Mango pudding is a popular Chinese dessert made from sweet mangoes and coconut milk. It’s rich, creamy, and full of natural mango flavor. This Easy Mango Pudding recipe uses just six simple ingredients and is dairy-free, gluten-free, and can be made vegan with an agar-agar substitute. It’s a great dessert that practically melts in your mouth and is perfect for a refreshing, fruity treat.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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12 oz ripe mangoes (about 2 small mangoes or 1 large one)
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1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk (or substitute with evaporated milk for a creamier option)
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2 tablespoons cold water
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1 1/2 tablespoons white granulated sugar
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1 1/2 tablespoons gelatin powder (or 1 1/2 teaspoons agar-agar powder for vegan version)
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4 tablespoons evaporated milk (or coconut milk for a vegan version, for serving)
Directions
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Prepare the Mangoes: Peel, pit, and dice the mangoes. Blend them into a very smooth puree, running it through a fine sieve for extra smoothness (optional).
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Bloom the Gelatin: In a large bowl, add cold water and sprinkle the gelatin over it. Let it sit for 30-45 seconds to bloom.
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Make the Mango Mixture: Add sugar, coconut milk, and the mango puree to the gelatin mixture. Stir until fully combined and smooth.
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Heat the Mixture: Transfer the mixture to a small pot and heat on medium-low. Whisk for about 4-5 minutes until the gelatin is completely dissolved (do not bring it to a boil).
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Set the Pudding: Pour the mixture into greased dessert bowls or molds. Smooth out the surface and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight until set.
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Serve: Serve the chilled pudding with a drizzle of evaporated milk or coconut milk for a creamy finish.
Nutrients (per serving)
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Calories: 159 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 20g
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Protein: 5g
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Fat: 8g
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Saturated Fat: 7g
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Cholesterol: 4mg
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Sodium: 26mg
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Potassium: 257mg
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 18g
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Vitamin A: 956 IU
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Vitamin C: 32mg
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Calcium: 56mg
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Iron: 1mg
This Easy Mango Pudding is an ideal dessert for any occasion, offering a refreshing and creamy treat that’s both vegan and gluten-free!
Why Mango Pudding is a Perfect Dessert
Mango pudding is the ideal dessert for anyone craving something light, sweet, and creamy. The flavor of ripe mangoes takes center stage in this dessert, offering a tropical, fruity taste that is both refreshing and indulgent. The use of coconut milk provides richness and a subtle coconut flavor that complements the mango perfectly, while the gelatin (or agar-agar for a vegan version) gives the pudding its smooth, silky texture.
What makes this Easy Mango Pudding particularly great is its simplicity. It’s easy to prepare, and you don’t need any special equipment or skills to make it. The recipe can also be customized based on dietary preferences or restrictions, making it a versatile and crowd-friendly option. Plus, it’s a beautiful, vibrant dessert that looks stunning on any table.
Key Ingredients and Their Role
The ingredients for this Easy Mango Pudding are simple yet powerful in flavor. Here’s a look at each one:
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Ripe Mangoes: The star of the dish! Mangoes are naturally sweet and full of flavor. When blended into a smooth puree, they give the pudding its vibrant color and fresh, tropical taste.
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Coconut Milk: Coconut milk provides creaminess and a subtle coconut flavor that pairs wonderfully with mangoes. For a richer version, you can opt for full-fat coconut milk, but for a lighter version, you can use a reduced-fat or unsweetened variety.
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Cold Water: This is used to bloom the gelatin, helping it dissolve evenly and set properly in the pudding.
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Sugar: White granulated sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the mangoes, balancing the flavors and helping the pudding set.
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Gelatin or Agar-Agar: Gelatin gives the pudding its smooth, firm texture, while agar-agar is a plant-based alternative for those following a vegan diet. Both options work well for setting the pudding.
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Evaporated Milk (or Coconut Milk): A small drizzle of evaporated milk or coconut milk is added just before serving, creating a creamy finish and an extra touch of flavor.
How to Make Easy Mango Pudding
Making this mango pudding is straightforward and quick. Here’s a step-by-step guide to prepare this creamy, fruity dessert:
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Prepare the Mangoes: Start by peeling, pitting, and dicing the mangoes. Once chopped, blend them into a very smooth puree using a blender or food processor. For an extra smooth texture, you can run the puree through a fine sieve to remove any remaining fibers.
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Bloom the Gelatin: In a large bowl, add the cold water and sprinkle the gelatin powder over it. Let it sit for 30-45 seconds to bloom, allowing the gelatin to soften and dissolve when added to the warm mixture.
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Make the Mango Mixture: To the gelatin mixture, add sugar, coconut milk, and the mango puree. Stir everything together until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
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Heat the Mixture: Transfer the mixture to a small pot and heat it over medium-low heat. Whisk constantly for 4-5 minutes, ensuring the gelatin dissolves completely. Be sure not to bring the mixture to a boil. You just want to warm it enough to dissolve the gelatin and integrate the flavors.
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Set the Pudding: Once the mixture is smooth and the gelatin is dissolved, pour it into greased dessert bowls or molds. Smooth out the surface with a spoon and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow the pudding to set.
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Serve: Once the pudding has set, remove it from the refrigerator. Before serving, drizzle a little evaporated milk or coconut milk over the top for added creaminess and a beautiful finish.
Why You’ll Love Easy Mango Pudding
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Refreshing and Light: This pudding has a fresh, tropical flavor thanks to the ripe mangoes, making it the perfect refreshing dessert for warm weather or any time you want something light and fruity.
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Creamy and Velvety Texture: The use of coconut milk and gelatin (or agar-agar) gives the pudding its signature creamy, silky texture. It practically melts in your mouth with each bite.
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Vegan and Gluten-Free: This dessert is both dairy-free and gluten-free, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs. By substituting agar-agar for gelatin, it becomes fully vegan too.
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Simple to Make: The recipe requires just a few ingredients and can be prepared in under 30 minutes (though you’ll need to wait for it to chill). It’s easy to make and doesn’t require any complicated techniques.
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Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant yellow color of the mango puree makes this pudding a stunning addition to any table. It looks as good as it tastes, making it a great choice for special occasions or casual meals.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Easy Mango Pudding contains approximately 159 kcal, with 8g of fat and 20g of carbohydrates. The pudding is relatively low in sugar (18g), while still delivering a satisfying level of sweetness. With 5g of protein per serving, it’s a great way to enjoy a light, refreshing dessert that’s also nutritious. Additionally, it provides vitamin A (956 IU) and vitamin C (32mg), both of which are important for immune health. The potassium content (257mg) helps support heart health, and the fiber (1g) adds a small boost of digestive benefits.
Conclusion: A Simple, Refreshing Dessert for Any Occasion
This Easy Mango Pudding is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that offers the perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and tropical flavor. Its smooth texture and vibrant mango flavor make it a refreshing treat, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a simple dessert after dinner, a sweet addition to a summer gathering, or a vegan-friendly option, this mango pudding checks all the boxes. It’s a light, satisfying treat that practically melts in your mouth, and the best part is that it can be made ahead of time, making it as convenient as it is delicious.