Caramelized Coconut and Mung Bean Che Dessert

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A sweet Vietnamese che dessert featuring caramelized coconut milk with soft mung beans and chewy jellies for a delightful texture contrast. This vietnamese-inspired desserts ready in about 55 minutes layers split, peeled mung beans, water, coconut milk into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1/2 cup split mung beans and soak in water for 1 hour, then drain. In a saucepan, combine mung beans with 2 cups water and 1 pandan leaf if using. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes until mung beans are soft.
  2. Step 2: In a separate small pot, bring 1 cup coconut milk, 1/3 cup grated palm sugar, 2 tbsp rock sugar, and a pinch of salt to a gentle boil over medium heat. Stir constantly and simmer for 10 minutes until the coconut milk thickens and caramelizes slightly.
  3. Step 3: Cook 1/4 cup tapioca pearls in boiling water according to package instructions (usually 10 minutes until translucent), then rinse under cold water.
  4. Step 4: To assemble, spoon softened mung beans into serving bowls, add tapioca pearls and 1/2 cup grass jelly cubes, then drizzle the warm caramelized coconut milk over the top.
  5. Step 5: Serve warm or chilled as a refreshing sweet treat.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Caramelized Coconut and Mung Bean Che Dessert take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Caramelized Coconut and Mung Bean Che Dessert?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Caramelized Coconut and Mung Bean Che Dessert?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Caramelized Coconut and Mung Bean Che Dessert for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Caramelized Coconut and Mung Bean Che Dessert?

Vietnamese desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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