Description
A no-bake, gluten-free, and dairy-free tropical dessert featuring layers of silky coconut cream and bright mango puree with fresh lime zest. It is light, elegant, and perfect for make-ahead entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 can (13.5 oz / 396ml) full-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 cup (120ml) unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/2 teaspoons) unflavored gelatin powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large ripe mangoes (about 3 cups puree)
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Optional garnish: whipped coconut cream, toasted coconut flakes, mint leaves
Instructions
- Bloom the gelatin: Sprinkle gelatin powder over cold almond milk in a small bowl and let sit for 5 minutes until spongy.
- Heat the coconut mixture: Pour coconut milk and sugar into a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir until sugar dissolves and mixture is warm (approx. 120°F/49°C). Do not boil.
- Dissolve the gelatin: Add the bloomed gelatin mixture to the warm coconut milk. Whisk vigorously for 1-2 minutes until fully dissolved. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve if needed to ensure smoothness.
- Prepare mango puree: Blend peeled mangoes until smooth. Mix in lime zest and lime juice. Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary.
- Assemble the cups: Divide mango puree among 6-ounce glasses, filling halfway. Slowly pour the coconut mixture over the mango layer using the back of a spoon to create distinct layers.
- Chill and set: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until firm but jiggly.
Notes
Use full-fat canned coconut milk, not carton-style drinking milk. Ensure gelatin is fresh for proper setting. Do not boil the coconut mixture as high heat destroys gelatin’s setting power. Strain mango puree to remove fibers for a silky texture. Can be made up to 3 days in advance. Do not freeze as texture will suffer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 24
- Sodium: 15
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 2
Keywords: mango panna cotta, coconut dessert, no-bake dessert, gluten-free dessert, dairy-free dessert, tropical dessert, lime zest, make-ahead dessert