Tembleque – Puerto Rican Coconut Pudding Recipe
Tembleque is a traditional Puerto Rican coconut pudding known for its creamy texture and delicate flavors of cinnamon and lime. This simple yet delicious dessert is made by cooking coconut milk with sugar, cornstarch, and aromatic spices until thickened, then chilled until set. Perfect as a refreshing treat or festive dessert, tembleque offers a subtle sweet and citrusy taste with a smooth, silky consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 39 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 (14 oz) cans unsweetened coconut milk
- 2/3 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- Pinch of salt
Flavorings
- 1/3 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 stick of cinnamon
- 1 lime, peeled (peel only, no white pith)
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients: In a cold pot, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, salt, and ground cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and there are no lumps.
- Add liquids: Gradually whisk in the unsweetened coconut milk and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Heat mixture: Place the pot over medium-high heat and whisk constantly to prevent lumps and sticking.
- Infuse flavors: Add the cinnamon stick and lime peel to the pot, allowing their flavors to infuse into the mixture while it cooks.
- Cook until thickened: Continue whisking and cooking for 5 to 10 minutes until the pudding thickens and forms thin ribbons when drizzled from the whisk.
- Cool slightly: Remove the pot from heat and let the pudding cool for about 10 minutes.
- Pour into molds: Transfer the mixture to rinsed silicone molds, filling them to the edge and smoothing the tops with the back of a spoon.
- Remove air bubbles and chill: Tap the sides of the molds to release any trapped air. For best results, cover with plastic wrap or lids and refrigerate overnight to allow the pudding to fully set.
- Serve: Remove the tembleque from molds and serve garnished with a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
Notes
- Make sure to whisk constantly during cooking to prevent lumps and sticking.
- Using fresh lime peel adds a vibrant citrus note; avoid the bitter white pith.
- Overnight chilling helps the pudding set firmly and enhances flavor.
- Tembleque can be served as a refreshing dessert on its own or with additional cinnamon sprinkled on top.
- For an authentic experience, use unsweetened coconut milk without added stabilizers or thickeners.
