Description
A silky, creamy Hawaiian dessert made with just coconut milk, sugar, and starch. This easy haupia recipe is the perfect make-ahead treat to finish off your tropical luau feast.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- ½ cup cold water
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch (or arrowroot for traditional version)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with cold water until fully dissolved and smooth. Set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine coconut milk and sugar. Stir constantly until warm and the sugar is dissolved—do not let it boil.
- Slowly whisk the cornstarch slurry into the coconut milk mixture. Continue stirring constantly.
- Cook for 10–12 minutes, whisking continuously, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat and pour into an 8×8 inch dish or individual cups. Let it cool at room temperature for 10–15 minutes.
- Refrigerate uncovered for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until fully set.
- Slice into cubes or scoop to serve. Enjoy chilled.
Notes
For a chocolate variation, melt ½ cup chocolate into half the cooked mixture and layer it into a pie crust for chocolate haupia pie.
Add mango, passionfruit, or pineapple topping for a tropical twist.
Do not freeze haupia—it will separate and lose its smooth texture.
Use arrowroot starch for a more traditional, softer texture with a glossy finish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Chilling Time: 4 hours
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (1/8 of dish)
- Calories: 145 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg