Tembleque is that one dessert everyone looks forward to on Noche Buena. It’s a beloved Puerto Rican holiday classic, and no celebration feels complete without it gently wobbling its way onto the table. While savory dishes often steal the spotlight, tembleque is the quiet closer, the dessert that signals the meal is ending on a comforting, familiar note.
In many Puerto Rican households, tembleque isn’t optional. It’s tradition. It’s an expectation. It’s the dessert people save room for, even after a long, indulgent holiday meal.
What Is Tembleque? A Puerto Rican Coconut Dessert
If I had to describe it in the most honest way possible, I’d say it’s what happens when pudding and Jell-O have a baby. The name tembleque comes from the Spanish word temblar, meaning “to tremble,” which perfectly describes its signature jiggle. It sets just enough to hold its shape, but still moves with that soft, delicate wobble that makes it instantly recognizable.
Made primarily with coconut milk, it has a smooth, silky texture that feels luxurious without being heavy. It’s subtly sweet, gently spiced, and incredibly satisfying in its simplicity.
Light, Creamy, and Perfect After a Heavy Holiday Meal
One of the reasons tembleque works so beautifully on Noche Buena is the balance it offers. After a table filled with roasted meats, arroz, pasteles, and rich savory dishes, this dessert is refreshing instead of overwhelming. It’s creamy yet light, indulgent without being dense.
Tembleque finishes the meal the way it should… clean, calm, and comforting.
A Quick and Easy Holiday Dessert That Never Disappoints
Another reason tembleque has stood the test of time is how approachable it is. During the holidays, when the menu is long and the prep is intense, tembleque is a true quick hitter. Simple ingredients. Minimal hands-on time. Maximum payoff.
It can be made ahead, chilled overnight, and plated beautifully with almost no effort the day of. That ease makes it a staple for generations of home cooks who understand that not every holiday dish needs to be complicated to be meaningful.
Tembleque proves that some of the most cherished traditional Puerto Rican desserts are the ones that consistently, quietly, reliably, and always show up exactly when you need them.
iBuen provecho!
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Tembleque
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cans unsweetened coconut milk
- ⅔ cup vanilla sugar can be substituted with ½tsp vanilla extract and sugar. The vanilla is optional.
- ½ cup corn starch
- 3 anise
- 4 cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 inch piece fresh peeled ginger
- pinch salt
- ground cinnamon for garnish
Instructions
Infuse the Coconut Milk
- In a saucepan over medium heat, add the coconut milk, star anise, cinnamon stick, cloves, and ginger.
- Bring the mixture just to a light simmer, then turn off the heat. Leave the pot on the warm burner for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen.
Strain & Sweeten
- Remove and discard all spices.
- Return the coconut milk to low heat.
- Whisk in the sugar, salt, and cornstarch until completely sm
Thicken the Tembleque
- Continue cooking over low heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy and pudding-like.
Chill
- Pour into a lightly-greased serving dish or mold.
- Refrigerate for 3–4 hours, or preferably overnight, until fully set.
To Serve
- Run a knife gently around the edges of the dish.
- Invert onto a serving plate.
- Sprinkle generously with ground cinnamon before serving.
Notes
Notes on Including Your Child(ren)
Tembleque is a fantastic recipe to make with little chefs of all ages because it’s simple and sensory. Your little chef(s) can help measure out the spices and sprinkle the cinnamon on top. It’s a great way to let them experience the different aromas—cinnamon, anise, cloves—and to feel the pudding’s soft texture once it’s set. Older chefs can help stir the coconut milk as it thickens—this teaches them patience and the magic of watching a liquid transform into a pudding. Teens can even take the lead on the whole recipe, practicing how to properly infuse flavors and set a dessert. They’ll gain confidence and a sweet sense of accomplishment.Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?
Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below, tag @domesticgourmet on Instagram, and hashtag #domesticgourmet.
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