In search of a traditional style low carb pudding? You'll love this creamy coconut pudding that's made with coconut milk and cream cheese.
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Cooked Coconut Pudding
Although I enjoyed the coconut custard I made earlier this month, it didn't turn out as creamy as I had hoped. To fix this problem, I thought I'd try a cooked pudding using both coconut milk and heavy cream.
I've made a lot of low carb pudding recipes over the years. And I've found that cooked puddings tend to taste better than the instant no cook recipes like my tofu pudding and avocado pudding.
It is a little more work to cook the pudding on the stove top or oven, but I find the extra step is worth it. And cooking allows using whole eggs or egg yolks which are excellent for thickening a pudding or custard. I've also made a creamy keto chocolate pudding without eggs. But that recipe is cooked to thicken and reduce the liquid. However, since there weren't any eggs, I had to use some xanthan gum as a thickener.
How to make coconut pudding
I start out by adding a little heavy cream, low carb sweetener, coconut extract, and vanilla extract to unsweetened coconut in a microwaveable mixing bowl. Then the combined mixture gets microwaved on high for a minute to soften up the shredded coconut.
While the coconut mixture is in the microwave, I beat together an egg with some heavy cream and set it aside.
Next, in a saucepan, cream cheese and coconut milk are heated on medium heat until the cheese melts. Then the coconut mixture is stirred in and the combined mixture is cooked until it's heated throughout. The beaten egg mixture is added in next and stirred until the pudding thickens.
Once thickened, the coconut pudding mixture is divided into four small dessert dishes or ramekins. It's then placed in the refrigerator to set.
About the Ingredients
For thickeners in this creamy coconut milk pudding, I used cream cheese and an egg. The added cheese was genius! I need to consider this ingredient more often.
Coconut extract was added to enhance the flavor and vanilla extract was added to boost the sweetness. I have to tell you that this pudding was much better than the custard and required no baking.
The addition of heavy cream and cream cheese made the pudding very creamy and smooth.
I chose to use a granular monk fruit sweetener in the coconut milk pudding recipe because I have a few bags that I need to use up. But any other sweeteners you happen to have on hand. Sukrin or Swerve sweeteners would be good choices as well.
Making the Pudding Dairy-Free
Although this creamy coconut milk pudding isn't dairy-free, it has a wonderful texture like regular style puddings. But, I'd like to tweak the recipe a bit to see if I can get a similar texture without adding any dairy products.
To leave out the cream cheese, coconut cream could be used in place of both the coconut milk and heavy cream to get the same texture. There's a lot more coconut fat in the cream which makes it much thicker than coconut milk.
There's also keto friendly dairy-free cream cheese spreads that could be used in place of the cream cheese. The one made by Kite Hill uses almond milk and I think it would be a good substitute in the recipe.
Creamy Coconut Milk Pudding - Low Carb
Although I'd like to call this a no bake recipe, you do need to cook it on the stove. But, you could probably use the microwave if you want to speed things up.
Be sure to leave a comment below if you do give this pudding a try to let us know what you thought. And if you like it, you may want to give my keto lemon pudding or my keto flan a try as well.
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Recipe
Creamy Coconut Milk Pudding
Video
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- ¼ cup granular monk fruit sweetener
- 4 ounces cream cheese cut into pieces
- 1 egg beaten
- ½ cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- ½ cup coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In microwave safe bowl, mix ¼ cup of heavy cream with coconut, sweetener, and extracts. Microwave on high for one minute. Let stand.
- In separate small bowl, beat egg with ¼ cup of heavy cream then set aside.
- Place coconut milk and cream cheese into sauce pan. Cook and stir on medium heat until the cream cheese melts.
- Add the coconut mixture and continue cooking until mixture is heated throughout. Then add the beaten egg mixture and stir constantly until pudding thickens.
- Pour into 4 small baking dishes and cool in refrigerator.
Notes
Low Carb Sweeteners | Keto Sweetener Conversion Chart
Nutrition
Additional Info
Notes on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs are not included in carb counts as it has been shown not to impact blood sugar. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
Copyright
© LowCarbYum.com - Unauthorized use of this material without written permission is strictly prohibited unless for personal offline purposes. Single photos may be used, provided that full credit is given to LowCarbYum.com along with a link back to the original content.
Post updated in February 2019. Originally published March 2011.
Kelly Goodman
Oh my gosh, this is incredible!!!! I was just saying how hard it is to get in my daily fats on keto, not anymore! This is such a treat! I made it already once, came back on to make again. We loved it so much! It’s not too sweet. It’s just perfect.
Thank you for sharing!
Janet
This was amazing! And easy too. Will definitely make again.
Nicole
Pretty good but the cream cheese flavor was stronger than I expected.
Lydia
Really good. I didn’t make recipe exactly as written. I omitted egg and thickened with a bit of gelatin instead. Also added sweetener to taste at the end Instead of mixing first. Came out delicious with a nice texture
Brandie
I made this with coconut "flour" instead of shredded coconut. While it adds texture it's not as much as with shredded coconut. Even my husband who hates coconut texture liked this. It doesnt taste like coconut, either.
I also used powdered sugar substitute.
I'm so thankful to have a pudding recipe that doesnt use xanthan gum!
Darlene
I use jello instant coconut cream pudding mix for a fruit dip. Gonna make this and try to see if it will work as a no sugar/low carb option. I know fruit in itself is full of carbs, but cutting them where I can.
Lisa MarcAurele
This should work out as a sub for the pudding mix. But let us know if it didn't.
Anne22
Made this pretty much as written but did replace the coconut milk for the coconut cream and did use some heavy cream. I personally found it far too heavy and dense, but that’s just me. My husband absolutely LOVED it. Also served it to a couple of friends and they ate their entire bowl. I wasn’t a fan but he’s requested I make this again so I’m giving it 5 stars lol. Thanks!
Debbie
Oh my! Both my husband and I loved this recipe! I doubled it and it took willpower not to eat at least 1 more, he could have eaten them all????I am making another batch tonight.
Lisa MarcAurele
Yay! So glad it was a hit with both of you.
Daughterof YESHUA
This was delicious!
Bertha Warnell
excellent I made the cornbread yesterday it was better than jiffy with the remaining I started making stuffing, I will be making the pudding
Nika
Used coconut cream all the way. No coconut extract. This is divine. Someone, pull me away from the pot.
Shannon Impey
Oh my goodness this Coconut Pudding’s so good!! I’ll be making this again!! Thanks for the recipe!!
Angie
This was simple to make (for a person who doesn’t cook!) and absolutely yummy. A decadent keto dessert that isn’t too high in calories and a good carb count!
Skipped the coconut extract as i didn’t have it, but used coconut cream instead of heavy cream, to add that coconut flavor.
Appreciate the recipe - thank you.
Geri Anne Gosselin
My family is new to the Keto lifestyle, literally a month now.
I made this dessert last week, it was the most delicious coconut pudding I ever had!
Thank you for all your creativity with these great recipes!
Norma
Hello! Which coconut extract do you use?
Lisa MarcAurele
I use McCormick or Watkins natural based extracts.
Esther Powell
Just about to make this out I only have granulated Erythritol. New to keto baking so not sure if it’s like for like? From what I can see, monk fruit is sweeter.
X
Lisa MarcAurele
Erythritol is a little less sweet so you may need to use about 1/3 cup instead for a similar sweetness.
DaughterofKingYeshua
I was confused with coconut in 1st step and used coconut milk, then ended up heating up that mixture on step 4 when I realized I had made a mistake. I added the coconut then did step 5. Also I doubled the recipe and had no coconut extract and it still came out just fine thank God!
Super creamy and delicious.
Lisa MarcAurele
Sorry about the confusion but I'm glad the coconut pudding worked out okay for you.
Ella Bowzard
The pudding is so good.
Cindy
This recipe is to die for! My dear nitre family loved it...now every night they ask if I made dessert????. I have found my go to if the sweet tooth kicks in. Thank You from my entire family
Donald Walker
I have been missing coconut cream pie since starting Keto and so I googled this site for the recipe! First time through I made it as written with the addition of 1 Tablespoon butter whisked in at the end. The pudding is delicious and very satisfying. Next time I may toast some additional coconut tossed in a tiny bit of melted butter and swerve to sprinkle on top for some crunch. I’m also considering adapting this to a almond flour crumb crust for a whole pie for the holidays! This recipe is a winner! ?
Zoanne
I am wondering if putting the coconut mixture in the microwave is just for heating it up a bit? I don’t have a microwave. Thanks
Lisa MarcAurele
That's correct. You can use a pan on a stove top instead. It will just take a little longer to soften the coconut.
Lori
I just discovered your recipes. I will be trying many. They look so good! I started with the Coconut Pudding. I made the recipe following the video directions which called for 3/4 cups of the Monkfruit sweetener. Afterwards I saw that the recipe below called for 1/4 cup. I tasted what I made it it was definitely not supposed to be 3/4 cups - ugh, too sweet! The consistency is wonderful though and I can’t wait to try it again with the right amount of Monkfruit. You may want to fix the video.
Lisa MarcAurele
The original recipe was written when I was new to low carb and my taste for sweet was much higher. After years of not having sugar, I can't tolerate the sweetness of regular desserts. That's why I've slowly been retesting the old recipes as the sweetness is too much and I've been having to adjust them.
Jackie
Made the coconut pudding for a Labor Day party & it was a huge hit! I was skeptical about the no sugar, low carb taste but it was delicious. Super creamy and light at the same time. Best part was no one felt guilty for enjoying it. Looking forward to trying more of your dessert recipes. Thanks!
Lisa MarcAurele
Love that others enjoyed the pudding too!
Jill
Can I do this with an egg instead of xanthan gum? I would add a beaten egg at the beginning, right?
Lisa MarcAurele
Egg yolks usually work. You'd need to experiment with it.
Heather Van E
QUESTION: How did you make the crusty topping in some of the pictures? It looks so good!
Lisa MarcAurele
It's just toasted coconut. To toast coconut, spread unsweetened dried coconut on a baking sheet and toast in 375°F oven just until golden (about 3-5 minutes). Remove and allow to cool on rack.
kimberly m mix
Hi Lisa!! I love your recipes!! Can't wait to try this and use it for coconut pie!! My question is for this coconut pudding recipe when you list coconut milk are you talking about the coconut milk you buy in the carton refrigerated or coconut milk in the can? I belieave they are 2 different kinds of products? Thank you! Kim
Lisa MarcAurele
I used canned coconut milk, but the carton kind should work too in this recipe.
Ginnie
I just made this and it is so easy and delicious. I put it in 4 mason jars. The only change I made was put in some rum extract because I didn't have coconut extract. Can't wait to serve it to people and surprise them that it's Low Carb. Thanks, Lisa!
Gwen
Made it tonight, family loved it. I’m not a fan of coconut; however, it tasty quite yummy. I modified a bit by using 3 full TBS of granular xylitol as the sweetener and only vanilla extract. Will definitely make again!
Swills
Very delicious!
Chrissy
I´m trying to keep dairy free, what can I replace the cream cheese with?
Lisa MarcAurele
You can try using a dairy-free cream cheese style spread like the one made by Kite Hill.
Teri
This was excellent. I added a little lime zest to the pudding and to the toasted coconut topping. I will try this with cocoa next. Thanks.
Rachel gagnon
Delicious!!! The amount per serving is a little skimpy though. Also I doubled the coconut which was wonderful and I used Swerve. Also I didn’t have coconut extract so I doubled up on vanilla extract. So good. Next time I’m making a double batch though. Also if you freeze it, it is like a pudding pop!
Nuwel
Love how you can incorporate deserts into Keto cause cutting back on sugar is really hard
Crista
This is fantastic. I have a sweet tooth and I have this when I need something sweet and creamy. It gets my vote!
Melissa
Really thick and creamy I think I need to play with the sweetness a bit I might try swerve because there's a little aftertaste with the munkfruit but I toasted coconut with some swerve for a topping and it was delicious even my picky kid liked it.
Lisa MarcAurele
I find there's a large range of sweetness so it's always best to adjust to your own preferences. I'm one who has lost my taste for sweet after low carbing for many years. Some of my older recipes are a lot sweeter than newer ones.
cathy
Whatever wrong with Splenda?
Lisa MarcAurele
It's just way too sweet for my tastes. But it does seem to be safe based on studies and how long it's been used without issues.
Dee Bourne
I highly recommend!!!!
Colleen Kelly
How do I make this in the oven?
Lisa MarcAurele
Try this baked custard recipe instead: https://lowcarbyum.com/coconut-custard/
Pat Cruzan
Why can't I get my recipes to print?
Lisa MarcAurele
You need to provide more information. Like what browser are you using, what device, etc. All the recipes are printing for me on Mac and iOS browsers.
Mir
Really tasty, but holy cow is it SWEET! I suggest lowering the monkfruit to 1/4 cup, as a 1/2 cup was far too sweet already. I even mixed in a bunch of homemade (unsweetened) whipped cream to see if that’d help and it was still extremely sweet for my tastes. I’ll remake this with just a small amount of sweetener next time.
Lisa
This was one of my first recipes after moving to low carb. I've since found I need to cut sweeteners by half. I'll fix that.
Carolyn
Yummy! I just made this and used 1/8 cup stevia as my sweetener. It is delicious and I topped it off with some fresh strawberries.
Lisa
Fresh berries sound like a wonderful addition!
Debra
Mix 1/4 cup cream with coconut. Are you referring to the cream cheese?
Lisa
It's referring to the heavy cream.
Noah
Is 3/4 cup sweetener a typo!?
Lisa
It's an old recipe when I preferred things a lot sweeter. These days, I'd only use half that amount or less.
Andrea Patterson
Oh my!!!! Just made this and I think I've died and gone to heaven!!!! Delicious!!! I didn't have coconut extract but coconut emulsion, so I mine had a little bit more intense coconut flavor (which was divine). Thanks so much for a fabulous recipe!!!!
Lisa
Worried about the egg not being cooked
Lisa
The egg is heated enough to kill any bacteria.
Amy
Do you use canned coconut milk?
Lisa
I do as it's more pure, but the kind in the carton will work too.
Louanne Campbell
Is this the canned coconut milk?
Lisa MarcAurele
Either should work in the recipe. Canned usually has more coconut flavor.
Leila
There is sugar free Coconut Syrup made by Torani (same as the ones they use at Starbucks) it is delicious and will replace the sweetener and the coconut in your recipes. It is made with splenda.
I usually mix a few squirts with white chocolate (being a mild flavor) instant sugar free fat free Jello pudding which I make with fat free half and half and fat free milk. Delicious pudding.. fat free and sugar free.
Try it .
🙂
Leila
Lisa
It is a good option for those who don't mind Splenda!
Gabe
Just made this and it tastes delicious. And it was really easy to make. Thanks
Lisa
So glad you enjoyed this simple pudding Gabe!
Chef and Steward
Really happy to have found you! Will follow you closely for great low carb ideas! Keep it up!
Medeja
Sounds tempting, I like things with coconut a lot. This is really great recipe