Healthy Buko Pandan

By: Lee Holmes

Buko Pandan is a beloved Filipino dessert that combines the refreshing flavours of young coconut (buko) and pandan leaves. This lighter version reduces the sugar content and incorporates chia seeds for added nutrition. The result is a creamy, fragrant dessert that’s perfect for warm days or as a light end to a meal. The green colour from the pandan gives it a vibrant appearance, while the coconut provides a tropical twist. This dessert is not only delicious but also offers some nutritional benefits from the coconut and chia seeds.

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Servings

Prep time

Cook time

Recipe

Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 cup coconut water
¼ cup chia seeds
2 cups young coconut meat, shredded
2 tbsp honey (adjust to taste)
1 tsp pandan extract or 2 pandan leaves, finely chopped
1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or coconut milk for a richer version)
¼ cup tapioca pearls (optional, for added texture)
Ice cubes, for serving

Method

In a bowl, combine the coconut water and chia seeds. Let it sit for about 15 mins or until the chia seeds have absorbed the liquid and become gel-like
If using pandan leaves instead of extract, blend the chopped leaves with the almond milk and strain to get the flavoured milk. If using extract, simply mix it with the almond milk
In a bowl, combine the shredded young coconut meat, chia seed mixture, pandan-flavoured almond milk and honey. Mix well.
If using tapioca pearls, cook them according to package instructions, drain, and cool before adding to the mixture
Taste and adjust sweetness if needed by adding more honey
Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results
Before serving, give the mixture a good stir. If it’s too thick, you can add a little more coconut water or almond milk to achieve your desired consistency
Serve in glasses or bowls with ice cubes
Sprinkle with a few extra young coconut strips on top. Add a small mint leaf for colour contrast (optional)