Manjar branco facts for kids

Manjar branco is a delicious, creamy white pudding from Brazil. It's a popular dessert, often enjoyed after meals or at special celebrations. This sweet treat is mostly made from coconut and has a smooth, jiggly texture.

It's very similar to another dessert called tembleque, which is popular in Puerto Rico. You could say they are like twin desserts!

What is Manjar Branco?

Manjar branco is a type of pudding that gets its name, which means "white delicacy," from its pure white color. The main ingredient is coconut, which gives it a unique tropical flavor.

How is it Made and Served?

In Brazil, manjar branco is usually made in a special round mold, sometimes called a Savarin mold, which gives it a pretty ring shape. After it cools and sets, it's often served with a sweet sauce. This sauce is traditionally made from prunes (dried plums) that have been cooked until they are soft and juicy.

Easy to Make at Home

If you want to try making manjar branco, it's pretty easy! You can find ready-to-use mixes for manjar branco and tembleque in stores in Brazil, the United States, and other Latin American countries. These mixes make it simple to whip up this tasty dessert.

For an even better taste and texture, some people like to add extra unsweetened shredded coconut to the mix. This makes the pudding even more coconutty and gives it a nice chewiness.

Manjar Branco in Portugal

While manjar branco is famous in Brazil, there's also a dessert with the same name in Portugal. However, the Portuguese version usually refers to a different kind of pudding, which is more like a blancmange.

A Unique Portuguese Dessert

There's also a very special and unusual dessert called Manjar branco from a city in Portugal called Coimbra. This version is quite different from the Brazilian coconut pudding. It's made with surprising ingredients like chicken breast, milk, sugar, rice flour, orange zest, and a pinch of salt. It shows how the same name can be used for very different dishes in different places!