Simple Thai Coconut Milk Dessert Recipe: Thai Lotus Seed Pudding – A Creamy Thai Classic You Can Make at Home

Many home cooks love the flavor of Thai coconut milk desserts but are hesitant to make them due to their seemingly complex steps or hard-to-find ingredients. One elegant yet accessible option is Thai Lotus Seed Pudding, a soft and creamy treat that beautifully combines coconut milk with tender lotus seeds. This simple Thai coconut milk dessert recipe is easy to follow, perfect for beginners, and can be prepared using just a few ingredients. With proper instructions and the right balance of flavors, you can recreate this Thai favorite in your own kitchen without the need for specialty equipment or professional experience.

What Is Thai Lotus Seed Pudding and Why It’s a Favorite Coconut Milk Dessert

Thai Lotus Seed Pudding is a warm or chilled dessert made from boiled lotus seeds gently simmered in sweet coconut milk. Known in Thai as “Med Bua Loy,” it offers a mellow, fragrant, and nutty flavor with soft textures that are soothing and satisfying. This pudding is popular not only in homes but also in traditional Thai dessert stalls and wellness spas, where it’s valued for both taste and its health benefits.

The simplicity of this pudding, combined with the richness of coconut milk, makes it ideal for anyone looking to explore Thai coconut milk desserts. It’s also gaining popularity among plant-based and gluten-free communities due to its naturally dairy-free, vegan-friendly ingredients.

Why You Should Try Thai Lotus Seed Pudding at Home

Requires only 5–6 ingredients easily found in Asian markets.
Quick to prepare and ideal for make-ahead desserts.
Offers a unique, creamy texture with nutritional value.
Suitable for vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets.

Ingredients for Simple Thai Coconut Milk Dessert: Thai Lotus Seed Pudding

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this comforting and fragrant Thai dessert:

Main Ingredients

1 cup dried lotus seeds (or 1½ cups canned lotus seeds, drained)
2 cups thick coconut milk
½ cup water
½ cup palm sugar (or brown sugar)
¼ teaspoon salt
1 pandan leaf, knotted (optional for aroma)

Tips on Choosing and Preparing Lotus Seeds

Soak dried lotus seeds overnight and remove green centers for less bitterness.
Canned lotus seeds can be used for convenience—rinse before cooking.
Pandan leaves are optional but enhance the dessert’s aroma and authenticity.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Thai Lotus Seed Coconut Milk Pudding

1. Prepare the Lotus Seeds

If using dried lotus seeds, soak them overnight in water, then drain and remove green centers from each seed (if present).
Boil soaked seeds in fresh water for 30–40 minutes until soft but not mushy. If using canned seeds, boil for just 10 minutes.

2. Make the Coconut Milk Base

In a separate pot, combine coconut milk, water, palm sugar, salt, and pandan leaf.
Simmer gently over low heat, stirring until sugar is fully dissolved.
Do not let the coconut milk boil—this preserves its creaminess.

3. Combine and Simmer

Add the cooked lotus seeds to the coconut milk mixture.
Simmer together for 5–10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Remove the pandan leaf before serving.

4. Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm for a soothing evening dessert.
Let cool and chill in the fridge for 1–2 hours for a refreshing summer treat.

Serving Ideas and Variations for Thai Coconut Milk Puddings

This dessert is versatile and easy to adapt. Here are a few creative ideas:

Top with roasted sesame seeds or toasted coconut flakes for texture.
Add sweet corn, taro chunks, or mung beans for variation.
Serve in small glass jars for an elegant presentation at dinner parties.
Pair with Thai jasmine tea or chrysanthemum tea for a fragrant pairing.

For more coconut milk-based desserts, check out this comprehensive guide to coconut milk desserts worldwide.

Health Benefits of Lotus Seeds in Thai Coconut Milk Desserts

Lotus seeds are a nutritional powerhouse rich in fiber, protein, and antioxidants. They are often used in Eastern medicine for their calming properties, aiding digestion and promoting restful sleep. When paired with coconut milk—which provides healthy fats and essential minerals—this dessert becomes both nourishing and satisfying.

For people following plant-based diets or managing food sensitivities, Thai Lotus Seed Pudding offers a safe and delicious alternative to dairy-heavy desserts. It’s also low in processed sugars if you use palm sugar or coconut sugar.

How to Store and Reheat Thai Lotus Seed Pudding

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens.
Do not microwave directly without stirring, as coconut milk can separate.

Conclusion: Enjoy the Comfort of Thai Lotus Seed Pudding with This Simple Coconut Milk Dessert Recipe

Thai Lotus Seed Pudding is one of the easiest ways to enjoy the comfort of coconut milk desserts at home. With this simple Thai coconut milk dessert recipe, you can master a dish that is wholesome, elegant, and deeply rooted in Thai tradition. Whether you serve it warm on a rainy day or chilled during hot weather, this pudding brings both nourishment and joy. Try it today and experience how just a few ingredients can create something truly memorable.