ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved in a bit of coconut milk before adding it to the pot. If you want to experiment, try substituting some coconut milk with almond milk for a different flavor. Adding a splash of vanilla extract can also enhance the taste. Keep stirring to prevent lumps as you cook over medium heat.

Serving Suggestions

Haupia is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with fresh fruit or alongside a slice of Pavlova, Australia’s national dessert, for a delightful contrast. Consider cutting it into squares and serving it with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or toasted coconut flakes for added texture and flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Haupia can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can cause the texture to become grainy. Chilling it again after reheating can restore its creaminess.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Haupia contains roughly 397 calories, with 4g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (14% of the Daily Value), iron (14% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

397 kcal 20% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.8g 8% DV
Total Fat 35.8g 46% DV
Carbs 21g 8% DV
Fiber 4.1g 14% DV
Sugar 5g 10% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 267mg 12% DV
Potassium 431.9mg 9% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 9.6mg 11% DV
Calcium 28mg 2% DV
Iron 2.6mg 14% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Haupia vegan?

Yes, Haupia is naturally vegan as it uses coconut milk, sugar, and cornstarch. Just ensure that the sugar you use is vegan-friendly, as some sugars are processed with bone char.

What can I do if my Haupia doesn't thicken?

If your Haupia doesn't thicken, it may be due to insufficient cooking time or not dissolving the cornstarch properly. Try cooking it a bit longer while stirring continuously. If it's still runny, you can mix a little more cornstarch with cold coconut milk and add it to the mixture, cooking until thick.

How do I enhance the flavor of Haupia?

To enhance the flavor of Haupia, consider adding a pinch of vanilla or almond extract to the mixture while cooking. You can also infuse the coconut milk with pandan leaves for a unique twist or serve it with a fruit sauce to complement the creamy texture.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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