Buko Pandan Recipe
Buko pandan combines the creamy sweetness of coconut with the refreshing flavor of pandan leaves. Filipinos often serve this crowd favorite on special occasions, so prepare your sweet teeth as we present this Filipino buko pandan recipe.
What is Buko Pandan?
Buko pandan is a popular Filipino dessert that combines the creamy sweetness of coconut (buko in Filipino) with the refreshing flavor of pandan leaves.
In case you don’t know, pandan is a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia. People often use its leaves in cooking and baking. They do this to add a subtle floral flavor and green color to dishes.
In addition, people make this dessert by mixing young coconut meat with pandan-flavored jelly and sweetened cream. Depending on your garnish tolerance, you can top it with coconut flakes. It is also a well-loved Filipino summer dessert.
Aside from summer, you can serve this refreshing and delicious dessert perfect for any season. Yes, Filipinos serve it during the ber holidays (cold season).
People love young coconut meat, also known as buko, for its delicate and sweet flavor. When combined with pandan-flavored jelly, it creates a unique and delicious taste.
Interestingly, the cooks make jelly by combining pandan juice, sugar, and agar-agar (a plant-based gelatin substitute) or store-bought jelly. Then, they cut the jelly into small cubes and mix them with the young coconut meat. This gives the heavenly treat its distinct texture. Then, they add sweetened cream and garnish it with toasted coconut flakes.
Buko Pandan Cooking Tips
Planning to make buko pandan at home? Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
1. Use young coconut meat.
Young coconut meat is tender and has a sweeter taste compared to mature coconut meat. So, you must use this type of coconut meat.
2. Adjust the sweetness to your liking.
The sweetness of this dessert varies depending on personal preference. You can adjust the amount of sugar in the jelly mixture and cream to your liking.
3. Use fresh pandan leaves if you can.
Fresh pandan leaves will give the dessert a stronger and more authentic flavor. However, not everyone has access to the leaves. If you want a great alternative, use authentic flavoring like the Pandan Emulco.
This delicious pandan essence lets you achieve the delicious pandan taste, color, and aroma in one step. Perfectly blended to suit any recipe that requires wonderful pandan, this food essence helps you make irresistible buko pandan. Check out Pandan Emulco now!
4. Be careful when cutting the jelly.
The jelly can be pretty delicate, so it can easily break apart. Be sure to use a sharp knife and carefully cut it into small cubes before mixing it with the coconut meat.
5. Chill the dish before serving.
Buko pandan is best served chilled. So, refrigerate it for at least a few hours before serving. This will help the flavors meld together. Doing so also makes the jelly firmer.
6. Experiment with variations.
Some variations of the treat include adding condensed milk to the jelly mixture. Doing so makes it sweeter. Others add different fruits such as jackfruit, mango, or durian. Feel free to experiment and create your unique version.
How to Store Buko Pandan
While buko pandan is best consumed immediately after chilling it for the first time, you can store it. Here are a few tips to help you keep buko pandan properly:
1. Cover it properly.
Make sure to cover the buko pandan with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, so it doesn’t dry out.
2. Keep it cold.
Buko pandan should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within three days.
3. Avoid freezing buko pandan.
Freezing the treat will cause the jelly to lose its texture. It will also separate the cream from the jelly.
4. Be aware of the ingredients you add.
Understand the nature of the ingredients you’re adding. For example, fresh fruits can spoil quickly and should be consumed within one day.
5. Keep it away from strong odors.
Avoid storing buko pandan near strong-smelling foods, as it can absorb odors and affect the flavor.
How to Serve Buko Pandan
Here are some tips on how to serve buko pandan with delight:
1. Use clear glass.
Using a clear glass or dish makes the green color of the pandan jelly shine, making it more visually appealing.
2. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes.
Toasted coconut flakes add a nice crunch and a hint of coconut flavor to the coconut meat.
3. Add fresh fruits as garnish.
Mix in fresh fruits like mango, jackfruit, or kiwi to add flavor and color to the dish.
4. Serve it in small portions.
Buko pandan is meant to be a decadent dessert, so you better serve it in small portions.
5. Pair it with a hot beverage.
Buko pandan may be chilled, but you can pair it with a hot beverage like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate to complete the dessert circle.
Buko Pandan Recipe
Buko Pandan Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 can coconut cream (14 oz.)
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 cups shredded young coconut meat
- 1/2 tsp pandan extract
- 6 fresh pandan leaves knotted
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Combine the coconut cream, sugar, cornstarch, and water in a large pot. Cook over medium heat. Constantly stir until the mixture thickens and boils.1 can coconut cream, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water
- If you’re using pandan extract, add it to the mixture and stir. Otherwise, add the leaves to the mixture. Boil them, then lower the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove the pandan leaves from the mixture.1/2 tsp pandan extract, 6 fresh pandan leaves
- Remove the pot from the heat. Then, let it cool slightly. After this, stir in the young coconut meat and mix well.2 cups shredded young coconut meat
- Pour the mixture into a 9×9 inch square dish. Then, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or until firm.
- Next, beat the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread the cream over the chilled buko pandan. Mix well.1 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- Garnish with toasted coconut flakes or fresh fruits, if desired.
- Feel free to adjust the sugar and experiment by adding condensed milk or different fruits.
- Serve chilled, and enjoy your delicious buko pandan!
Cuisine: Filipino
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut cream
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 cups shredded young coconut meat
- 1/2 tsp pandan extract or 6 fresh pandan leaves, knotted
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Combine the coconut cream, sugar, cornstarch, and water in a large pot. Cook over medium heat. Constantly stir until the mixture thickens and boils.
- If you’re using pandan extract, add it to the mixture and stir. Otherwise, add the leaves to the mixture. Boil them, then lower the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove the pandan leaves from the mixture.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Then, let it cool slightly. After this, stir in the young coconut meat and mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a 9×9 inch square dish. Then, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or until firm.
- Next, beat the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread the cream over the chilled buko pandan. Mix well.
- Garnish with toasted coconut flakes or fresh fruits, if desired.
- Feel free to adjust the sugar and experiment by adding condensed milk or different fruits.
- Serve chilled, and enjoy your delicious buko pandan!
Frequently Asked Questions
Buko Pandan is made of pandan jelly, shredded young coconut meat (buko), and cream.
Yes, you can put evaporated milk in Buko Pandan. You can also add other ingredients like pearls and condensed milk.
Yes, Buko Pandan is healthy when consumed in moderation. The coconut meat in Buko Pandan contains healthy fats and fiber.
Conclusion
Filipino buko pandan is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert perfect for any occasion. The combination of creamy coconut and pandan jelly creates a unique and irresistible flavor that will please everyone’s taste buds.
Whether you’re looking for a dessert for a special occasion or a family gathering, this buko pandan recipe is a delicious and crowd-pleasing choice. Give it a try and enjoy the unique flavors and textures that make this dessert so special!
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