Description
This No-Bake Rich Japanese Pumpkin Custard Pudding is a creamy, smooth dessert highlighting the naturally sweet kabocha pumpkin. With a luscious caramel sauce base and a delicate custard made from milk, cream, and gelatin, it sets without baking and offers a refreshing, authentic Japanese treat perfect for any season.
Ingredients
Scale
Caramel Sauce
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp hot water
Custard Pudding Mixture
- 7 oz (about 200 g) kabocha (Japanese pumpkin)
- 8 tbsp milk
- 8 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 1/2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tsp powdered gelatin
Optional Toppings
- Whipped cream
- Cinnamon powder
- Fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Make the caramel sauce: In a small frying pan, combine 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 tablespoon water. Heat over medium heat without stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture turns a deep amber caramel color. Remove from heat immediately and carefully add 1 tablespoon hot water (be cautious as it may splatter). Swirl gently to combine, then pour the caramel evenly into the bottoms of your pudding cups.
- Prepare the pumpkin: Cut the kabocha pumpkin into smaller pieces. Microwave the pumpkin pieces for 2 minutes at 600W to soften slightly. Peel the skin off, then microwave again for about 4 minutes until the flesh is tender. Mash thoroughly until smooth, aiming for approximately 150 grams of mashed pumpkin.
- Make the custard pudding base: In a small saucepan, combine the mashed pumpkin, 8 tablespoons milk, 8 tablespoons heavy cream, and 1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar. Gently heat over medium while whisking until the mixture is warm but not boiling. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons powdered gelatin over the warm mixture and stir continuously until the gelatin fully dissolves.
- Strain & chill: Pour the custard mixture through a fine strainer into the prepared pudding cups over the caramel layer to ensure a silky smooth texture. Refrigerate for about 1 hour or until the custard sets firmly.
- Serve: Once set, optionally top the pudding with whipped cream, a dusting of cinnamon powder, and a fresh mint leaf for an elegant finish before serving.
Notes
- Be careful when adding hot water to the caramel; it may splatter.
- Ensure the custard mixture is warm but not boiling when adding gelatin to avoid clumping.
- Straining the mixture helps achieve a smooth, pourable custard texture.
- Chilling time may vary depending on refrigerator settings; ensure custard is fully firm before serving.
- Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version (adjust flavor accordingly).