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🌿 Coconut Milk Pudding (Snowy Coconut Dessert)

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✨ Introduction

This dessert is a symbol of comfort, lightness, and celebration. Its creamy layers melt in the mouth, while the topping of shredded coconut adds texture and tropical sweetness. It’s a no-bake dessert often made during summer, Ramadan evenings, family gatherings, or simply as a refreshing sweet treat.

Because it doesn’t require complicated baking skills, it is loved by both children and adults. In some countries, it is flavored with vanilla, rose water, or orange blossom water, while in others, it remains purely milky and creamy.

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🥥 Ingredients (Family-size Tray)

Milk base:

1 liter (4 cups) whole milk

1 cup condensed milk (for sweetness & creaminess)

4 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening)

½ cup sugar (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or rose water / orange blossom water for Middle Eastern touch)

Pinch of salt

Cream topping:

1 cup heavy cream (whipped until soft peaks)

½ cup cream cheese or mascarpone (optional, for richness)

2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Final decoration:

1–1 ½ cups shredded coconut (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Milk Custard

1. In a large saucepan, add milk, sugar, condensed milk, cornstarch, and salt.
2. Stir constantly over medium heat until mixture thickens into a smooth custard (about 10 minutes).
3. Once thick, remove from heat and mix in vanilla (or rose water/orange blossom water).

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Step 2: Pour into Tray

• Pour the hot custard mixture into a large glass dish (like in the picture).
• Smooth the surface with a spatula.
• Let it cool slightly, then refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours until firm.

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Step 3: Whip the Cream Layer

• In a bowl, whip the heavy cream + powdered sugar (and optional cream cheese/mascarpone) until fluffy.
• Spread evenly over the cooled custard.

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Step 4: Coconut Snow Topping

• Generously sprinkle shredded coconut over the cream layer, covering it completely like a white snowy blanket.

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Step 5: Chill & Serve

• Refrigerate for another 2 hours before serving.
• Cut into squares or scoop with a spoon.

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📜 History & Cultural Notes

• This dessert has roots in Middle Eastern milk puddings such as Layali Lubnan (Lebanese Nights), where a semolina base is used instead of cornstarch.
• Coconut versions became popular in the 20th century, influenced by globalization and the introduction of coconut in Middle Eastern & Mediterranean kitchens.
• In Latin America, it resembles a tres leches-inspired coconut pudding.
• The use of snowy coconut symbolizes purity, festivity, and coolness, which is why it’s a popular summer and Ramadan dish.

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🌸 Benefits

1. High in Calcium & Protein → thanks to milk and cream.
2. Energy-boosting → sugars and carbs provide quick energy after fasting.
3. Coconut Benefits → rich in fiber, healthy fats, and improves digestion.
4. Mood Enhancing → creamy desserts stimulate serotonin release, making people feel comforted.
5. Customizable → can be made lighter with low-fat milk or vegan with coconut milk & plant cream.

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🔬 Formation (Science of the Dessert)

• Cornstarch Gelatinization: When heated, starch granules absorb milk, swell, and thicken the custard.
• Whipped Cream Aeration: Beating cream incorporates air bubbles, creating a fluffy light texture.
• Coconut Layer: Adds dry texture contrast, preventing the dessert from feeling too heavy.

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👫 Lovers of This Dessert

• Children → love its sweetness and soft texture.
• Mothers & Grandmothers → make it for family gatherings.
• Couples → enjoy it as a romantic chilled dessert after dinner.
• Guests → always impressed by its presentation, even though it’s simple.

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🍽 Nutrition (per serving, approx. 150g)

• Calories: ~280 kcal
• Protein: 6 g
• Fat: 12 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Calcium: ~180 mg

(Values vary based on ingredients used)

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🌺 Conclusion

This snowy coconut dessert is more than just a sweet dish — it is a symbol of togetherness, refreshment, and cultural fusion. Its lightness makes it perfect for warm evenings, while its creamy-coconut richness satisfies dessert lovers everywhere.

It is a dessert loved across generations — from children who adore its fluffiness, to adults who find nostalgia and comfort in every spoonful.

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