🥥 Quick Coconut and Sweetened Milk Dessert (Ready in 15 Minutes)
📜 Introduction
This quick coconut dessert is a creamy, chewy, and sweet treat made from just a few pantry staples. With sweetened condensed milk and shredded coconut as the stars, it’s a no-fuss recipe ideal for satisfying a sugar craving in no time. Whether you serve it in squares, balls, or spooned into ramekins, it always delivers.
🌍 Origin and Cultural Significance
Coconut-based sweets have deep roots across many cultures — from South Asian coconut laddoo, Middle Eastern coconut basbousa, to Latin American cocadas. This simple version is a modern, fast adaptation combining elements from those traditional recipes. Its simplicity has made it a popular quick-fix dessert in households worldwide.
🧾 Ingredients & Quantity
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sweetened condensed milk | 1 can (14 oz / 397g) |
| Shredded desiccated coconut | 2½ cups (200g) |
| Butter (unsalted) | 1 tbsp |
| Vanilla extract (optional) | 1 tsp |
| Cardamom powder (optional) | ½ tsp |
| Pinch of salt | A small pinch |
➕ Optional Additions
- Chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios, or cashews) – for texture
- Dried fruit (raisins, chopped dates) – for extra sweetness
- Lime or lemon zest – for brightness
- A dash of rose water – for a floral touch
- Dark chocolate drizzle – for a fusion twist
✅ Tips for Success
- Use non-stick pan to avoid sticking or burning.
- Stir constantly on medium-low heat to prevent scorching.
- Don’t overcook — the mixture should be sticky, not dry.
- Let cool before shaping if making balls or bars.
- For softer results, reduce the amount of coconut slightly.
🧁 Instructions
- Prepare a pan (if setting into shapes): Lightly grease a tray or line with parchment paper.
- Melt butter in a non-stick saucepan over medium heat.
- Add condensed milk and stir until warm.
- Add shredded coconut, vanilla, cardamom (if using), and salt.
- Mix continuously until the mixture thickens and starts pulling away from the pan sides (about 8–10 minutes).
- Transfer to prepared tray and flatten, or let cool slightly and roll into small balls.
- Cool completely before serving. You can chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes for a firmer texture.
- Optional: Garnish with chopped nuts or a dusting of extra coconut.
📝 Description
This dessert is chewy, rich, and slightly nutty, with the tropical flavor of coconut balanced by the creamy sweetness of condensed milk. It’s naturally gluten-free and can be shaped however you like — balls, bars, or simply scooped into cups.
🔢 Nutritional Information (Per serving – based on 10 small pieces)
| Nutrient | Approx. Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Carbs | 20g |
| Sugar | 16g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fiber | 1g |
Note: Nutritional values will vary slightly depending on added ingredients and portion size.
📌 Conclusion
This quick coconut and sweetened milk dessert is perfect for last-minute guests, festive occasions, or just when you want to treat yourself. It’s a forgiving recipe that’s easy to customize, and its short prep time makes it a winner for busy days.
🌟 Recommendation
Serve with:
- Hot tea or coffee for a cozy evening treat
- Fresh tropical fruit (mango, pineapple) on the side for balance
- A small scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent twist
💚 Embracing Healthful Indulgence
This dessert proves you don’t have to sacrifice taste for simplicity or health. With just a handful of ingredients and no artificial additives, it satisfies sweet cravings in a more wholesome way. To make it even lighter, try using low-fat condensed milk or reducing the coconut slightly. Moderation is key — so enjoy every bite mindfully!