Snowball Coconut Cream (bua-loy-khati) – A Warm, Creamy Thai Dessert with Soft Rice Flour Snowballs

Many dessert lovers often crave a warm, comforting treat that is rich, aromatic, and easy to prepare at home. Snowball Coconut Cream (bua-loy-khati) is a classic Thai dessert that solves this need perfectly, offering soft rice flour balls floating in a fragrant coconut cream sauce. This dish is ideal for anyone looking for a soothing dessert that is both traditional and satisfying. The combination of smooth coconut milk, gentle sweetness, and chewy “snowballs” makes it a beloved choice in Thai households, especially during cool evenings or festive occasions. This article provides a complete guide—including ingredients, preparation, flavor enhancements, and serving ideas—so you can create delicious Snowball Coconut Cream with confidence and enjoy authentic Thai comfort at home.

Traditional Snowball Coconut Cream and Thai Dessert Flavors

Snowball Coconut Cream (bua-loy-khati) is deeply rooted in Thai culinary culture. Its soft rice flour balls, often naturally colored with pandan, taro, or butterfly pea flower, make it visually appealing and fun to eat. Here are qualities that make this dessert timeless and popular:

• Warm, creamy, and comforting texture
• Soft chewy rice balls made from rice flour
• Rich aroma from coconut milk
• Simple ingredients accessible to every kitchen
• Perfect for serving after meals or during special occasions

Ingredients for Snowball Coconut Cream (bua-loy-khati) and Preparation

To make this Thai coconut dessert successfully, it’s important to prepare each component properly and balance the sweetness of the coconut cream with the softness of the dough balls.

Ingredients for Rice Flour Snowballs

• 1 cup glutinous rice flour
• 1/4 cup rice flour
• 1/2 cup warm water (adjust as needed)
• Food coloring or natural colors (pandan, taro, butterfly pea)

Ingredients for Coconut Cream Sauce

• 2 cups coconut milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 pandan leaves

How to Make Snowball Coconut Cream (bua-loy-khati) Step by Step

Follow the instructions below to achieve soft, chewy rice balls and a perfectly balanced coconut cream sauce:

1. Make the dough: Combine glutinous rice flour and rice flour in a bowl. Add warm water gradually until the dough becomes smooth and pliable.
2. Add colors: Divide the dough into small portions and mix each with natural coloring such as pandan juice, taro paste, or butterfly pea water.
3. Roll into balls: Shape the dough into small balls about 1 cm in diameter.
4. Cook the balls: Boil water and cook the dough balls until they float. Remove and place them in cold water to prevent sticking.
5. Prepare coconut cream: In a pot, combine coconut milk, sugar, salt, water, and pandan leaves. Heat on low while stirring gently.
6. Add the cooked balls: Once the coconut sauce is warm and aromatic, add the rice balls and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
7. Serve warm: Remove pandan leaves and ladle into bowls while hot and creamy.

Serving Ideas and Variations for Snowball Coconut Cream (bua-loy-khati)

This dessert can be personalized with a variety of flavors and textures. Here are fun ways to enhance your Snowball Coconut Cream:

Delicious Ways to Serve Snowball Coconut Cream

• Top with toasted sesame seeds for nuttiness
• Serve with taro chunks or pumpkin cubes
• Add a soft poached egg (traditional Thai style)
• Enjoy warm for maximum creaminess

Flavor Enhancements for Rich Aroma

• Use palm sugar instead of white sugar for deeper flavor
• Add a pinch of vanilla for fragrance
• Simmer coconut cream longer for thicker consistency

Healthier Options for Snowball Coconut Cream

• Use reduced-sugar coconut cream
• Add more pumpkin or taro for added nutrients
• Use natural plant colors instead of artificial coloring

Trusted Source for Coconut-Based Thai Dessert Recipes

For more Thai coconut dessert inspirations similar to Snowball Coconut Cream, explore dessert guides such as coconut dessert recipes which provide additional techniques and creative variations.

Summary of Snowball Coconut Cream (bua-loy-khati)

Snowball Coconut Cream (bua-loy-khati) is a warm, creamy Thai dessert featuring soft rice flour balls gently simmered in aromatic coconut milk. This guide has shared key ingredients, step-by-step preparation, serving ideas, and flavor variations so you can recreate this comforting Thai sweet at home. Its rich aroma, chewy texture, and traditional character continue to make it a cherished dessert across Thailand.