Brazilian Coconut Pavê — Creamy No-Bake Layered Dessert
This Brazilian coconut pavê is the ultimate no-bake crowd-pleaser: silky coconut cream layered between soft, milk-soaked biscuits and finished with a generous shower of desiccated coconut. It comes together in just 30 minutes and tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for dinner parties, potlucks, and family gatherings.
🛒 Ingredients
10 servings
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz / 395 g)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (200 ml)
- 1 can coconut milk (200 ml)
- 7 oz ladyfingers or vanilla wafers (200 g)
- ⅔ cup whole cold milk (for dipping biscuits)
- ½ cup desiccated shredded coconut (for topping)
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Directions
- 1
Combine the sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and coconut milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens slightly into a smooth, pourable custard — about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool until just warm.
- 2
Working quickly, dip each ladyfinger briefly in the cold milk — just one second per side — so they soften without falling apart. Arrange them in a single, snug layer across the bottom of a 9×13-inch glass dish or large pyrex.
- 3
Spread one-third of the coconut cream evenly over the biscuit layer. Repeat the layers — dipped biscuits then cream — twice more, always finishing with a smooth, generous top layer of cream.
- 4
Scatter desiccated coconut over the entire surface to decorate. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours — overnight gives the best, most melting texture.
💡 Chef's Tip
For the best texture, make this dessert the night before serving: chilling overnight allows the biscuits to fully absorb the cream, creating a perfectly set, sliceable pavê. Toast the coconut in a dry pan until golden for a nuttier, more festive finish.
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