Creamy Brazilian Coconut Pudding Recipe
Introduction
Creamy Brazilian Coconut Pudding, known as Cocada Cremosa, is a rich and delightful dessert that perfectly balances sweetened condensed milk and fresh coconut. This velvety treat is easy to make and a refreshing way to enjoy tropical flavors at home.

Ingredients
- 3 cups (8 ounces) unsweetened flaked or shredded coconut
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup coconut milk
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium pan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, butter, coconut, and coconut milk. Stir continuously over low heat to prevent burning and cook until the mixture thickens and begins to pull away from the bottom of the pan.
- Step 2: Remove the pan from heat once thickened. Stir in the heavy cream until fully incorporated. The mixture may seem slightly runny at this point, but it will firm up as it cools.
- Step 3: Spoon the pudding into small serving cups. Allow it to cool to room temperature, or chill in the refrigerator to serve cold.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh coconut if available for a more vibrant flavor, but unsweetened shredded coconut works perfectly well.
- For a nutty twist, sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top before serving.
- If you prefer a firmer texture, let the pudding chill in the fridge for several hours before serving.
Storage
Store any leftover pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently if preferred warm, or enjoy chilled straight from the fridge.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use canned coconut instead of shredded coconut?
Canned coconut is usually thicker and wetter than shredded coconut and may alter the texture of the pudding. It’s best to stick with shredded or flaked coconut for the traditional consistency.
Is this dessert gluten-free?
Yes, Creamy Brazilian Coconut Pudding is naturally gluten-free, making it a great dessert option for those with gluten sensitivities.
PrintCreamy Brazilian Coconut Pudding Recipe
Creamy Brazilian Coconut Pudding, also known as ‘Cocada Cremosa,’ is a luscious and rich dessert blending shredded coconut with sweetened condensed milk, butter, coconut milk, and heavy cream. This comforting pudding is cooked gently on the stovetop until thick and creamy, then chilled to develop a satisfyingly firm texture, making it a perfect sweet treat from Brazil.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 small servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 3 cups (8 ounces) flaked or shredded coconut, unsweetened
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup coconut milk
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium pan, add the sweetened condensed milk, butter, unsweetened shredded coconut, and coconut milk. This combination forms the base of the pudding.
- Cook Mixture: Place the pan over low heat and stir continuously. Cook slowly until the mixture thickens and begins to pull away from the bottom of the pan, indicating it has reached the right consistency. This stage usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
- Add Heavy Cream: Remove the mixture from heat and stir in the heavy cream thoroughly. Although the pudding may seem a bit runny at this point, it will firm up as it cools.
- Portion and Chill: Spoon the pudding into small serving cups. Let them cool to room temperature before refrigerating if you prefer it cold, or serve immediately as a creamy dessert.
Notes
- ‘Cocada Cremosa’ is a traditional Brazilian coconut dessert that becomes thicker and more set after cooling in the fridge.
- Continuous stirring during cooking is crucial to prevent burning and ensure even thickening.
- Use unsweetened coconut to balance the sweetness from the condensed milk effectively.
- For a vegan alternative, consider substituting condensed milk with a plant-based sweetened condensed milk and using vegan butter and cream.
Keywords: Brazilian dessert, coconut pudding, cocada cremosa, creamy coconut dessert, sweetened condensed milk dessert, stovetop pudding

