Quick Answer
Yes, you can substitute coconut milk for milk when making pudding. Coconut milk has a creamy texture that makes it a suitable 1:1 replacement for dairy milk. The coconut flavor pairs well with many pudding flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and caramel. When swapping coconut milk for milk, be sure to shake the can first as the thick coconut cream will have separated from the watery coconut milk. The pudding may set up a little thicker with coconut milk, so you may need to thin it slightly with extra non-dairy milk if desired. Overall, coconut milk makes a tasty non-dairy substitute in homemade puddings.
Coconut Milk Basics
Coconut milk is made from the meat of mature coconuts which is grated and soaked in hot water to extract the flavorful coconut milk. The extracted coconut milk is then strained to remove any solids. Here are a few key facts about canned coconut milk:
– Creamy White Color: Coconut milk has a rich, white creamy appearance when shaken well.
– Thick Texture: The coconut cream rises and thickens at the top while the thinner milk sits at the bottom. Always shake cans well before use.
– Sweet Coconut Flavor: Coconut milk has a mild sweetness and tropical coconut flavor.
– High Fat Content: Coconut milk contains over 20% fat, mostly from saturated fats. It has fewer carbs and protein than dairy milk.
– Shelf Stable: Canned and tetra-packed coconut milk keeps without refrigeration until opened. Refrigerate unused portions.
– Used in Curries: Coconut milk is popular in Thai and Indian curries adding rich body and flavor.
– Adds Creaminess: The thick texture makes it perfect for smoothies, ice cream, and creamy desserts.
So in summary, coconut milk is naturally sweet, thick, and creamy making it an ideal non-dairy milk for baking, cooking, and desserts. Just shake cans well before measuring out the amount needed for recipes.
Substituting Coconut Milk in Pudding
When making homemade pudding, you can substitute coconut milk 1:1 in place of regular dairy milk with great results. Here are some tips for using canned coconut milk in puddings:
– Shake Well First: Give cans a vigorous shake to fully reincorporate the thick coconut cream into the watery milk before measuring.
– Expect Thicker Set: Puddings made with coconut milk may set up a bit thicker than dairy versions. Add 1-2 tbsp extra non-dairy milk to thin if desired.
– Vanilla Pairs Well: The inherent sweetness of coconut milk complements vanilla pudding nicely. Add a splash of coconut extract too.
– Great in Chocolate: The nutty richness of coconut enhances chocolate for flavorful dairy-free chocolate pudding.
– Caramel & Butterscotch Too: Coconut brings added depth to caramel and butterscotch pudding flavors.
– May Soften Faster: Puddings made with coconut milk tend to soften faster after chilling compared to regular milk versions.
– Dairy-Free Alternative: Coconut milk gives those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance a tasty pudding option.
So coconut milk can be used in place of regular milk in any homemade or instant pudding recipe. The results are thick, rich, and delicious! Just be sure to shake cans well first.
Pudding Recipes with Coconut Milk
Here are some tasty pudding recipes that use coconut milk instead of regular dairy milk:
Easy Coconut Rice Pudding
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Full fat canned coconut milk | 2 cans (13.5oz each) |
| White rice, uncooked | 1 cup |
| Water | 2 cups |
| White sugar | 1⁄3 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Ground cinnamon | 1⁄2 tsp |
| Salt | 1⁄4 tsp |
Directions:
1. In a saucepan, combine coconut milk, rice, water, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Reduce heat to low, cover pan, and simmer for 20 minutes until rice is tender and mixture thickens. Stir occasionally.
3. Remove from heat and let pudding cool slightly before serving. For best texture, refrigerate pudding for 1-2 hours before serving to allow it to fully set.
Vegan Chocolate Coconut Pudding
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Canned full fat coconut milk | 1 (14oz) can |
| Avocado | 1 small ripe avocado |
| Cocoa powder | 1⁄4 cup |
| Maple syrup | 3 tbsp |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Sea salt | Pinch |
Directions:
1. Scoop avocado flesh into blender. Add coconut milk, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt.
2. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. For thicker pudding, use less coconut milk.
3. Pour into serving dishes and chill for 1-2 hours until set.
4. Garnish with cacao nibs or coconut flakes if desired before serving.
Piña Colada Pudding
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Full fat coconut milk | 1 (14oz) can |
| Pineapple chunks | 1 cup |
| Vanilla yogurt | 1 cup |
| White sugar | 1⁄4 cup |
| Cornstarch | 2 tbsp |
| Pineapple juice | 2 tbsp |
| Shredded coconut | 2 tbsp (for garnish) |
Directions:
1. Drain the pineapple chunks, reserving 2 tbsp juice.
2. In a saucepan, whisk together the coconut milk, yogurt, sugar, cornstarch, and reserved pineapple juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, for 5-10 minutes until thickened.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the pineapple chunks. Let cool for 15 minutes.
4. Pour into serving dishes and refrigerate for 1-2 hours until set.
5. Garnish with shredded coconut before serving.
Tips for Making Coconut Milk Pudding
Here are some top tips to keep in mind when making dairy-free pudding with coconut milk:
– Use full-fat coconut milk for creamiest results. Light coconut milk may not set up properly.
– Shake cans vigorously before opening to fully incorporate the thick coconut cream into the watery milk.
– Snip off only one corner of the can when pouring out coconut milk to avoid unwanted bits of solid coconut in pudding.
– Always cook stovetop puddings over medium heat, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula.
– Instant pudding mix sets up quickly with coconut milk so prepare serving dishes ahead of time before adding the mix.
– For rich homemade pudding, temper egg yolks with some hot coconut milk before adding to the rest of the hot mixture.
– Chill puddings for the time specified in recipes, usually 1-2 hours, for best results. Eat homemade puddings within 3-4 days.
– Garnish with whipped coconut cream, toasted coconut flakes, fruit, or cacao nibs for pretty presentations.
With a bit of care and proper technique, coconut milk can make spectacular dairy-free puddings the whole family will love. The coconut flavor adds extra richness and complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does coconut milk pudding taste like coconut?
Coconut milk adds rich depth of flavor but doesn’t necessarily taste strongly like coconut in puddings, especially with added flavors like chocolate or caramel. For a more tropical twist, stir in some toasted coconut flakes as a garnish.
Is coconut milk pudding gluten-free?
Yes, plain coconut milk and homemade coconut milk pudding is naturally gluten-free. When using packaged instant pudding mixes, be sure to use a certified gluten-free brand to keep the pudding gluten-free.
Can coconut milk pudding be made vegan?
Absolutely! Coconut milk gives you a vegan and dairy-free base for pudding. Use agar powder instead of gelatin to set vegan puddings. Or blend avocado or silken tofu into coconut milk for thick, creamy vegan puddings.
Is coconut milk pudding healthier than regular dairy pudding?
In some ways yes, as coconut milk offers less protein but more healthy fats compared to dairy milk. But coconut milk is still high in saturated fat and calories, so portion sizes should be monitored. Overall it can be a more nutritious option for those avoiding dairy.
Does coconut milk curdle in puddings?
Coconut milk shouldn’t curdle when used properly in pudding recipes. Be sure to shake cans well first and completely dissolve sugar and starch in the milk when cooking stovetop versions. Rapid boiling can cause separation, so heat gently.
Conclusion
Coconut milk can be seamlessly substituted 1:1 for regular milk when making any type of pudding recipe. The creamy consistency and mild coconut sweetness pairs perfectly in puddings of all flavors. Coconut milk allows those avoiding dairy to enjoy homemade puddings. Just be sure to shake the cans well first when making dairy-free puddings with rich, flavorful coconut milk. Follow recipe tips for best results.