Brazilian Pudim Twist : A Tropical, Guilt-Free Delight in Mini Jars

A Sweet Tradition, Reimagined

Pudim has always been a symbol of Brazilian hospitality and celebration. I still remember how my grandmother, who emigrated from Portugal to Brazil, would proudly serve her silky smooth pudim during Sunday family lunches. It was always a centerpiece—dripping in caramel and rich with sweetened condensed milk.

But today, we’re adding a playful, modern spin to this classic. This Brazilian pudim twist recipe is perfect for two people, offering all the joy of the original in a lighter, more adventurous form.

Imagine the tropical fusion of coconut and passion fruit, set in charming mini jars, with a dairy-free and low-sugar option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. And to top it off—literally—we’re finishing it with a golden brûléed crust, for that irresistible crunch.

This dessert is seasonless—refreshing in the summer and cozy in the winter. Whether you’re planning a romantic date night, a small dinner party, or just indulging yourself (and one lucky other), this pudim twist is going to be your new favorite treat.

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Why You’ll Love This Brazilian Pudim Twist

• Tropical flair with coconut and passion fruit
• Low-sugar & dairy-free options
• No-bake or oven-bake flexibility
• Serves just two—no leftovers, no guilt!
• Fun presentation in individual jars
• Perfect balance of creamy and crisp textures

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Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need for our mini tropical pudim twist, plus a few options for customization:

For the Caramel:

• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar (or coconut sugar for a healthier swap)
• 2 tablespoons water

For the Pudim Base:

• 1 large egg
• ½ cup (120ml) light coconut milk (or oat milk for dairy-free)
• ⅓ cup (80ml) sweetened condensed coconut milk (or low-sugar condensed milk alternative)
• 1 tablespoon passion fruit pulp (fresh or frozen, with seeds removed)
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Optional Toppings:

• Shredded toasted coconut
• Fresh passion fruit seeds
• A thin brûléed sugar topping (like crème brûlée)

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Kitchen Tools

• 2 small heatproof glass jars (like mason jars or ramekins)
• Saucepan
• Whisk or immersion blender
• Baking dish (for water bath method)
• Kitchen torch (for brûlée topping)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Caramel

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and water.
2. Let it simmer undisturbed until it turns golden amber, about 5–6 minutes.
3. Immediately pour the caramel into the bottom of the jars, swirling to coat evenly. Set aside.

Tip: If using coconut sugar, expect a slightly darker caramel with a rich molasses undertone.

2. Blend the Custard

1. In a bowl, whisk together the egg, coconut milk, condensed milk, passion fruit pulp, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture over the caramel layer in each jar.

3. Bake or Steam

Oven Method (Silkier Texture):

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Place the jars in a baking dish and fill with hot water halfway up the sides.
3. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the custard is just set but still jiggly in the center.
4. Cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Stovetop Method (Faster, No-Oven):

1. Place jars in a steamer or pot with a rack and steam on low heat for 25–30 minutes.
2. Let cool before chilling.

4. Add the Brûlée Twist

Just before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of sugar on top of the pudim and torch it until caramelized and crisp.

Optional: Garnish with toasted coconut and a spoonful of fresh passion fruit seeds for texture and visual flair.

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Creative Variations & Substitutions

This Brazilian pudim twist is wonderfully flexible—here’s how you can make it your own.

Flavor Twists

• Mango & Lime: Swap the passion fruit pulp with mango puree and add a touch of lime zest for a Caribbean vibe.
• Mocha Dream: Replace 2 tablespoons of coconut milk with espresso for a bold coffee version.
• Chocolate Coconut: Add 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder to the base and top with shaved dark chocolate.

Milk Alternatives

• Oat Milk: A creamy, nut-free substitute that blends well with other flavors.
• Almond Milk: Lighter than coconut milk, adds a subtle nutty finish.

Sugar Alternatives

• Coconut Sugar: Lower glycemic and deeper flavor.
• Monk Fruit Sweetener or Stevia: For a completely sugar-free version—just ensure the texture doesn’t become grainy.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Classic Version)

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Sugars: 20g
• Fiber: 1g

Low-Sugar Version

• Using a sugar-free condensed milk and monk fruit sweetener reduces the sugar to just 4g per serving without compromising the creamy consistency!

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Serving Suggestions

Presentation plays a big part in this recipe’s charm. Here’s how to take it up a notch:

• Mini Picnic Dessert: Chill the jars in a cooler and serve with a spoon tucked in a napkin. Cute and practical!
• Dinner Date Treat: Set the jar on a saucer with fresh flowers, a drizzle of passion fruit syrup, and a crisp biscotti on the side.
• Holiday Flair: Add edible gold flakes or a sugared cranberry for a festive touch in winter.

Pro Tip: Don’t unmold the pudim—serve directly in the jars for a modern, rustic look.

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Make Ahead & Storage Tips

This pudim twist is a meal-prepper’s dream:

• Make Ahead: Can be made 2–3 days in advance. In fact, the flavors deepen with time!
• Storage: Keep covered in the fridge. Do not freeze, as freezing alters the texture.
• Torch Topping: Only brûlée the top right before serving to maintain the crispy crust.

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FAQs About Brazilian Pudim

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Final Thoughts: A Modern Ode to a Classic

Creating this Brazilian pudim twist brought back memories of my grandmother’s kitchen, with its rich aromas and warm chatter. But giving it a tropical, health-conscious update made it feel fresh and personal again.

This recipe proves that you don’t need a dinner party to enjoy pudim—you just need a moment and a spoon. Whether you serve it chilled on a summer night or brûléed and cozy in winter, it’s a dessert that always says you’re special.

And if you’re looking for the perfect side to round out your meal, these Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes bring comfort and flavor to the table every time.