Description
Manjar Branco is a classic Brazilian coconut flan with a silky, creamy texture and delicate coconut flavor. Served with a vibrant berry sauce, it makes an elegant chilled dessert for gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
- 6 3/4 cups (1.5 L) whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups (300 mL) coconut milk
- 2 cans (28 oz / about 790–800 g) sweetened condensed milk
- 110 g (about 7/8 cup) cornstarch
- Pinch of salt
- 450 g (about 3 cups) mixed berries, fresh or frozen
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lime or lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh berries, for garnish
- Grated coconut, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, whisk together the whole milk and cornstarch until completely smooth with no lumps.
- Add the coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, and salt. Cook over medium to medium-low heat, stirring constantly for 12–18 minutes, until thick, glossy, bubbling, and pudding-like.
- Lightly rinse a 10-cup mold, bundt pan, or pudding mold with water and pour out the excess. Carefully pour in the hot flan mixture and tap the mold gently on the counter to release air bubbles.
- Cool at room temperature for 15–20 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap pressed gently against the surface and refrigerate for at least 6–8 hours or overnight until fully set.
- To make the berry sauce, combine the mixed berries, sugar, lime or lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the berries soften and release their juices.
- Strain the berry mixture through a fine-mesh strainer, pressing to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids and allow the sauce to cool completely.
- To unmold, place a serving platter over the mold and invert. Lift the mold carefully. If needed, wrap the outside of the mold with a warm towel to loosen the flan.
- Spoon some berry sauce over the flan and garnish with fresh berries and grated coconut if desired. Serve chilled with remaining sauce on the side.
Notes
- For the best texture, chill overnight before serving.
- Frozen berries work just as well as fresh berries for the sauce.
- A warm towel around the mold can help release the flan cleanly.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 61 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
