Introduction to Filipino Buko Pandan Recipe
Let me take you on a little culinary journey to the Philippines with this delightful Filipino Buko Pandan Recipe. It’s a refreshing dessert that’s perfect for busy women like us who crave a taste of Southeast Asia without the fuss. Imagine coming home after a long day, and in just under an hour, you can whip up a treat that feels like a mini-vacation in a bowl. Whether you’re a mom juggling a million things or a professional looking for a quick, delightful treat, this recipe is your ticket to a tropical escape.
Why You’ll Love This Filipino Buko Pandan Recipe
First off, let’s talk about the ease of preparation. This Filipino Buko Pandan Recipe is as straightforward as it gets. With minimal cleanup, you can spend more time enjoying the dessert rather than scrubbing pots and pans. The flavors are family-friendly, too. The combination of young coconut and pandan leaves creates a refreshing taste that instantly transports you to the vibrant streets of Southeast Asia. It’s like a little piece of paradise in every bite!
Table of contents
- Introduction to Filipino Buko Pandan Recipe
- Why You’ll Love This Filipino Buko Pandan Recipe
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- How to Make Filipino Buko Pandan Recipe
- Tips for Perfect Results
- Essential Equipment Needed
- Delicious Variations of Filipino Buko Pandan Recipe
- Serving Suggestions
- FAQs About Filipino Buko Pandan Recipe
- Final Thoughts on Filipino Buko Pandan Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Young coconut meat
- Pandan leaves
- Small tapioca pearls
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Heavy cream
- Sugar
- Water
- Pandan extract (optional)
- Gelatin powder
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in this Filipino Buko Pandan Recipe. The young coconut meat adds a chewy texture, while the pandan leaves infuse a unique aroma. Tapioca pearls give it a fun, bouncy bite, and the sweetened condensed milk and heavy cream create a rich, creamy base. If you’re watching your sugar intake, feel free to adjust the sugar or use a sugar substitute. And if you can’t find pandan leaves, a few drops of pandan extract will do the trick. Remember, printable measurements are provided at the article’s end for your convenience.
How to Make Filipino Buko Pandan Recipe

Step 1 – Prep Ingredients
Start by boiling the pandan leaves in water to extract their flavor. This step is crucial as it sets the aromatic tone for the entire dessert. Meanwhile, cook the tapioca pearls according to the package instructions. Trust me, this step is as easy as pie!
Step 2 – Begin Cooking
Next, dissolve the gelatin powder in water and mix it with the pandan water. Pour this mixture into a mold and let it chill in the refrigerator until it sets. This is where the magic happens, as the gelatin captures all that wonderful pandan essence.
Step 3 – Combine Ingredients
Once your gelatin is set, cut it into small cubes. In a large bowl, mix the shredded coconut, cooked tapioca pearls, gelatin cubes, condensed milk, heavy cream, and sugar. This is where everything comes together in a symphony of flavors and textures.
Step 4 – Finish and Serve
If you’re feeling adventurous, add a few drops of pandan extract for an extra punch of flavor. Chill the mixture for at least 2 hours before serving. This waiting period allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, making each spoonful a refreshing delight.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Add a few drops of green food coloring for a vibrant look that’s sure to impress.
- Adjust the sweetness to your liking by varying the sugar amounts.
- Ensure the gelatin is fully set before cutting it into cubes to avoid a sticky mess.
Essential Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Saucepan
- Mold for gelatin
- Knife for cutting gelatin cubes
If you don’t have a mold, no worries! A baking dish works just as well. The key is to be resourceful and make the most of what you have in your kitchen.
Delicious Variations of Filipino Buko Pandan Recipe

- Keto-friendly: Use sugar substitutes and coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
- Low-carb: Skip the tapioca pearls and increase the amount of coconut meat.
- Gluten-free: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for a worry-free treat.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a light, fruity cocktail for a refreshing combo.
- Serve alongside grilled tropical fruits for a taste of the tropics.
- Complement with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
FAQs About Filipino Buko Pandan Recipe

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dessert can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making it perfect for planning ahead.
What can I use instead of pandan leaves?
If pandan leaves are hard to find, pandan extract or even vanilla extract can be used as substitutes.
Is this dessert suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is vegetarian-friendly, so everyone can enjoy it!
Final Thoughts on Filipino Buko Pandan Recipe

Reflecting on the ease and delight of making this Filipino Buko Pandan Recipe, I can’t help but smile. It’s a simple yet exotic dessert that brings a taste of Southeast Asia right to your home. I encourage you to try it and share this refreshing dessert with your loved ones. It’s a little slice of paradise that’s sure to brighten your day!
Print
Filipino Buko Pandan Recipe: A Taste of Southeast Asia!
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Buko Pandan is a refreshing and popular dessert from the Philippines, made with young coconut and pandan leaves, offering a taste of Southeast Asia.
Ingredients
- 2 cups young coconut meat, shredded
- 5 pandan leaves, tied in a knot
- 1 cup small tapioca pearls
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon pandan extract (optional)
- 1/4 cup gelatin powder
Instructions
- Boil the pandan leaves in 2 cups of water for about 10 minutes to extract the flavor. Remove the leaves and set the pandan water aside.
- In a separate pot, cook the tapioca pearls according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, dissolve the gelatin powder in 1/2 cup of water. Add the pandan water and mix well. Pour into a mold and let it set in the refrigerator.
- Once the gelatin is set, cut it into small cubes.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded young coconut, cooked tapioca pearls, pandan gelatin cubes, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and sugar. Mix well.
- Add the pandan extract if using, and mix until everything is well combined.
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- For a more vibrant color, you can add a few drops of green food coloring.
- Adjust the sweetness according to your preference by adding more or less sugar.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: Filipino
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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