How to Make Haupia, a Delicious Hawaiian Luau Dessert

Haupia is a traditional Hawaiin dessert made of coconut milk. It is a staple at luaus and is a delightful, creamy cross between a gelatin dessert and pudding.  We recently got to try haupia at the Polynesian Cultural Center! We loved it so much we had to find a way to share it with you for our latest Latter-day Life Hacks video!

We’d like to thank the Polynesian Cultural Center for sharing their recipe with us! We also wanted to let you know of a great opportunity to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center for yourself. They are giving away a free family vacation for 4 people to come and experience Polynesia! You can click here to learn more.

Ingredients

• 2 16 oz cans of coconut milk
• 3 cups water *
• 1 1/2 cups corn starch
• 1 cup sugar

*for additional flavor or experimentation, consider substituting the water for your favorite tropical juice

Directions

1. Mix coconut milk, sugar, and 1 cup of the water in a saucepan and bring to a rolling boil.
2. While the coconut milk mixture is heating up, whisk together the remaining 2 cups of water with the cornstarch.
3. Once the mixture boils, slowly add the cornstarch. Whisk constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
4. Pour the mixture into a clean, ungreased baking dish. We suggest a 9×13 glass pan.
5. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then place in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours.
6. Cut into 1-inch squares and serve!

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Aleah Ingram

Aleah is a graduate of Southern Virginia University, where she studied English, Creative Writing, and Dance. She now works full time as a marketing and product manager, writer, and editor. She currently hosts the podcast “Single to the Glory” about singlehood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Aleah served a mission in California and loves baking, Lang Leav poetry, Gaynor Minden pointe shoes, and Bollywood movies.