Name: Charming Chinese Mango Pudding: A Tropical Treat Awaits
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 275 min
Ingredients: 2 pieces Ripe Mangoes (peeled and diced); 200 ml Coconut Milk; 200 ml Whole Milk (can substitute with non-dairy alternative); 100 g Granulated Sugar (adjust to taste); 4 sheets Gelatin Sheets or Powdered Gelatin (soaked in cold water or dissolved in hot water); 100 ml Hot Water (for activating gelatin); 6 leaves Fresh Mint Leaves (optional); 100 g Reserved Mango Cubes (for garnish)

As I poured the silky mixture into the mold, a sweet aroma filled my kitchen, instantly transporting me to a tropical paradise. Today, I can’t wait to share my recipe for Chinese Mango Pudding—an incredibly creamy dessert that perfectly marries the lusciousness of ripe mangoes with a smooth, coconut-infused base. This gluten-free delight doesn’t just taste like summer; it’s also a breeze to whip up in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for both casual evenings and festive gatherings. As you spoon into each velvety bite, you’ll experience the gratifying textures and vibrant flavors that create a truly refreshing treat. Curious about how to make this sweet sunshine on your plate? Let’s dive in!

Why Is Chinese Mango Pudding Irresistible?

Freshness and Flavor: Each spoonful bursts with the tropical sweetness of ripe mangoes, making it a delightful escape from mundane desserts.

Quick and Easy: In just under 30 minutes, you can achieve a lush, creamy pudding that feels indulgent without the fuss.

Versatile Toppings: Feel free to play with garnishes like fresh mint or a drizzle of berry coulis—perfect for personalizing your treat!

Gluten-Free Goodness: Rest assured, this pudding accommodates gluten-free diets, ensuring everyone at your table can enjoy it.

Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Bring this dessert to gatherings, and watch it disappear—everyone loves a refreshing twist on a classic! Explore more options like Mango Coconut Panna for additional tropical flavors to enhance your dessert repertoire.

Chinese Mango Pudding Ingredients

For the Pudding Base

Ripe Mangoes – They provide natural sweetness and vibrant color; look for those that yield slightly to pressure for the best flavor.
Coconut Milk – This adds a rich creaminess that enhances the tropical essence; use a dairy-free option for a fully vegan dessert.
Whole Milk – Contributes to the pudding’s smooth texture; substitute with a plant-based milk for a completely dairy-free alternative.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the pudding to balance the fruit’s natural flavors; feel free to adjust this based on your taste preference.
Gelatin Sheets or Powdered Gelatin – Critical for setting the pudding; ensure sheets are soaked in cold water or dissolve powdered gelatin in hot water.
Hot Water – Activates the gelatin for even incorporation into the mixture.

For the Garnish

Fresh Mint Leaves – Optional but highly recommended for a refreshing touch that elevates the presentation.
Reserved Mango Cubes – Adds visual appeal and a nice texture contrast; don’t skip this for a delightful finish!

This incredible Chinese Mango Pudding is a tropical delight that will brighten any occasion!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chinese Mango Pudding

Step 1: Prepare the Mangoes
Begin by peeling and dicing two ripe mangoes, ensuring to reserve a few cubes for garnish later. Look for mangoes that yield slightly to pressure and emit a sweet aroma. This will contribute to the rich flavor of your Chinese Mango Pudding.

Step 2: Make Mango Puree
Next, place the diced mangoes in a blender and blend until smooth to create approximately 300 ml of mango puree. This step will provide the essential tropical flavor for your pudding, giving it that signature creamy texture that everyone loves.

Step 3: Heat the Milk
In a medium saucepan, combine equal parts of whole milk and coconut milk, then add granulated sugar. Heat this mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously until the sugar is fully dissolved and the milk is steaming but not boiling. This process should take about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the Gelatin
While the milk warms, soak the gelatin sheets in cold water for about 5 minutes to soften them. If you’re using powdered gelatin, dissolve it in 100 ml of hot water. This is crucial for ensuring that the gelatin fully activates and incorporates seamlessly into your Chinese Mango Pudding.

Step 5: Combine Gelatin and Milk
Once the milk mixture is ready and steaming, remove it from the heat. Gently incorporate the soaked gelatin sheets or the dissolved powdered gelatin, stirring continuously until it is completely dissolved. This step is key to achieving the perfect creamy consistency in your pudding.

Step 6: Mix in the Mango Puree
Now, add the mango puree to the warm milk mixture and stir thoroughly until fully combined. The bright color and tropical aroma should be noticeable at this point, creating a lovely base for your Chinese Mango Pudding.

Step 7: Pour and Set
Carefully pour the mixture into serving bowls or molds of your choice. Gently tap the containers on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles that may have formed during pouring. This will help create that perfectly smooth texture.

Step 8: Chill the Pudding
Place the filled bowls or molds in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, allowing the pudding to fully set. You’ll know it’s ready when it has a slight jiggle and appears firm yet creamy—a delightful sensation for your taste buds!

Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Before serving your Chinese Mango Pudding, remove it from the refrigerator. Garnish with reserved mango cubes and fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve this delightful tropical treat well-chilled, and watch your family and friends enjoy each delicious bite!

What to Serve with Chinese Mango Pudding

Elevate your dessert experience by pairing this delightful pudding with scrumptious sides that complement its tropical flavors.

Coconut Tapioca Pudding: The chewy texture and coconut flavor enhance the creamy mango pudding, creating a delightful harmony that’s hard to resist.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of tropical fruits, like pineapples and kiwi, adds freshness and a burst of color, making every bite refreshing.
Almond Biscotti: Crunchy and nutty, these cookies provide a perfect contrast to the soft texture of the pudding, adding delightful crunch with every spoonful.
Honey Drizzled Yogurt: A dollop of sweet, tangy yogurt balances the richness of the pudding, providing a refreshing layer of flavor that’s wonderfully satisfying.
Mint-Infused Iced Tea: The cool, refreshing taste of mint tea enhances the tropical vibe, serving as a light drink that beautifully complements the dessert.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Scoops of creamy vanilla ice cream turn this dessert into a decadent treat, mixing the cool and the creamy for a blissful combination.
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: The sweetness of strawberries coated in rich chocolate contrasts with the mango, adding an indulgent twist while keeping the tropical theme alive.

Make Ahead Options

These delightful Chinese Mango Puddings are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the pudding mixture up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it until ready to serve. Simply follow all the steps up to pouring the mixture into serving bowls, then cover them tightly with plastic wrap to keep the flavors fresh and prevent condensation. When you’re ready to enjoy, just chill the pudding for at least 4 hours before serving. For the best quality, garnish with reserved mango cubes and fresh mint leaves only right before serving to maintain their vibrant colors and textures. With these make-ahead tips, you can impress your guests with minimal day-of effort!

Expert Tips for Perfect Chinese Mango Pudding

Choose Ripe Mangoes: Use fully ripe mangoes that yield slightly to pressure and emit a sweet aroma for the best flavor in your Chinese Mango Pudding.
Avoid Scalding Milk: Heat the milk gently and stir continuously to prevent scalding. Scorched milk can affect the overall taste and texture.
Dissolve Gelatin Completely: Make sure the gelatin is fully dissolved to avoid a grainy texture in your pudding. Undissolved gelatin can lead to lumps.
Chill Long Enough: Allow your pudding to chill for at least 4 hours, or until firm. This is essential for achieving that perfect creamy texture.
Presentation Matters: Serve in clear containers to showcase the visually appealing layers of color in your Chinese Mango Pudding, garnished with fresh mint and mango cubes.

Chinese Mango Pudding Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to personalize your Chinese Mango Pudding experience with these delightful twists and substitutes!

Dairy-Free: Swap whole milk with additional coconut milk or almond milk for a completely vegan version. The coconut will add extra tropical flavor!
Fruit Fusion: Experiment with different tropical fruits, such as ripe bananas or juicy papayas. Each fruit brings a unique sweetness that can transform your pudding into a fruity paradise.
Crunchy Texture: Add toasted coconut flakes or crushed nuts like almonds or pistachios on top for a delightful crunch that enhances each creamy spoonful. The contrast in textures will keep everyone reaching for more!
Herbal Infusion: For a refreshing twist, infuse the milk mixture with a few sprigs of basil or lemongrass before blending in the mango. This aromatic addition can elevate your pudding to a whole new level of flavor.
Flavor Boost: Mix in a splash of vanilla extract or a hint of ginger for an added layer of warmth and depth. Just a small dose can create a beautiful balance of flavors that will have your guests guessing the secret ingredient!
Coulis Heaven: Drizzle with a homemade fruit coulis, like raspberry or passion fruit, to introduce a tart contrast that will beautifully complement the sweetness of the mango. This can change the whole eating experience!
Chocolate Lovers: Incorporate chocolate as a layer or topping by adding cocoa powder to the pudding mixture, or serving it with a side of chocolate sauce. It’s a sumptuous twist that chocolate lovers will adore!

For those looking for more dessert inspiration, check out my recipe for Mango Coconut Panna, where you can discover more ways to use those luscious mangoes!

How to Store and Freeze Chinese Mango Pudding

Fridge: Keep your Chinese Mango Pudding in airtight containers for up to 2-3 days. This will maintain its creamy texture and fresh tropical flavor.

Freezer: While freezing is generally not recommended for jelly-like desserts, you can freeze the pudding for up to one month. Ensure it’s in a tightly sealed container to prevent freezer burn, but expect some texture changes.

Reheating: If made in advance and chilled, simply serve cold. Avoid reheating as this could alter the pudding’s delightful consistency.

Freshening Up: Garnish with fresh mint and additional mango cubes right before serving to brighten up the presentation and flavor!

Chinese Mango Pudding Recipe FAQs

What type of mangoes should I use for the best flavor?
Absolutely! Look for fully ripe mangoes that yield slightly to pressure and give off a sweet aroma. Haden and Ataulfo mangoes are fantastic choices due to their rich sweetness and smooth texture, making them perfect for this creamy dessert.

How long can I store Chinese Mango Pudding in the fridge?
You can keep your Chinese Mango Pudding in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To maintain its freshness and creamy texture, it’s best to wrap the surface with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odors.

Can I freeze Chinese Mango Pudding?
Yes, you can freeze Chinese Mango Pudding! Place it in a tightly sealed container, and it will stay good for up to one month. But keep in mind that freezing may affect its creamy texture, so it might not be as smooth as when freshly made. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight.

What should I do if my pudding doesn’t set properly?
Very! If your pudding doesn’t set, it could be due to the gelatin not being fully dissolved or not enough gelatin being used. Ensure that you dissolve gelatin completely, either by soaking sheets in cold water or mixing powder in hot water. If it’s already in the fridge and hasn’t firmed up after 4-5 hours, try adding a bit more dissolved gelatin next time.

Is Chinese Mango Pudding suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Definitely! This delightful dessert is gluten-free, making it a delicious option for those with gluten sensitivities. For a dairy-free alternative, simply replace whole milk with more coconut milk or a suitable plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.

How can I enhance the presentation of my pudding?
I often make my puddings visually appealing by serving them in clear glass cups to display the beautiful layers. Top with fresh mint leaves and reserved mango cubes right before serving for a pop of color and refreshing touch that will impress your guests!