This elegant vegan olive oil pudding features just five ingredients, combining the richness of coconut cream with premium olive oil for a silky-smooth dessert that highlights olive oil's pure, complex flavor. Enhanced by flaky sea salt and fresh basil, this simple preparation delivers the sophistication of olive oil gelato in pudding form, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert that requires no special equipment.
Medium Saucepan (Kaserola) For cooking the pudding mixture
Whisk Essential for preventing lumps
Measuring cups and spoons (Panukat) For precise ingredient portions
Rubber spatula For scraping every bit of pudding
4 ramekins or dessert glasses (Mangkok) For individual servings
Thermometer (optional) To monitor cooking temperature
Ingredients
For the Pudding Base
1can400ml coconut cream NOT coconut milk
¼cupmaple or cassava syrup
¼cuphigh-quality olive oil
2tablespoonsarrowroot powder
For Garnish
Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
Herb salt
Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
Begin by measuring all your ingredients and having your ramekins ready on the counter. Pour the coconut cream and maple syrup (or cassava syrup) into a medium saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium-low heat (160°F/71°C) until it starts to gently bubble, whisking continuously to prevent scorching.
Pour in the olive oil while continuing to whisk, and let everything simmer together for 5 minutes, maintaining the temperature at 160°F/71°C. Keep stirring constantly to ensure even heating.
Next, add the arrowroot powder while whisking vigorously to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue cooking and whisking for 10 minutes until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. You'll know it's ready when you can run your finger across the spoon and the line holds.
Pour the hot pudding mixture into your ramekins or serving glasses. Let them cool completely at room temperature first. Once cooled, transfer them to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, though overnight will give you the best texture.
When ready to serve, drizzle each pudding with a little extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle with a pinch of herb salt, and top with a fresh basil leaf. Serve while still chilled for the best texture and flavor.
The puddings will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days if covered. Do not freeze them or attempt to reheat, as this will affect their silky texture.
Tips from Lola's Kitchen
Use the highest quality olive oil you can find - it's the star flavor
Don't substitute coconut milk for cream - it won't set properly
Whisk constantly to prevent lumps forming
Be patient while cooking - rushing can cause curdling
Let it set overnight for the best texture
Serve slightly below room temperature for optimal flavor
Traditional Serving Suggestions
Pair with fresh seasonal fruits (Sariwang Prutas)
Serve after a light meal
Offer small portions as it's rich
Traditional pairing with espresso or Filipino coffee
Can be part of a dessert platter with other Filipino sweets
Troubleshooting
Pudding didn't set: Likely used coconut milk instead of cream, or didn't cook long enough
Lumpy texture: Didn't whisk enough while adding arrowroot
Separated layers: Mixture got too hot or wasn't stirred enough
Too firm: Too much arrowroot powder used
Too loose: Not enough cooking time or wrong coconut cream
Ingredient Alternatives
Maple/Cassava Syrup → Agave nectar or brown rice syrup
Arrowroot Powder → Cornstarch (same amount)
Herb Salt → Regular flaky sea salt
Basil → Mint leaves or edible flowers
Coconut Cream → No substitute recommended for this recipe
Storage & Reheating
Store covered in refrigerator up to 5 days
Do not freeze
Best served chilled
No reheating required or recommended
Variations
Chocolate: Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
Citrus: Add lemon or orange zest
Coffee: Add 1 shot of espresso
Matcha: Add 1 teaspoon matcha powder
Ube: Add 2 tablespoons ube extract
FAQs
Q: Why use coconut cream instead of milk? A: Coconut cream has higher fat content necessary for proper setting.Q: Can I make this ahead? A: Yes, it's actually better made 24 hours ahead.Q: How do I know it's thick enough? A: It should coat the back of a spoon and leave a clear line when you run your finger through it.Q: Why did my pudding separate? A: Likely due to overheating or insufficient stirring during cooking.Q: Can I make this sugar-free? A: Yes, you can use monk fruit syrup or stevia, but texture may vary.Luxurious Vegan Olive Oil Pudding