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For quite a few years now there have been numerous requests for “that coconut pudding from the TV dinners” from my husband. The most recent request finally prompted me to bring up Google and see if a recipe could be found. It turns out that not only were there plenty of recipes but that “that coconut pudding from the TV dinners” is actually called Cocada Pudding. Whoda thunk it?
After a bit of experimenting in the kitchen, I’ve found the recipe that my Mr likes best. I’m not going to lie, it looks exactly like what I have always pictured as gruel when it’s all done. But the taste. Oh yum. It really does taste really good. Almost too sweet with a lot of depth from the cinnamon, coconut, and vanilla. It’s definitely not what I would imagine gruel tasting like. Of course, I’ve never had gruel, so maybe it’s super yummy? Because this pudding is super yummy. I’m so glad I hunted down some recipes and gave it a try.
If you want to give it a try, here is the recipe:
This is very tasty served with some slightly too-ripe fruit, like nectarines, to dip in it. Not that that would happen here. Nope, the fruit never gets overripe here. Every bit of it is always used up before it gets too ripe. Yep, uh-huh. Sure. Our house is an absolutely perfect model for using fruit long before it hits that point.
This should be eaten the same day it’s made as the liquid will start to separate out if stored overnight, which happens with most cooked puddings. Eating it all the same day was not a problem in our house, especially with the size of Mr’s appetite. He could probably eat the whole batch himself.
Cocada Pudding Recipe From Scratch
Ingredients
- ¾ cup water
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 dashes cinnamon
- ¼ cup shredded coconut
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 ¼ cups milk
- 4 tbsp corn starch
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan combine water, sugar, and cinnamon. Simmer for 10 minutes. Add coconut and simmer for 5 more minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Measure milk and whisk the cornstarch and salt into it making sure there are no lumps. Slowly pour the milk mixture into the sugar water while stirring.
- Heat the mixture to a full boil slowly. Stir constantly. Allow to boil for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and add vanilla.
- Pour into a dish and refrigerate. The pudding will be soft set when done.
I too looked for awhile for this pudding from hungry man dinners & came across your recipe, tried it & its delicious.
I’m glad you enjoyed it!
All I can say is damn!
So good
Glad you enjoyed the pudding!
I love it. I’m senior grandma trying to eat healthier. Can I use monk fruit instead of sugar and unsweetened coconut? Also can I remove coconut after having been simmering in sugar water for 5 minutes because it is too difficult for me to chew.? I’m going to try it that way. I do love coconut just can’t chew it. Thank you for recipe.
Yes, you should be able to substitute monk fruit without any issues as well as straining out the coconut.
I have a question about the texture when done. My husband is eating a Hungry Man TV dinner as I type this. I asked him if the pudding has a coconut texture and he said no, that it’s smooth. Does this recipe keep the coconut texture? Thank you
Yes, the coconut pieces remain in the pudding which gives it texture.