If you’re anything like me and adore desserts that are both refreshing and decadently smooth, then this Chinese Mango Pudding Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a luscious, creamy pudding bursting with the tropical sweetness of ripe mangoes and a subtle hint of coconut that dances on your palate. Beyond its silky texture and vibrant color, this pudding brings a little slice of Asian dessert magic to your kitchen with surprisingly simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Trust me, once you make this recipe, it’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to treats for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for just a handful of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. From ripe mangoes that give the pudding its fresh, fruity heart to gelatin that sets the creamy mixture into a delightful, wobbly consistency, every component is essential for your success.
- Ripe mangoes: The star ingredient providing natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Coconut milk: Adds a silky richness with a tropical nuance that complements the mango perfectly.
- Whole milk: Gives body and creaminess to the pudding, making it velvety smooth.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the flavors with just the right amount of sweetness.
- Gelatin sheets or powdered gelatin: Essential to achieve the pudding’s signature firm yet tender texture.
- Hot water: Used to dissolve gelatin for even incorporation.
- Fresh mint leaves (optional): Great for garnishing and adding a fresh, aromatic touch.
- Additional mango slices or cubes (optional): Perfect for a decorative and tasty topping.
How to Make Chinese Mango Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Mangoes
Start by peeling and slicing your ripe mangoes. Cut the flesh into small cubes but make sure to set aside a few for later garnishing—those fresh mango cubes will add a delightful texture contrast and color to your finished pudding.
Step 2: Make the Mango Puree
Place the majority of your mango cubes into a blender and whizz them until silky smooth. You should aim for about 300 ml of this fresh mango puree, which is the flavor powerhouse in this pudding.
Step 3: Heat the Milk Mixture
Combine the whole milk and coconut milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the granulated sugar until it dissolves completely, making the base sweet and creamy. Once ready, remove it from heat and allow it to cool slightly so that it doesn’t compromise the gelatin.
Step 4: Prepare the Gelatin
If you’re using gelatin sheets, soak them in cold water for five minutes until soft. For powdered gelatin, sprinkle it over the hot water and stir until fully dissolved. This step is vital to ensure a smooth, jiggly pudding texture without lumps.
Step 5: Incorporate Gelatin into the Milk
Remove excess water from your softened gelatin sheets by gently squeezing, or just stir in the dissolved powdered gelatin. Add this to the warm milk mixture and stir thoroughly to combine. This helps the pudding to set evenly once chilled.
Step 6: Blend Mango Puree and Milk Mixture
Pour the luscious mango puree into the milk-gelatin mixture. Mix gently but well to marry these flavors and maintain that gorgeous golden color.
Step 7: Pour into Molds
Distribute the pudding mixture evenly into your chosen serving bowls or molds. Give them a gentle tap on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles, ensuring a smooth pudding surface.
Step 8: Chill Until Set
Place the bowls in the refrigerator and let them chill for at least 4 hours. This slow setting time allows the pudding to firm up to the ideal silky, wobbly texture that makes this dessert irresistible.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Once set, top your Chinese mango pudding with the reserved mango cubes and a few fresh mint leaves if you like. Serve this chilled for the most refreshing experience.
How to Serve Chinese Mango Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh mango cubes or delicate mint leaves as garnishes not only heightens the visual appeal but also adds wonderful bursts of fresh flavor and refreshing aroma that complement the pudding’s creaminess.
Side Dishes
This Chinese mango pudding pairs beautifully with light, subtly flavored dishes like steamed dim sum or chilled fruit salads, adding a sweet finish that balances savory tastes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your mango pudding in elegant glasses or fancy molds for a party presentation, or even layered with crushed cookies or granola to introduce a satisfying crunch alongside the smooth pudding. You can also drizzle a bit of passion fruit syrup on top for an exciting tart twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Chinese mango pudding should be covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2 days, maintaining its texture and fresh flavor.
Freezing
Freezing this pudding is not recommended as the gelatin texture may become grainy and the smoothness of the mango puree can be compromised upon thawing.
Reheating
Since this pudding is best enjoyed chilled, reheating is unnecessary. If you’d like it less cold, allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use mango pulp instead of fresh mangoes?
Yes, mango pulp can be used in a pinch, but fresh mangoes give the pudding a brighter flavor and better texture. Using fresh mangoes also ensures the natural sweetness and vibrant color are at their best.
What if I don’t have gelatin? Are there alternatives?
You can substitute gelatin with agar-agar, a vegetarian-friendly gelling agent. Just be sure to adjust amounts as agar sets differently and follow package instructions for the best results.
How ripe should the mangoes be for this pudding?
Choose mangoes that are fully ripe but still firm. They should give slightly under gentle pressure and be fragrant, ensuring natural sweetness and a smooth puree without fibrous chunks.
Can I make this pudding vegan?
Absolutely! Replace the gelatin with agar-agar, use coconut milk for the entire liquid portion, and opt for a plant-based sweetener if you prefer. This way, you keep all the delicious flavors while keeping it vegan-friendly.
Is this pudding suitable for kids?
Definitely. The pudding is naturally sweet, smooth, and fruity, making it a hit with kids. Just ensure that any garnishes like mint leaves are removed if your child prefers simpler textures.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Mango Pudding Recipe is a gem that beautifully combines simplicity with impressive flavor and texture. It’s perfect for those moments when you want a dessert that’s light but indulgent, elegant yet easy to pull off. I promise, once you try this delightful pudding, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again to brighten your dessert table and impress your guests. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
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Chinese Mango Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 10m
- Total Time: 4h 25m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This Chinese Mango Pudding is a creamy, luscious dessert combining fresh ripe mangoes with coconut and whole milk, set with gelatin for a smooth, silky texture. Perfectly sweetened and chilled, it’s an elegant treat garnished with mango cubes and mint leaves, offering a tropical flavor that’s both refreshing and indulgent.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 ripe mangoes
- 200 ml coconut milk
- 200 ml whole milk
- 75 grams granulated sugar
- 10 grams gelatin sheets or 1 tablespoon powdered gelatin
- 100 ml hot water
Garnish
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
- Additional mango slices or cubes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Mangoes: Begin by peeling and slicing the ripe mangoes. Cut them into small cubes and set aside a few cubes for garnishing.
- Make Mango Puree: In a blender, add the remaining mango cubes and blend until you achieve a smooth mango puree. You should have approximately 300 ml of mango puree.
- Heat Milk Mixture: Heat the whole milk and coconut milk together in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the granulated sugar and stir until dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare Gelatin: If using gelatin sheets, soak them in cold water for about 5 minutes until they soften. If using powdered gelatin, dissolve it directly into the 100 ml of hot water.
- Incorporate Gelatin: Once the gelatin is ready, squeeze excess water from the gelatin sheets or ensure the powdered gelatin is fully dissolved, then add it to the milk mixture. Stir well to ensure the gelatin is fully incorporated.
- Combine Mango Puree and Milk Mixture: Pour the mango puree into the milk mixture and mix until smooth.
- Pour into Molds: Prepare your serving bowls or molds and pour the mango pudding mixture into them evenly. Gently tap the bowls to remove any air bubbles.
- Chill: Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until set.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the pudding is set, garnish with reserved mango cubes and fresh mint leaves, if using. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Use ripe mangoes for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Make sure gelatin is fully dissolved to prevent lumps in the pudding.
- You can substitute whole milk with a dairy-free alternative but the texture may vary slightly.
- Chill the pudding well to allow proper setting and to enhance the flavors.
- For a vegan version, replace gelatin with agar-agar (adjust amounts accordingly).
