Buko Pandan is a traditional Filipino dessert made with agar-agar, coconut strings, pearls, evaporated milk, and condensed milk. This is a refreshing dessert to eat on a warm day.
Love creamy and cool drinks? Try my Pandan Ice Cream, this Mango Agar Agar Drink or my Buko Pandan Drink! You can pair this with my Vegan Pumpkin Waffles.
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What is Buko Pandan?
Buko Pandan also known as buko pandan salad, is a traditional Filipino dessert that is a staple dessert for most Filipino get-togethers- and that's how I discovered this delicious dessert!
I remember when I visited the Philippines in 2009, the week I was to leave, I visited the mall every day to eat Buko Pandan. *sigh* This brings me to announce, I will be visiting the Philippines next summer 2015! YEY!! I will be going with my church and we will be doing health seminars and VBS. I cannot wait to go back!!
History of Buko Pandan
Buko Pandan is a favorite Filipino dessert that originated from the island province of Bohol. It is a staple dessert for most Filipino gatherings like fiestas, celebrations, and holiday parties. It is considered one of the most popular desserts in the Philippines.
Top Tips
- Tip on cooking tapioca pearls, it will be translucent, soft, and a bit of a white part in the middle of each pearl and make sure to keep stirring or the tapioca pearls will stick together.
- For a creamier Buko Pandan, you can add in your favorite all-purpose cream. I like using Nestle Cream
Substitutions
- Agar-Agar:
- Gelatin: Use an equal amount by weight, but note that gelatin is animal-based and sets differently than agar-agar. You may need to adjust the amount slightly.
- Carrageenan: Another plant-based gelling agent that can be used similarly to agar-agar.
- Shredded Young Coconut Meat:
- Shredded Mature Coconut: Though it has a different texture and flavor, it can be used if young coconut is unavailable.
- Coconut Flakes: Unsweetened flakes can be a substitute, but they might need to be rehydrated slightly.
- Mini Green Tapioca Pearls:
- Regular Tapioca Pearls: Adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Sago Pearls: Similar in texture to tapioca pearls and can be used as a substitute.
- Condensed Milk:
- Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk: A dairy-free alternative.
- Homemade Condensed Milk: Simmer 2 cups of milk and 1 cup of sugar until reduced by half, stirring frequently.
- Evaporated Milk:
- Evaporated Coconut Milk: A dairy-free alternative.
- Half-and-Half or Heavy Cream: For a richer flavor, though it may be slightly thicker.
- Pandan Extract:
- Vanilla Extract: While it will change the flavor profile, it provides a pleasant taste.
- Matcha Powder: For a green color and unique flavor, though the taste will be different.
- Nestle Cream (optional):
- Heavy Cream: For a similar richness and texture.
- Coconut Cream: For a dairy-free option with a hint of coconut flavor.
Variations
- Fruity Buko Pandan
- Ingredients:
- Substitute pandan extract with mango extract or pineapple extract.
- Add fresh mango cubes or pineapple chunks.
- Instructions:
- Follow the same instructions, but mix in the fruit pieces when combining all ingredients.
- Ingredients:
- Chocolate Buko Pandan
- Ingredients:
- Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the mixture.
- Substitute pandan extract with chocolate extract or vanilla extract.
- Instructions:
- Dissolve the cocoa powder in a little warm water before mixing it in with the other ingredients.
- Ingredients:
- Tropical Buko Pandan
- Ingredients:
- Add ½ cup of diced tropical fruits like papaya, mango, and pineapple.
- Use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk for a stronger coconut flavor.
- Instructions:
- Mix in the diced fruits when combining all ingredients.
- Ingredients:
Storage
- Storage Container: Transfer the Buko Pandan to an airtight container. This prevents it from absorbing odors from other foods in the refrigerator and helps maintain its freshness.
- Refrigeration Time: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Always check for any signs of spoilage before consuming.
Ingredients
Listed below are all the ingredients you will need:
- young coconut
- agar agar or gulaman
- tapioca pearls
- pandan paste/extract
- evaporated milk
- condensed milk
- gelatin
Feel free to use substitutes if what I used in my recipe is not found in your local grocery stores:
Instructions
Start by dissolving the gelatin and/or the agar-agar. Just follow the directions indicated in the packaging. In this recipe, I did not add sugar as I will add condensed milk later:
Pour the dissolved gelatin and or agar-agar in a flat container and let it cool until it solidifies:
Slice the coconut flesh like what I did, or you can even slice them into smaller and thinner strips so you can have more coconut flesh distributed evenly when you mix it with the other ingredients:
Cooking the tapioca pearls is so easy to do. Just boil water into a deep pan and when it starts boiling rapidly, pour the tapioca pearls and continuously stir it to prevent the pearls from sticking together:
After about 10-15 minutes, the tapioca pearls are cooked. You only need the cooked tapioca pearls so completely drain all the water from the pan. Let the tapioca pearls cool and if you are in a hurry, you can place it in the refrigerator:
Now, this is the exciting part!
In a large mixing bowl, add in the cooled tapioca pearls, condensed milk, and evaporated milk:
Remember that we let the dissolved gelatin cool earlier? Here it is! Slice them into smaller squares and the easiest way to transfer them into the mixing bowl is to spoon it out, just like what I did. It doesn't have to come out in perfect squares as no one would notice them while they eat this delicious treat 🙂
Add in the buko or coconut strips into the mixing bowl and mix thoroughly:
We are almost done, Simply Bakers! Add the pandan flavoring and mix it well:
The pandan flavor makes this dessert so fragrant you're going to want to eat it now- but remember to be patient because it tastes better chilled.
Simply Bakings Recommends
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Frequently Asked Questions
More Filipino Desserts that are easy to make:
Best and Easiest Buko Pandan
Ingredients
- 1 packet of Agar-Agar
- 2 bags shredded young coconut
- ⅔ cups mini green tapioca pearls
- 1 can condensed milk
- 1 can evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon pandan
- 1 can nestle cream optional
Instructions
Prepare the Agar-Agar:
- Follow the package instructions to prepare the Agar-Agar. Set it aside.
Cook the Tapioca Pearls:
- Bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
- Add the tapioca pearls to the boiling water.
- Boil for 15 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
- Strain the cooked tapioca pearls using a mesh strainer.
- Allow them to cool for at least 15 minutes.
Combine Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled tapioca pearls, shredded young coconut, condensed milk, evaporated milk, Nestle cream (if using), and pandan extract.
- Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
Chill:
- Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Watch The Recipe Video!
Blessie says
Hi! I'm a Filipino and I'm glad you like Philippines! 😀 Please enjoy your stay this summer at our country and I hope you'll enjoy various Filipino dishes and confections as well. Thank you for recreating some Filipino recipes! You make us proud! 😀
Lainey says
Hi Blessie! Just saw this comment! Thank you so much, I did enjoy it when I went. I will be back next summer. Can't wait!!
Anonymous says
How many servings it’s in the recipe??? Thanks
Lainey says
It makes about 4-6 large servings. Sorry for the late reply!
Sheryl says
Where to buy the agar agar
Anonymous says
At you nearby asian market.
Rose says
Aloha Sheryl!
Sorry for the late reply....... it's also labeled KANTEN in the supermarkets' Asian/Ethnic aisles and maybe even the Asian markets/stores. Hope you've found it by now!
Lainey says
Hey, Sheryl! You can buy them at grocery stores and if you have an Asian store nearby, I am sure they have agar-agar. I apologize for the late reply... I am excited to see your Buko Pandan version.
Kimberly Charisse Balbin Huerta says
Buko pandan is so delicious, but I don't know how to make it 😅
Thank you so much for your recipe 😍
Ma'am I would like to ask if there's a blue colored agar-agar ? Or people just poured some food color?
I wanted to make buko pandan with blue colored agar-agar for my daughter's 5th birthday.
Thank you 🙏
Lainey says
Hi Kimberly! I really apologize, I just saw your comment. I haven't seen blue agar-agar but definitely, you can put any food color you like. xx
Martha says
yummy
Lainey says
Thank you so much, Martha!
Janelle says
I need more of this!
Lainey says
Hey, Janelle! Thank you! Hope you check out my other recipes!
Glendale says
Make some more yummy and easy recipes! I love them, Lainey!
Lainey says
Aww, thanks Glendale! For sure I will! Don't forget to check out my blog and YouTube channel for new recipes 🙂
Michelle says
Can i make this night before serving?
Thank you for this recipe.
Lainey says
Hi Michelle,
Yes you can make this the night before, but place it in your fridge. Thanks for swinging by.
Cindy says
What green gelatin did you use?
Lainey says
Hey, Cindy! I used the brand Jell-o but you can use any that is available at the groceries near you. Please tag me on any of my social media with your buko pandan photos 🙂 Thank you so much!
Pam says
Can you add food color to the plain tapioca pearls?
Lainey says
Hi Pam! For the white ones, I am not sure if the food color sticks to it when added, but I know that there are colored ones available in the groceries. I see red, yellow, and green tapioca pearls. Hope my answer helps 🙂 xx Lainey
jiamaila says
Hello maam whats the ml measuremnt Nestle Cream? I habe just in a Box Type Nestle Cream. . Als also zur other ingredients in ml measurements ..Thank you ☺
Lainey says
Hi Jiamaila! For this recipe, I used the Nestle cream (250ml). Hope you make an awesome version of this Buko Pandan recipe. Don't hesitate to ask more questions if you need to 🙂 Thank you!
Anonymous says
how long that buko pandan last?
Lainey says
Hi there! The buko pandan lasts for at most 1 day in the chiller. The buko makes it prone to a quick wastage. But if you place it in the freezer, this delicious dessert could last up to 3 days max. Thank you!
Kim says
hi there! how long is the shelf life?
Lainey says
Hi Kim! The buko pandan lasts for at most 1 day in the chiller. The buko makes it prone to a quick wastage. But if you place it in the freezer, this delicious dessert could last up to 3 days max. Thank you!
Sierra says
Hi! What is the exact measurement for the agar agar? Mine comes in one large package rather than small individual packets
Lainey says
Hi there Sierra! The quantity of the agar-agar would depend on the quantity of your buko shreds. You can put in half of the buko quantity or same measurement as your buko shreds.
Maru says
How many people can eat for 3 scale?
Lainey says
Hi Maru,
About 8-12 people, pending on how many scoops they put into their cups. Please tag me a photo whenever you try making this recipe. 🙂
Jashwin says
I'm excited to see a lot of these from our neighbors during christmas even despite the pandemic.
Lainey says
Awwwe, yeah..that would be great! I hope the spirit of Christmas will still be felt even during this time of crisis. 🙂
Max says
So delicious!! I love this recipe and thank you for sharing!
Lainey says
Yay! You're welcome, Max! It's my pleasure to share. I hope you can check out my other easy Filipino dessert recipes too. Enjoy!
Everly L says
Wow!! Love this recipe and it's a huge hit every time I make it for a party.