Authentic Grilled Hawaiian Haupia Coconut Cakes Recipe

Introduction

Transport your taste buds straight to the sandy shores of the Aloha State with this authentic recipe for Grilled Hawaiian Haupia Coconut Cakes. Haupia is a traditional Hawaiian coconut pudding, usually served cold at luaus, but we are elevating this island classic by bringing it to the Arteflame grill. By grilling these firm coconut cakes, you create a delightful contrast: a warm, caramelized, slightly smoky exterior giving way to a cool, creamy, and lush coconut center. It is a texture and flavor profile that standard oven-baking simply cannot replicate.

This dessert is not only incredibly delicious but also naturally gluten-free and vegan, making it a crowd-pleaser for every guest at your backyard barbecue. Using the flat cooktop of your Arteflame allows for an even sear without the risk of the delicate pudding falling through the grates. Whether you are finishing up a summer cookout or just craving a taste of the tropics, these grilled coconut cakes provide a sweet, nutty finish that captures the true spirit of island cooking.

Ingredients

The Haupia Base

• 2 cans (13.5 oz each) full-fat coconut milk (do not use lite)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional for added depth)

For Grilling & Garnish

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil or unsalted butter (for the grill)
• Fresh mint leaves
• Toasted shredded coconut
• Sliced fresh pineapple or mango (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry

1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the water and cornstarch until completely smooth. Ensure there are no lumps remaining, as this will determine the smoothness of your final cakes. Set this mixture aside.

Step 2: Heat the Coconut Milk

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the two cans of coconut milk and the granulated sugar. Place the pan over medium heat.
2. Stir frequently until the sugar is completely dissolved and the coconut milk begins to steam gently. Do not let it come to a rolling boil just yet.

Step 3: Thicken the Mixture

1. Reduce the heat to low. Give your cornstarch slurry a quick whisk (as cornstarch settles) and slowly pour it into the hot coconut milk while whisking the pot constantly.
2. Continue to cook and stir vigorously. The mixture will thicken rapidly, transforming from a liquid into a thick, glossy, pudding-like consistency. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to remove any starchy taste. Stir in the vanilla extract if using.

Step 4: Set the Cakes

1. Pour the thickened mixture into an 8x8 inch square baking pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
2. Allow it to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours, or ideally overnight, until the Haupia is completely firm and set.

Step 5: Cut and Grill

1. Once set, invert the pan to release the block of Haupia and slice it into square "cakes" or rectangles.
2. Fire up your Arteflame grill. Aim for a medium heat zone on the flat cooktop griddle.
3. Lightly coat the grilling surface with coconut oil or butter.
4. Place the Haupia cakes onto the hot surface. Grill for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until a golden-brown crust forms and the sugar in the coconut milk caramelizes.
5. Remove carefully and serve immediately.

Tips

The key to perfect Grilled Haupia Coconut Cakes lies in the consistency of the pudding before it hits the grill. Make sure you use full-fat coconut milk; the fat content is essential not just for flavor, but for helping the cakes hold their shape when exposed to the heat of the Arteflame. If you use "lite" coconut milk, the cakes may be too watery and could fall apart when you try to flip them.

Additionally, patience is a virtue during the grilling process. Because Haupia is gelatinous, it needs high heat to form a crust quickly without melting the interior completely. Ensure your flat top griddle is properly heated before adding the cakes. Use a wide, thin spatula for flipping to support the entire bottom surface of the cake. If the cake sticks, it likely hasn't caramelized enough yet—give it another thirty seconds before trying again.

Variations

While the traditional coconut flavor is divine on its own, you can easily customize this recipe to suit your palate or the theme of your dinner party. These variations add layers of flavor without complicating the cooking process. Here are a few creative twists to try:

• Chocolate Dipped: After grilling, drizzle the warm cakes with melted dark chocolate for a classic coconut-chocolate pairing.
• Tropical Fruit Infusion: Serve the grilled cakes on top of a grilled pineapple ring for double the smoky fruit flavor.
• Nutty Crunch: Press crushed macadamia nuts into the exterior of the cakes just before grilling for added texture.
• Boozy Kick: Drizzle a reduction of dark rum and brown sugar over the finished cakes for an adult version.
• Zesty Lime: Add a tablespoon of fresh lime zest to the batter before setting it to cut through the richness.

Best pairings

These Grilled Haupia Coconut Cakes are rich and sweet, so they pair best with beverages and sides that offer a contrasting acidity or bitterness. The smokiness from the Arteflame grill bridges the gap between dessert and savory notes, allowing for versatile pairings. A cup of freshly brewed Kona coffee is the absolute gold standard here; the bitterness of the coffee perfectly balances the sweet, creamy coconut.

If you are serving these at a summer party or evening barbecue, consider tropical cocktails. A Mai Tai or a not-too-sweet Piña Colada complements the flavors without overwhelming them. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water infused with cucumber and mint refreshes the palate between bites of the dense, rich cake. Avoid overly sugary sodas, as they might make the dessert feel too heavy.

Conclusion

Mastering these Grilled Hawaiian Haupia Coconut Cakes on your Arteflame grill is a surefire way to impress your friends and family with something unique. It moves beyond the standard grilled fruits or s'mores and introduces a culturally rich, textural delight that is deeply satisfying. The process of taking a cool, gelatinous pudding and searing it to warm, crispy perfection highlights the versatility of flat-top grilling.

Whether you are hosting a full luau-themed bash or simply looking for a sweet ending to a weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers the spirit of Aloha in every bite. The combination of simple ingredients and the magic of the open fire creates a dessert that is sophisticated yet humble. So, fire up the grill, slice up some coconut cakes, and enjoy a little slice of island paradise right in your own backyard.