> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://thefoodiekitchen.net/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Haupia — Hawaiian Coconut Pudding in Coconut Cream - URL: https://thefoodiekitchen.net/haupia-coconut-pudding/ - Published: 2026-08-17T08:22:56.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-15T04:22:57.000Z - Description: Haupia is the Hawaiian coconut pudding served at every luau — made from coconut cream, sugar, and arrowroot or cornstarch, set firm enough to cut into squares. Three ingredients, no seed oils, pure coconut fat. - Author: Savannah Ryan - Tags: Hawaiian Recipes, MAHA Recipes Haupia is the dessert that ends every Hawaiian luau and appears at every plate lunch. It is coconut cream set with starch into a firm, sliceable pudding — simple enough that a child can make it, but good enough that it has remained unchanged for generations. The original version used arrowroot as the thickener, which produces a more delicate set than cornstarch. Both work. The fat is pure coconut cream — no vegetable oil, no dairy, nothing else. ## Coconut Cream vs Coconut Milk Haupia requires coconut cream — the thick, fat-rich first press of grated coconut flesh — not coconut milk. The distinction matters because haupia's texture depends on the fat content of the coconut cream setting around the starch. Coconut milk, with its lower fat content, produces a softer, less stable set. Use full-fat coconut cream in cans. The separation of coconut cream (thick at the top) and coconut water (thin at the bottom) in a chilled can is a sign of high fat content — scoop the cream from the top. ## Arrowroot vs Cornstarch Traditional haupia uses arrowroot, which produces a clearer, more delicate set with a slightly silky texture. Cornstarch is more widely available and produces a slightly more opaque, firmer result. Both work. For the most authentic haupia, use arrowroot at a slightly lower ratio (2 tablespoons per 400ml cream vs 3 tablespoons of cornstarch). ## Makes 16 squares · Prep 5 min · Set 2 hours Serves 16 squares Prep 5 min Cook 10 min cooking + 2 hr setting ### Ingredients - 2 x 400ml cans full-fat coconut cream - 4 tbsp cornstarch or 3 tbsp arrowroot - 4 tbsp sugar (or to taste) - Pinch of salt ### Method 1. Whisk cornstarch/arrowroot and sugar into 100ml of the coconut cream until completely smooth. 2. Pour remaining coconut cream into a saucepan over medium heat. Warm until just steaming — do not boil. 3. Add the starch mixture to the warm cream, whisking constantly. 4. Continue whisking over medium heat until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble, about 5 minutes. 5. Pour into a square dish lined with cling film or lightly greased. Smooth the top. 6. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm. 7. Cut into squares. Serve cold. ## Serving Haupia Haupia is served cold, cut into neat squares. At a luau it sits alongside the kalua pig, poi, lomi lomi salmon, and mac salad. It is also commonly served as a pie filling — haupia pie uses a coconut haupia set into a shortbread crust, sometimes with a layer of chocolate haupia beneath. For a seed oil free haupia pie, use the shortbread recipe from Savor Cookies as the crust. Frequently Asked Questions Can I make haupia dairy-free? It already is — haupia is a traditional Hawaiian dish made entirely from coconut. No dairy involved. How long does haupia keep? Refrigerated for up to 4 days. Cover with cling film to prevent the surface from drying. Do not freeze — it becomes grainy when thawed. Can I add flavour variations? Yes — toasted coconut flakes, vanilla extract, pandan extract (for a Southeast Asian note), or a layer of mango purée beneath the haupia all work well. Shop This Recipe Nutiva Organic Virgin Coconut Oil Cold-pressed virgin coconut oil for Thai, Hawaiian, and Southeast Asian cooking. [Get on Amazon →](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0019LRY8A?tag=thefoodieki0f-20&ref=thefoodiekitchen.net) Savannah Ryan · Amazon Savor Hawaiian 20 Hawaiian recipes in tallow and coconut oil — kalua pig, poke, haupia, laulau and garlic shrimp. [Get on Amazon →](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DT7TL51P?tag=thefoodieki0f-20&ref=thefoodiekitchen.net) Related Recipes - [Kalua Pig in Tallow](https://thefoodiekitchen.net/kalua-pig-tallow/) - [Hawaiian Poke Bowl](https://thefoodiekitchen.net/hawaiian-poke-bowl-coconut-oil/) - [Thai Coconut Curry](https://thefoodiekitchen.net/thai-coconut-oil/) - [Brown Butter Cookies](https://thefoodiekitchen.net/brown-butter-cookies/) 📌 **Follow on Pinterest:** [Hawaiian Seed Oil Free Recipes on Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/theefoodiekitchen/hawaiian-recipes/?ref=thefoodiekitchen.net) --- Follow Savannah: [@theefoodiekitchen](https://www.instagram.com/theefoodiekitchen/?ref=thefoodiekitchen.net) · [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572217094296) · [All Links](https://linktr.ee/theefoodiekitchen?ref=thefoodiekitchen.net)