Name: Easy Simple Mango Pudding Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 6 h 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 12 oz fresh, fully ripe mangoes, peeled, pitted, and sliced; 1.5 tbsp gelatin powder; 2 tbsp cold water; 0.54 cups full-fat coconut milk (or evaporated milk, heavy cream, or evaporated coconut milk); 1.5 tbsp white granulated sugar; 4 tbsp evaporated milk or coconut milk for serving

Jump to Recipe

If you are craving a dessert that feels like a tropical vacation in every spoonful, look no further than this Easy Simple Mango Pudding. Imagine the vibrant sweetness of perfectly ripe mangos blended into a silky, creamy pudding that’s luscious yet light. This recipe is straightforward but delivers on flavor and texture, making it a perfect treat to impress family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen. The freshness of the mango combined with the richness of coconut and evaporated milk creates a harmonious balance that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re new to making puddings or a seasoned home cook, this Easy Simple Mango Pudding will quickly become a beloved staple.

Easy Simple Mango Pudding Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, where each ingredient plays a star role. From the natural sweetness of ripe mangos to the creamy texture added by coconut and evaporated milk, every element is essential for crafting that perfect pudding.

Mangos (12 oz): Use fresh, fully ripe and tender mangos for the best natural sweetness and vibrant color—avoid unripe or canned mangos.
Coconut milk (0.54 cups): Full-fat coconut milk gives creaminess and a subtle tropical flavor; you can substitute evaporated milk, heavy cream, or evaporated coconut milk as needed.
Cold water (2 tbsp): This helps to properly bloom the gelatin so it dissolves smoothly into the pudding mixture.
White granulated sugar (1.5 tbsp): Just enough sugar to elevate the mango’s natural sweetness without overpowering it.
Gelatin powder (1.5 tbsp): Key to giving the pudding its delightful, set texture without being too firm.
Evaporated milk (4 tbsp): Adding richness and a creamy finish—substitute with coconut milk for a dairy-free twist.

How to Make Easy Simple Mango Pudding

Step 1: Prepare the Mango Puree

Start by peeling, pitting, and slicing your fully ripened mangos into small pieces. Toss them into a blender or food processor, then blend for at least one minute until you get an incredibly smooth puree. Breaking down those mango fibers is crucial because it ensures your pudding will be silky rather than stringy. For an extra refined texture, you can strain your puree through a fine sieve—but this is totally optional depending on your texture preference.

Step 2: Bloom the Gelatin

In a large bowl, mix the cold water with the gelatin powder, stirring well for about 30 to 45 seconds. Don’t worry if it immediately thickens into a gel-like substance with a slight smell; this is completely normal and will disappear when combined with the other ingredients.

Step 3: Combine Sugar, Coconut Milk, and Mango

Add the white sugar, coconut milk, and mango puree to the gelatin mixture. Stir them all together until the mixture is completely smooth and uniformly blended. This is where your pudding base starts to come alive—with creamy richness and tropical sweetness perfectly combined.

Step 4: Heat the Mixture Gently

Pour the pudding base into a small pot and gently whisk it over medium-low heat. Continue stirring for around 3 to 4 minutes until the gelatin fully melts and dissolves. The key here is to keep the heat low—avoid bringing the mixture to simmering or boiling, as that can ruin the texture and the delicate flavors.

Step 5: Prepare for Setting

Once your pudding mixture is smooth and creamy, pour it evenly into four greased serving bowls or silicone molds. Smooth out the surface and lightly poke any air bubbles with a spatula or toothpick for an even finish. At this point, you can optionally cover each bowl with plastic wrap to prevent any fridge odors from affecting the pudding.

Step 6: Refrigerate Until Set

Place your bowls in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight. The pudding will transform into a wonderfully set dessert with a velvety texture that holds its shape perfectly. Serve chilled and top with a splash of evaporated milk or coconut milk to enhance that creamy tropical vibe.

How to Serve Easy Simple Mango Pudding

Garnishes

Elevate your Easy Simple Mango Pudding simply by adding bright, fresh garnishes. Imagine a few sprigs of mint, a dusting of toasted coconut flakes, or even tiny cubes of extra mango to add texture and visual appeal. A light drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of chia seeds can bring in little surprises in flavor and bite.

Side Dishes

This pudding is a fantastic finale after light and refreshing meals. Pair it with a crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette, or alongside coconut-flavored rice cakes for a delightful thematic end. It can also complement grilled seafood or chicken dishes that carry tropical or Asian-inspired spices.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, try serving your pudding in hollowed-out mango shells or small glass jars layered with granola and yogurt for a parfait-style dessert. You can also use silicone molds in fun shapes to make this dessert party-ready. Adding a colorful paper umbrella or edible flowers can turn this simple pudding into a charming talking point.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Easy Simple Mango Pudding covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and maintain its creamy texture for up to 3 days, which makes it a great choice for making in advance.

Freezing

While this pudding can be frozen, be aware that the texture may change slightly and become a bit grainy after thawing. If you choose to freeze it, place it in a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying again.

Reheating

Since this pudding is best served cold, reheating is usually unnecessary. However, if the pudding has firmed up too much in the fridge, you can bring it back to a smoother consistency by letting it sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use canned mango instead of fresh?

For this Easy Simple Mango Pudding, fresh ripe mangoes are highly recommended because canned mangoes tend to lack the natural sweetness and vibrant flavor needed. Using fresh mangos gives the pudding its unforgettable tropical taste and smooth texture.

Is there a dairy-free version of this pudding?

Absolutely! Swap out the evaporated milk for full-fat coconut milk to keep the dessert rich and creamy while making it completely dairy-free. This substitution works wonderfully without compromising flavor or texture.

How can I make this pudding more firm?

If you prefer a firmer pudding, you can slightly increase the gelatin amount by about half a teaspoon at a time. Just be cautious not to add too much, or the pudding might become too rubbery rather than soft and silky.

Can I prepare this pudding without gelatin?

Gelatin is essential for achieving the classic pudding set in this recipe. For vegetarian or vegan alternatives, you might experiment with agar-agar powder, but be aware that the setting and texture will differ somewhat, and you may need to adjust quantities and preparation methods.

How long can I store this pudding in the fridge?

You can safely store Easy Simple Mango Pudding in the fridge for up to 3 days. After that, the texture and freshness may start to decline, so it’s best enjoyed sooner rather than later.

Final Thoughts

Nothing compares to the simple joy of indulging in a bowl of homemade Easy Simple Mango Pudding. It’s a beautifully vibrant dessert that brings sunshine to your table, perfect for warm-weather days or whenever you want a sweet tropical pick-me-up. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a dish that feels fancy yet is incredibly approachable. Give it a try—you’ll soon find it hard to resist making this mango magic again and again!

Easy Simple Mango Pudding Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 13 reviews

Author: Elara
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Simple Mango Pudding is a creamy, refreshing dessert made from fresh ripe mangoes and smooth coconut milk, perfectly set with gelatin for a silky texture. It’s a quick and straightforward recipe ideal for summer or any time you crave a tropical treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Mango Puree

12 oz fresh, fully ripe mangoes, peeled, pitted, and sliced

Gelatin Mixture

1.5 tbsp gelatin powder
2 tbsp cold water

Other Ingredients

0.54 cups full-fat coconut milk (or evaporated milk, heavy cream, or evaporated coconut milk)
1.5 tbsp white granulated sugar
4 tbsp evaporated milk or coconut milk for serving

Instructions

Prepare Mango Puree: Peel, pit, and slice the fully ripened mangoes into small pieces. Transfer the pieces into a blender or food processor and blend for at least one minute until very smooth, breaking down all mango fibers. For extra smooth texture, strain the puree through a fine sieve.
Bloom Gelatin: In a large bowl, combine cold water and gelatin powder. Stir gently for 30-45 seconds until the gelatin thickens into a gel-like consistency. This is normal and the slight smell will dissipate later.
Mix Ingredients: Add the white granulated sugar, coconut milk, and mango puree to the gelatin mixture. Stir thoroughly until everything is well combined and smooth.
Melt Gelatin Mixture: Pour the combined mango mixture into a small pot and heat on medium-low. Whisk continuously for 3-4 minutes until the gelatin fully dissolves and the mixture is creamy and smooth. Avoid boiling or simmering to prevent curdling.
Set the Pudding: Pour the warm mango mixture into four greased bowls or silicone molds. Smooth the surface with a spatula and gently remove any air bubbles. Optionally, cover with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation.
Chill: Refrigerate the pudding for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow it to fully set. Serve chilled, topped with evaporated milk or coconut milk.

Notes

Use only fully ripe fresh mangoes for the best flavor and texture; avoid canned or unripe mangoes.
For a dairy-free version, substitute evaporated milk with coconut milk.
Do not boil the mixture after adding gelatin to preserve the smooth texture and prevent gelatin breakdown.
For a smoother pudding, strain the mango puree through a fine mesh sieve before mixing with gelatin.
Adjust the sweetness by varying sugar according to the natural sweetness of your mangoes.
Serving size is best chilled and can be garnished with fresh mango cubes or shredded coconut for extra texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Blending and Refrigeration
Cuisine: Asian, Tropical