Simple Chinese Mango Pudding

A silky smooth mango pudding brings the authentic taste of Chinese dim sum right to your kitchen. This refreshing dessert transforms fresh, ripe mangoes into a creamy, dreamy treat that captures the essence of traditional Hong Kong desserts while being incredibly simple to make at home. The combination of sweet mangoes and rich coconut milk creates an irresistible texture that gently melts in your mouth.

I've made this pudding countless times for my family gatherings, and it never fails to impress. My nieces particularly love helping to blend the mangoes, their eyes lighting up as they watch the transformation from fruit to silky puree. The anticipation of waiting for it to set is always worth it when we unveil the perfectly jiggly desserts.

Essential Ingredients For Perfect Results

• Ripe mangoes: Choose mangoes that yield slightly when pressed and emit a sweet aroma at the stem for the most intense flavor.
• Full-fat coconut milk: The higher fat content ensures a luxuriously creamy texture and rich mouthfeel.
• Gelatin powder: This creates the perfect wobble and helps achieve that signature dim sum texture.
• White granulated sugar: Enhances and balances the natural sweetness of the mangoes.
• Cold water: Using properly chilled water ensures the gelatin blooms correctly.
• Evaporated milk: Adds an extra layer of richness when drizzled over the finished pudding.

Creating Your Mango Masterpiece

Mango Preparation:

Peel and remove the flesh from ripe mangoes. Blend until completely smooth, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve for a velvety texture.

Gelatin Magic:

Sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let it bloom until firm and translucent. This ensures the perfect pudding texture.

Creating The Base:

Mix mango puree with coconut milk and sugar, whisking until well combined.

The Heating Process:

Gently heat the mixture over medium-low heat, whisking until the gelatin fully dissolves without boiling.

Setting Up Success:

Pour into serving dishes, tap to release air bubbles, and refrigerate until firm, ideally overnight.

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Growing up in a family that cherished traditional desserts, mango pudding was always special to me. My grandmother would serve it drizzled with just a touch of evaporated milk, creating beautiful ripples across the surface. The combination of rich coconut milk and sweet mango brings back memories of summer afternoons in her kitchen.

Perfect Pairings

Transform your mango pudding into an elegant dessert course by serving it alongside fresh tropical fruits. Create a stunning presentation by garnishing with mint leaves and a light dusting of toasted coconut flakes. For special occasions, pair it with a glass of dessert wine or champagne to elevate the experience.

Customization Ideas

Create exciting variations by incorporating passion fruit puree for a tropical twist. Experiment with different milk alternatives like almond or oat milk for unique flavor profiles. Consider adding a hint of vanilla extract or coconut extract to create your own signature version. The possibilities are endless while maintaining the dessert's authentic charm.

Keeping Your Creation Fresh

Store individual portions in airtight containers to maintain freshness. Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. When ready to serve, let them sit at room temperature for five minutes to achieve the perfect texture. The pudding can even be frozen for up to a month without compromising quality.

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After years of making this dessert, I've found that the key to success lies in patience and quality ingredients. There's something magical about transforming simple ingredients into such an elegant dessert. The joy on people's faces when they taste their first spoonful makes all the careful preparation worthwhile. This pudding truly represents the perfect balance of traditional technique and modern simplicity.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use canned mango pulp instead of fresh mangoes?

Yes, but fresh ripe mangoes will give the best flavor and natural sweetness. If using canned, you may need to adjust the sugar.

→ Why did my pudding not set properly?

This usually happens if the gelatin wasn't properly bloomed or if the mixture was boiled. Make sure to bloom gelatin in cold water and only heat until warm.

→ How long can I store this pudding?

The pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, covered with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing other flavors.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! This dessert is perfect for making ahead. It needs at least 6 hours to set and can be made up to 2 days in advance.

→ Why is my pudding grainy or fibrous?

For super smooth pudding, make sure to blend the mangoes very thoroughly and strain through a fine sieve to remove any fibers.