This Pioneer Woman Lemon Coconut Pudding is rich and silky, which includes full-fat coconut milk and fresh lemon juice. It’s a restaurant-quality dish, ready in about 2 hours and 25 minutes plus chilling time.
Pioneer Woman Lemon Coconut Pudding Ingredients
For the Pudding:
- 1/3 cup cane sugar
- 3 Tbsp. cornstarch
- 1 Tbsp. lemon zest
- 1/8 tsp. unrefined sea salt
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 Tbsp. salted butter
- 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp. cane sugar
- 1/8 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup shredded desiccated coconut
- 1/2 tsp. pure maple syrup

How To Make Pioneer Woman Lemon Coconut Pudding
- Combine and cook pudding: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the cane sugar, cornstarch, lemon zest, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the coconut milk, heavy cream, and egg yolks. Slowly whisk the wet mixture into the dry. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until it comes to a boil. Boil for 1 minute.
- Strain and chill: Remove from heat. Strain the pudding through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl. Whisk in the butter and vanilla extract. Cover with plastic wrap touching the surface and chill until completely cold.
- Make the toppings: Toast the shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden. Stir in maple syrup and transfer to a plate to cool. In a separate bowl, whip the cream with sugar and vanilla until medium-stiff peaks form.
- Assemble: Once the pudding is chilled, whisk in the fresh lemon juice. Spoon into individual serving cups. Top with whipped cream and toasted maple coconut just before serving.

Recipe Tips
- Can I make this dairy-free? Yes, substitute the heavy cream and butter with full-fat coconut cream and plant-based butter.
- How to avoid lumpy pudding: Whisk constantly and strain the mixture after cooking to ensure a smooth texture.
- Can I use bottled lemon juice? Fresh lemon juice is best for bright, natural flavor.
- How to toast coconut perfectly: Stir constantly and watch closely—it can burn quickly.
- Make-ahead tip: The pudding can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored covered in the fridge.
What To Serve With Lemon Coconut Pudding
This tropical dessert is great on its own or paired with:
- Lemon shortbread cookies
- Mango or pineapple slices
- A sprinkle of crushed graham crackers
- Coconut macaroons
- Fresh mint for garnish

How To Store Lemon Coconut Pudding
Refrigerate: Store in the fridge in individual cups or a covered bowl for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Not recommended, as freezing affects the texture and can separate the pudding.
Lemon Coconut Pudding Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 415 kcal
- Total Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 26g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
- Sodium: 110mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 25g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 4g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I make this pudding without eggs?
Egg yolks provide richness and structure, but you can try a cornstarch-only version for an egg-free alternative.
Why did my pudding not set?
It may not have boiled long enough. Make sure it reaches a full boil for at least 1 minute.
Can I serve it warm?
It’s best chilled for texture, but slightly warm pudding is also delicious.
Is this pudding gluten-free?
Yes, as written it’s gluten-free. Just double-check all ingredients.
How long should it chill?
At least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
Try More Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Double Lemon Cupcakes
- Pioneer Woman Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
- Pioneer Woman Lemon-Poppy Seed Cake
Pioneer Woman Lemon Coconut Pudding
Description
A creamy, tropical pudding made with coconut milk and lemon, topped with whipped cream and maple-toasted coconut.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Whisk dry pudding ingredients in saucepan. Whisk wet ingredients separately, then combine.
- Cook over medium heat, whisking, until boiling. Boil 1 minute.
- Remove from heat. Strain, then stir in butter and vanilla. Chill fully.
- Toast coconut in skillet, stir in maple syrup. Whip cream with sugar and vanilla.
- Before serving, stir lemon juice into pudding. Spoon into cups and top with cream and coconut.
