Chinese Mango Pudding Recipe
If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a little tropical vacation in each spoonful, then Chinese Mango Pudding is the perfect treat for you. This silky smooth pudding bursts with the natural sweetness of ripe mangoes and a gentle creaminess that melts in your mouth. It’s incredibly refreshing yet comforting, making it a beloved classic in Chinese cuisine and a favorite to share with friends and family on warm days or special occasions. Once you discover how simple it is to make, you’ll find yourself reaching for this Chinese Mango Pudding recipe again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chinese Mango Pudding lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient has a purpose, contributing distinctively to the flavor, texture, and vibrant color you’ll adore. From luscious mango purée to the creamy richness of coconut milk, these essentials blend together beautifully to create the ultimate dessert experience.
- Yellow and ripe mangoes: Use two mangoes for about one cup of smooth, fragrant mango purée that forms the pudding’s flavorful base.
- Boiling water: Needed to bloom the gelatin properly, ensuring the pudding sets with a perfect, jiggle-worthy firmness.
- Gelatin (2 ½ teaspoons): Acts as the setting agent, giving the pudding its characteristic smooth, bouncy texture without overpowering the fruitiness.
- Coconut milk or half & half: Adds luscious creaminess and a subtle tropical note that complements the mango beautifully.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Brings rich sweetness and a creamy depth, balancing the tartness of the mango.
- Sugar (adjustable): Allows you to tailor the sweetness depending on how sweet your mangoes are, making each batch uniquely perfect.
How to Make Chinese Mango Pudding
Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin
Begin by pouring the boiling water over the gelatin powder and stirring gently until it’s fully dissolved. This step ensures the gelatin activates correctly to create a smooth, stable pudding without any lumps. Set this mixture aside to cool slightly as you journey through the next steps.
Step 2: Prepare the Mango Purée
Next, peel and chop your ripe yellow mangoes before blending them until absolutely smooth. The secret to vibrant Chinese Mango Pudding is choosing mangoes at peak ripeness—this guarantees a naturally sweet and fresh flavor, as well as a gorgeous golden hue.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
In a small pot over low to medium heat, gently combine the coconut milk, condensed milk, sugar, and the pre-bloomed gelatin. Stir frequently for about 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture just begins to simmer—avoid boiling as that could affect the texture. Then, fold in your fresh mango purée along with optional mango chunks if you like a bit of texture. This melding of flavors is where your Chinese Mango Pudding truly comes to life.
Step 4: Adjust Sweetness
At this stage, taste your pudding base and tweak the sweetness by adding more sugar or a touch of honey as needed. Mango sweetness can vary, so this step lets you personalize the dessert to your liking, ensuring the perfect balance for your palate.
Step 5: Set the Pudding
Pour the pudding mixture evenly into small bowls or ramekins and place them in the fridge. Give it the time it needs—overnight chilling is best—to let everything set into a firm yet creamy delight ready to impress all who try it.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Before serving, top your Chinese Mango Pudding with fresh mango chunks and a drizzle of diluted condensed milk made by mixing half a teaspoon of water with a teaspoon of condensed milk. This final touch adds a luscious, creamy finish that elevates this dessert from gorgeous to unforgettable.
How to Serve Chinese Mango Pudding
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can truly brighten your Chinese Mango Pudding. Think fresh mango cubes for a juicy contrast or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for an added crunch and tropical flair. Mint leaves also add a pop of color and a burst of freshness that complements the pudding’s sweetness wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This pudding pairs beautifully with light, refreshing sides such as a crisp green tea or a plate of buttery fortune cookies. If you’re looking to create a full dessert platter, fresh tropical fruits like lychee or dragon fruit work harmoniously alongside to keep the flavors balanced and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation by serving the pudding in elegant glass cups or even hollowed-out mango shells for a playful, eye-catching twist. Layering with a hint of crushed biscuit or graham cracker at the base adds texture and makes every spoonful an adventure. The possibilities are endless and invite you to get creative!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chinese Mango Pudding is perfect for making ahead and storing in the refrigerator. Keep your pudding covered tightly with plastic wrap or in airtight containers to preserve its silky texture and fresh flavor for up to 3 days.
Freezing
While you can freeze Chinese Mango Pudding, be aware that the texture may become slightly grainy upon thawing because of the fruity base and dairy content. If freezing, portion it into individual containers and thaw gently in the refrigerator before serving, ideally enjoying it within one month.
Reheating
It’s best served chilled, so reheating isn’t recommended. However, if you prefer a room-temperature dessert, simply let it sit out for about 15 minutes before diving in. This slight warming helps release the mango aroma without compromising the pudding’s luscious, creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use agar agar instead of gelatin in Chinese Mango Pudding?
Yes, agar agar can be used as a vegetarian alternative. However, since agar sets more firmly and differently than gelatin, you’ll need to adjust the amount and the setting time accordingly to avoid an overly dense pudding.
What kind of mango is best for Chinese Mango Pudding?
Yellow, ripe mangoes such as Ataulfo or Kent varieties work best due to their sweetness and smooth texture. The riper the mango, the richer and more vibrant your pudding will be.
Is coconut milk necessary for this recipe?
While coconut milk adds a beautiful creaminess and subtle tropical flavor, you can substitute it with half & half or even whole milk if preferred. Just keep in mind that coconut milk gives the pudding its signature exotic taste.
How sweet should the pudding be?
The sweetness varies based on your mangoes’ natural sugar level. Start with a moderate amount of sugar and then adjust according to taste during the cooking process. It’s best to balance sweetness to complement rather than overpower the fruity notes.
Can I make Chinese Mango Pudding vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, replace gelatin with agar agar and use coconut milk or any plant-based milk. Substitute condensed milk with a thick coconut condensed milk alternative or a homemade blend of coconut cream and sweetener.
Final Thoughts
Chinese Mango Pudding is one of those rare desserts that feels effortlessly elegant and delightfully approachable all at once. Its heavenly smooth texture, vibrant mango flavor, and creamy richness make it a crowd-pleaser whether you’re serving it for a family meal or a special gathering. I promise once you make this recipe, you’ll find yourself coming back to it, excited to share the joy of Chinese Mango Pudding with everyone you love. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a cherished favorite in your dessert repertoire!
Chinese Mango Pudding Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chinese Mango Pudding is a smooth, creamy, and refreshing dessert made with fresh ripe mangoes, gelatin, and coconut milk. It offers a perfect balance of sweetness and tropical flavor, making it an ideal treat for warm weather or a light finish to any meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 yellow and ripe mangoes (makes 1 cup mango purée)
- ¾ cup boiling water
- 2½ tsp gelatin (1 packet Knox gelatin)
- ½ cup coconut milk or half & half
- 1 tbsp condensed milk
- ½–1 tbsp sugar (adjust to mango sweetness)
For Garnish
- Extra mango chunks
- Drizzle of diluted condensed milk (½ tsp water + 1 tsp condensed milk)
Instructions
- Bloom Gelatin: Pour the boiling water over the gelatin powder in a bowl. Stir well until the gelatin is fully dissolved. Set this mixture aside.
- Make Mango Purée: Peel and cut the ripe mangoes, then blend them in a mixer until smooth to create a fresh mango purée.
- Combine Ingredients: In a pot, combine the coconut milk, condensed milk, sugar, and the dissolved gelatin mixture. Add the mango purée and any optional mango chunks if desired. Heat gently over low to medium heat, stirring frequently for about 3 to 5 minutes until it just starts to simmer. Avoid boiling to prevent gelatin from losing its setting ability.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the mixture and add more sugar or honey to balance the sweetness according to the ripeness and natural sweetness of your mangoes.
- Set the Pudding: Pour the mixture into small bowls or ramekins. Place them in the refrigerator and chill overnight or until the pudding is fully set and firm.
- Serve: Before serving, top the pudding with extra mango chunks and drizzle with diluted condensed milk made by mixing ½ teaspoon water with 1 teaspoon condensed milk for a creamy finish.
Notes
- Use ripe, yellow mangoes for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Do not boil the mixture after adding gelatin to ensure the pudding sets properly.
- You can substitute coconut milk with half & half for a creamier texture but less coconut flavor.
- Adjust sugar based on the sweetness of the mangoes to suit your taste.
- Refrigerate at least 4 hours but overnight is best for full setting.
- This recipe can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling, Blending, Simmering
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 150g)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: Chinese mango pudding, mango dessert, gelatin dessert, coconut milk pudding, fruity pudding, no-bake dessert
