Haupia Parfait
A creamy, dreamy Hawaiian dessert featuring layers of rich coconut pudding (haupia), sweet tropical fruit, and crunchy macadamia nuts. This refreshing parfait is a taste of the islands in a glass, perfect for a light dessert or special treat.
For 4 servings
3 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Make the Haupia Pudding
- b.In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch and 1 cup of water together until completely smooth. This is your slurry. Set aside.
- c.In a medium, non-stick saucepan, combine the full-fat coconut milk, granulated sugar, and salt. Place over medium heat.
- d.Stir the mixture gently until the sugar has fully dissolved, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Do not let it boil.
- e.Give the cornstarch slurry a final quick whisk, then slowly pour it into the warm coconut milk mixture while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
- f.Continue to cook, stirring or whisking constantly, for 5-7 minutes. The mixture will thicken significantly into a smooth, glossy, pudding-like consistency.
- g.Remove the saucepan from the heat.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Chill and Set the Haupia
- b.Immediately pour the hot haupia mixture into an 8x8 inch glass or ceramic baking dish.
- c.Let it cool on the counter for about 20-30 minutes.
- d.Cover the dish with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the haupia to prevent a skin from forming.
- e.Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, or up to overnight, until it is completely firm and set.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare Toppings and Assemble Parfaits
- b.While the haupia chills, prepare your fruit by dicing the pineapple and mango. If your macadamia nuts are not toasted, toast them in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant, then chop them.
- c.Once the haupia is firm, turn it out onto a cutting board and cut it into 1-inch cubes.
- d.In four parfait glasses or small bowls, begin layering. Start with a layer of haupia cubes at the bottom.
- e.Follow with a layer of the diced pineapple and mango.
- f.Sprinkle a layer of chopped macadamia nuts over the fruit.
- g.Repeat the layers of haupia, fruit, and nuts until the glasses are full, ending with a layer of fruit.
- h.Garnish the top of each parfait with toasted coconut flakes and a few extra macadamia nuts.
- i.Serve immediately for the best texture.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the creamiest haupia, use high-quality, full-fat canned coconut milk. Avoid coconut milk from a carton as it has a lower fat content and won't set properly.
- 2Constant whisking is key when adding the cornstarch slurry and while the pudding cooks. This is the secret to a perfectly smooth, lump-free texture.
- 3To easily remove the haupia from the pan, you can lightly grease the pan with coconut oil before pouring the mixture in.
- 4Make the haupia a day in advance to save time. Keep it covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to assemble the parfaits.
- 5Ensure the haupia is fully chilled and firm before cutting. A cold, firm block is much easier to cube neatly.
Adapt it for your goals.
Fruit Variations
Swap the pineapple and mango for other tropical fruits like papaya, passion fruit (lilikoi), guava, or starfruit. Berries also work well for a different flavor profile.
Flavor InfusionFlavor Infusion
Add 1 teaspoon of pandan extract or ube extract to the coconut milk mixture for a vibrant color and unique flavor.
Crunchy BaseCrunchy Base
Add a layer of crushed shortbread cookies, graham crackers, or granola at the bottom of the parfait glass for extra texture.
Classic Haupia SquaresClassic Haupia Squares
Instead of making a parfait, simply serve the chilled, cubed haupia on its own as a traditional Hawaiian dessert.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Energy Boosting
The healthy fats from coconut milk and macadamia nuts provide a dense source of energy, making this a satisfying and energizing treat.
Rich in Fiber
Fresh fruits like pineapple and mango are excellent sources of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes gut health.
Source of Manganese
Pineapple and macadamia nuts are good sources of manganese, an essential mineral that plays a role in bone formation, metabolism, and antioxidant defense.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of this Haupia Parfait contains approximately 530-550 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the exact ingredients used, such as the fat content of the coconut milk and the size of the fruit pieces.