There’s something truly special about the rich, creamy taste of Maja Blanca that transports me straight to a sun-kissed paradise. This traditional Filipino dessert, a delightful fusion of coconut and sweet corn, has the power to turn any gathering into a celebration. I stumbled upon this gem at a recent family reunion, where a distant aunt served it like a warm embrace, transforming my perception of desserts forever.
I realized I had to create this for my friends who often seek that homemade touch in a world so dominated by fast food. With just a handful of ingredients—coconut milk, evaporated milk, and corn kernels—you’ll whip up a luscious treat that’s not only easy to prepare but also crowd-pleasing and versatile. Whether it’s for a festive occasion or a simple weeknight indulgence, Maja Blanca is here to elevate your dessert game. So, let’s dive into this creamy delight that promises to be a hit at your own gatherings!
Why is Maja Blanca a must-try dessert?
Irresistible flavor: The creamy mixture of coconut and sweet corn creates a tropical taste sensation that delights the palate.
Easy prep: With just 18 minutes of prep time, you can impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Crowd-pleaser: This dessert is perfect for celebrations, potlucks, or simply treating yourself to something special at home.
Versatile ingredients: Feel free to customize it by adding fruits or nuts for an extra twist!
Comforting treat: Maja Blanca brings a taste of tradition that is sure to evoke fond memories and warm feelings.
Elevate your dessert game with this delightful treat, perfect for keeping that homemade touch alive.
Maja Blanca Ingredients
For the Base
- Coconut Milk – gives Maja Blanca its rich, creamy texture and tropical flavor.
- Evaporated Milk – adds a velvety smoothness that enhances the dessert’s deliciousness.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – sweetens the dish beautifully, making it irresistibly decadent.
- Cornstarch – acts as a thickening agent, ensuring the perfect, creamy consistency.
For the Add-ins
- Corn Kernels – provides a subtle sweetness and delightful texture, making this Maja Blanca uniquely charming.
- Desiccated Coconut – adds an extra coconut flavor; toasting it brings an alluring aroma and lovely crunch.
For Greasing
- Butter or Margarine – prevents sticking and adds richness to the finished dish, making it even more scrumptious.
With these simple yet essential ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a truly delectable Maja Blanca that will transport you straight to dessert bliss!
How to Make Maja Blanca
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Grease a 21×21 cm square pan with butter or margarine. This will help prevent your creamy dessert from sticking, ensuring a smooth release when you’re ready to serve.
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Combine coconut milk, evaporated milk, and sweetened condensed milk in a pot. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally until the mixture is warm and combined, which should take about 5 minutes.
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Boil the mixture gently. Once you see bubbles forming, stir in the corn kernels while keeping a watchful eye, ensuring it all blends beautifully.
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Thicken by gradually pouring in the dissolved cornstarch. Stir continuously until the mixture becomes thick and creamy—this should take around 3-5 minutes.
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Transfer the thickened mixture to your greased pan. Tap the pan gently to remove any air bubbles and smooth the surface for an inviting look.
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Cool the Maja Blanca for at least 30 minutes. This is essential for it to set perfectly, creating those delightful slices you’ll serve later.
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Toast desiccated coconut until golden brown in a small pan over medium heat. Once toasted, sprinkle it generously over the cooled dessert, adding a lovely crunch and visual appeal.
Optional: Drizzle a bit of honey on top for added sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Maja Blanca
Room Temperature: Allow Maja Blanca to cool completely before storing at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, refrigerate to maintain its creamy texture.
Fridge: Cover the Maja Blanca with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days, ensuring you can enjoy its delightful flavor multiple times.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the Maja Blanca wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating: To enjoy cold, simply thaw in the fridge overnight. For a warm treat, gently reheat in the microwave, covering it to retain moisture, then enjoy your Maja Blanca as if it were freshly made!
Maja Blanca Variations
Feel free to get creative and give your Maja Blanca a unique twist that will awe your family and friends!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute all dairy with coconut cream and almond milk for a rich vegan version that everyone will love.
- Sweetener Swap: Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of sweetened condensed milk for a healthier, yet equally delicious treat.
- Nutty Crunch: Add 1/4 cup of roasted nuts, like almonds or cashews, for a delightful crunch that contrasts with the creamy base.
- Tropical Twist: Mix in diced tropical fruits like mango or pineapple for a burst of color and sweetness that embodies summertime vibes.
- Spiced Delight: Stir in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg during cooking for a warm, inviting flavor that adds depth to your creamy dessert.
- Chocolatey Goodness: Drizzle melted dark chocolate or sprinkle cocoa powder on top for a decadent chocolatey twist that satisfies any sweet tooth.
- Caramel Drizzle: Top with a homemade or store-bought caramel sauce to elevate your Maja Blanca with a rich and buttery sweetness.
- Heat Factor: Add sliced fresh jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili powder for a surprising heat that beautifully complements the creaminess.
Let your imagination run wild and personalize this cherished dessert to make it your own!
Tips for the Best Maja Blanca
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Use Full-Fat Milk: Opt for full-fat coconut and evaporated milk for a richer, creamier texture that elevates your Maja Blanca experience.
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Watch the Heat: Keep your heat at medium to avoid scorching the milk mixture; a gentle simmer is key to perfect consistency.
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Thickening Magic: Gradually add the cornstarch mixture while stirring continuously to prevent clumping, ensuring your Maja Blanca achieves that luscious thickness.
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Cool Properly: Allowing the mixture to cool properly in the pan is essential; rushing this step may lead to a runny dessert instead of a perfectly set delight.
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Toast with Care: When toasting desiccated coconut, watch closely! It can go from golden to burnt in a flash, so stir frequently for even browning.
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Customize Freely: Don’t hesitate to customize your Maja Blanca with fruits or nuts; adding a personal touch makes it even more special for your gatherings!
What to Serve with Maja Blanca?
Creating the perfect meal means pairing your delightful dessert with dishes that elevate the entire experience.
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Grilled Pineapple: Brings a sweet and smoky flavor that adds tropical flair, making it a perfect summertime companion.
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Coconut Rice: The subtle sweetness of coconut rice mirrors the creamy notes of Maja Blanca, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
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Tropical Fruit Salad: A zesty mix of fresh fruits adds brightness and crunch to balance Maja Blanca’s richness, refreshing your palate.
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Mango Float: This creamy dessert complements Maja Blanca beautifully with its layers of flavors, offering a light yet indulgent finish to your meal.
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Sweet Asian Tea: A warm cup of lightly sweetened tea provides a comforting contrast, enhancing the tropical notes of your coconut creation.
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Banana Chips: The crunchy texture creates an enjoyable contrast with the soft Maja Blanca, adding fun and flavor to your dessert experience.
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Coconut Cookies: Expand the coconut theme with these delightful treats that echo the flavors of Maja Blanca while providing a satisfying crunch.
Embrace these pairings, and let your dinner flow smoothly from savory to sweet!
Make Ahead Options
Maja Blanca is a fantastic choice for meal prep that can save you precious time during busy weeks! You can prepare the base mixture (steps 1-5) up to 24 hours in advance, simply refrigerate it once it has cooled. To maintain its creamy texture, store it covered in the fridge and avoid adding the toasted desiccated coconut until just before serving. This way, the coconut stays crisp and enhances the dessert’s appeal. When you are ready to enjoy this delightful treat, just sprinkle the toasted coconut on top, and it’s ready to serve—resulting in a beloved dessert that tastes freshly made with minimal effort!
Maja Blanca Recipe FAQs
What type of coconut milk should I use for Maja Blanca?
Absolutely! For the best results, use full-fat coconut milk. This creates a richer and creamier texture, which is essential for achieving that luscious vibe that makes Maja Blanca so special.
How long can I store leftover Maja Blanca?
Very! If stored properly, Maja Blanca can last in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container to maintain its delightful creaminess.
Can I freeze Maja Blanca? How?
Yes! To freeze, wrap the cooled Maja Blanca tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will stay fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight, and if you prefer it warm, reheat gently in the microwave!
What if my Maja Blanca isn’t thickening properly?
Sometimes this happens, but no worries! If your Maja Blanca isn’t thickening as expected, ensure you’re gradually adding the dissolved cornstarch while stirring continuously. If it’s still runny, try cooking it on low heat for a few extra minutes. Keep stirring, and you’ll achieve that perfect, creamy consistency.
Are there any dietary considerations for Maja Blanca?
Certainly! Maja Blanca is generally gluten-free and nut-free, making it a great option for many diets. However, if you or your guests have specific allergies (like dairy), consider using lactose-free evaporated or condensed milk. Additionally, make sure to check your desiccated coconut for any added ingredients that may contain allergens.
How do I know if my ingredients are fresh enough?
Great question! When selecting ingredients, look for coconut milk that has no dark spots or any off smells. For the corn, choose kernels that are bright and firm. If using frozen corn, make sure it’s been properly stored and doesn’t show any signs of freezer burn. Fresh ingredients lead to the most delicious Maja Blanca!
Delicious Maja Blanca: A Creamy Coconut Dessert Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Grease a 21x21 cm square pan with butter or margarine.
- Combine coconut milk, evaporated milk, and sweetened condensed milk in a pot. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally until warmed.
- Boil the mixture gently and stir in corn kernels.
- Thicken by gradually pouring in the dissolved cornstarch while stirring continuously.
- Transfer the thickened mixture to your greased pan and smooth the surface.
- Cool the Maja Blanca for at least 30 minutes.
- Toast desiccated coconut until golden brown and sprinkle it over the cooled dessert.