Haupia

Traditional Hawaiian Haupia Recipe - Easy and Delicious

Region / culture: Hawaii | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Haupia is a traditional Hawaiian coconut milk-based dessert that is creamy, sweet, and delicious. It is a popular treat at luaus and other Hawaiian gatherings.

History

Haupia has been a staple in Hawaiian cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated with the Polynesians who settled in Hawaii and brought with them the knowledge of how to extract coconut milk. Over time, the recipe evolved to include sugar and cornstarch to thicken the mixture, creating the creamy dessert we know today.

Ingredients

12 oz (340 g) of chilled coconut milk
1.5 cups of water
6 tbsp of sugar
6 tbsp of cornstarch

How to prepare

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Stir over medium heat until thickened.
Lower the heat and cook for ten minutes, stirring constantly to avoid lumps or burning.
Pour the mixture into an 8x8 inch dish and chill until set.
Cut the haupia into squares.
Note: You can top it with crushed pineapple, sliced peaches, or sliced mango.

Variations

Add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Use coconut cream instead of coconut milk for a richer dessert.
Experiment with different sweeteners such as honey or agave syrup.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to stir constantly while cooking the haupia to prevent lumps from forming.

- Chill the haupia in the refrigerator for at least a few hours to allow it to set properly.

- Experiment with different toppings such as crushed pineapple, sliced peaches, or sliced mango to add a tropical twist to the dessert.

Serving Suggestions

Serve haupia chilled as a refreshing dessert on a hot day. It pairs well with tropical fruits such as pineapple, mango, or papaya.

Cooking Techniques

Haupia is a simple no-bake dessert that requires only basic cooking skills. The key is to stir constantly while cooking the mixture to prevent lumps from forming.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have cornstarch on hand, you can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as a thickening agent.

Make Ahead Tips

Haupia can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply cover the dish with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

Presentation Ideas

Cut the haupia into squares and serve on a platter garnished with fresh fruit or toasted coconut flakes for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Haupia pairs well with tropical fruit salads, coconut-flavored desserts, or a cup of hot tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover haupia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of haupia contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of haupia contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of haupia contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of haupia contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Haupia is a good source of vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

Haupia contains coconut milk, which may be an allergen for some individuals.

Summary

Haupia is a creamy and delicious dessert that is relatively high in fats and carbohydrates. It is a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, making it a tasty treat that can be enjoyed in moderation.

Summary

Haupia is a delicious and creamy coconut milk-based dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its tropical flavors and simple preparation, it is sure to be a hit with family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something special. It was a sunny day in Hawaii, and I was visiting a local farmer's market with my husband. We stumbled upon a small stand where a sweet elderly woman was selling her homemade desserts. The smell of coconut and sweetness filled the air, and I knew I had to try whatever she was offering.

I approached the woman and asked her what she was selling. She smiled warmly and said, "Haupia. It's a traditional Hawaiian coconut pudding. Would you like to try some?" I eagerly nodded, and she handed me a small square of the creamy dessert. As soon as I took my first bite, I was transported to a tropical paradise. The smooth texture and the rich coconut flavor were unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

I immediately asked the woman for the recipe, and she kindly obliged. She explained that Haupia was a staple in Hawaiian cuisine, often served at special occasions and celebrations. She learned how to make it from her grandmother, who passed down the recipe through generations. I was in awe of the history and tradition behind this simple yet delicious dessert.

As I returned home from my trip to Hawaii, I couldn't stop thinking about Haupia. I was determined to recreate the recipe and share it with my family and friends. I gathered all the ingredients I needed – coconut milk, sugar, cornstarch, and water – and set to work in my kitchen.

I followed the instructions carefully, whisking the coconut milk, sugar, and water over low heat until it thickened. The aroma of coconut filled my kitchen, and I knew I was on the right track. I added the cornstarch mixture to the pot and continued to stir until the mixture was smooth and glossy.

Once the Haupia had reached the desired consistency, I poured it into a square baking dish and let it cool in the refrigerator. As I waited for it to set, I thought back to that sunny day in Hawaii and the kind woman who shared her recipe with me. I felt grateful for the opportunity to learn something new and delicious.

When the Haupia was finally chilled and ready to be served, I couldn't wait to taste it. I cut it into small squares and garnished it with toasted coconut flakes. The moment I took my first bite, I was transported back to the farmer's market in Hawaii. The creamy texture and the sweet coconut flavor were just as I remembered.

I shared the Haupia with my family, and they all loved it. My husband praised me for my cooking skills, and my grandchildren asked for seconds. I felt proud to have learned such a special recipe and to be able to pass it down to future generations.

From that day on, Haupia became a regular dessert in our household. Whenever we had guests over or celebrated a special occasion, I would make a batch of Haupia to share with everyone. It became a symbol of my love for cooking and my passion for learning new recipes.

As I grew older, I continued to experiment with different variations of the Haupia recipe. I added fresh fruit, chocolate, and even nuts to create unique flavors and textures. Each batch was a new adventure, and I loved the creative process of cooking.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen surrounded by my family, I can't help but feel grateful for all the recipes I have collected over the years. Each one tells a story, just like the Haupia recipe that started it all. I may not have grown up in Hawaii or learned how to make Haupia from my grandmother, but I feel a deep connection to this traditional dessert and the woman who shared it with me.

As I serve another batch of Haupia to my family, I can't help but smile. This simple coconut pudding has brought so much joy and memories into our lives, and I am grateful for the opportunity to pass down this recipe to the next generation. Cooking has always been my passion, and Haupia is just one of the many delicious recipes I have learned and cherished over the years. I can only hope that my grandchildren will continue to cook and create new memories with these recipes, just as I have done.