Creamy chilled mango dessert with evaporated milk
Chinese Mango Pudding
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
5 min
Total Time
2 hr 20 min
Servings
6
6 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Chinese Mango Pudding
Creamy chilled mango dessert with evaporated milk
★4.7(24)
A silky, vibrant mango pudding made with fresh mango puree, evaporated milk, and a touch of gelatin. This beloved dim sum dessert is the perfect balance of fruity sweetness and creamy richness.
15m
Prep Time
5m
Cook Time
140m
Total Time
6
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Mango pudding is the crown jewel of Hong Kong dim sum desserts. Its intense mango flavor, creamy body, and jiggly texture make it universally adored across all ages.
Chinese cooking techniques — high heat, quick movement, and precise timing — produce flavors that no other method can match. This recipe captures that magic.
The flavors in this dish reflect centuries of culinary tradition, adapted for the modern home kitchen. What makes Chinese Mango Pudding special is the balance — every element serves a purpose, and the interplay between ingredients creates something greater than any single component. With the right technique and a few key ingredients, you can achieve restaurant-quality results at home.
Successful baking comes down to precision and patience. Measure carefully, follow the order of operations, and trust the recipe. The oven does most of the work — your job is to set it up for success with properly mixed ingredients, the right temperature, and restraint (no peeking during the first two-thirds of baking time).
Ingredients
- 2 large ripe mangoes, pureed (about 1.5 cups)
- 1 packet unflavored gelatin
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup hot water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- 1
Bloom gelatin in 2 tbsp cold water for 5 minutes.
- 2
Dissolve sugar in hot water. Stir in bloomed gelatin until completely melted.
- 3
Mix mango puree, evaporated milk, and lemon juice in a bowl.
- 4
Pour the gelatin mixture into the mango mixture and stir until smooth.
- 5
Divide among molds or ramekins. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set. Unmold and serve with diced mango.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve over steamed jasmine or sticky rice
Pair with a side of pickled vegetables or kimchi
Add a drizzle of sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream
Substitutions
Evaporated milkCoconut cream
Dairy-free option that adds tropical richness
GelatinAgar-agar
Vegan alternative; sets slightly firmer
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Use the ripest, most fragrant mangoes you can find; champagne mangoes are ideal.
Strain the puree for an ultra-smooth texture if your mangoes are fibrous.
Measure baking ingredients by weight when possible. Baking is chemistry, and precision matters more than in any other type of cooking.
Bring butter, eggs, and dairy to room temperature before mixing. Cold ingredients do not emulsify properly and can produce tough, uneven results.
Storage
Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Most baked goods can be frozen for up to 3 months — wrap tightly in plastic wrap then foil.
Reheating
Most baked goods are best at room temperature. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight then bring to room temperature. Some items benefit from a brief warm-up in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.
Recipe Notes from Our Kitchen
Editor's Note
Editor's note: Read the entire recipe before starting. Baking rewards preparation — having everything measured and at the right temperature before you begin makes the process smooth and the results consistent.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (8mg) · 6 servings
Calories150
LowModerateHigh
A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein3g
Carbohydrates3g
Fat32g
Fiber30mg
Sugar2g
Sodium28g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen mango?
- Yes, thaw and puree frozen mango. The flavor may be slightly less intense than fresh.
- How do I unmold cleanly?
- Dip the mold briefly in warm water, then invert onto a plate.
- Can I substitute the sugar?
- In baking, sugar does more than sweeten — it affects texture, browning, and moisture. You can reduce by up to 25% without major issues, but substituting entirely often changes the result significantly.
- Why did my recipe not turn out right?
- The most common causes are inaccurate measuring, incorrect oven temperature (use an oven thermometer), or substituting ingredients. Baking is chemistry — precision matters more than in any other type of cooking.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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