Inspired by the beloved Hong Kong desserts mango sago and mango pudding, this mango panna cotta recipe is a nostalgic and elegant crossover of two classics. Creamy mango-infused panna cotta is layered with luscious coconut tapioca and topped with a crunchy coconut crumble and juicy pomelo. The combination evokes the sweet, tropical flavors of home while offering a refined, restaurant-quality finish.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

Mango Panna Cotta:

• 1 cup milk

• 1 cup cream

• ⅓ cup sugar

• 1 tablespoon powdered gelatin

• 4 tablespoons cold water

• ¾ cup mango puree

• 1 fresh mango, diced

• 1 pomelo, diced, for garnish

Coconut Tapioca:

• 5 tablespoons tapioca

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 2 tablespoons coconut milk

Coconut Crumble:

• 3 tablespoons shredded coconut

• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour

• 3 tablespoons brown sugar

• 3 tablespoons butter, softened

Directions

Mango Panna Cotta:

1. Sprinkle the powdered gelatin over cold water. Let bloom for several minutes.

2. In a saucepan, heat the milk, cream, sugar, and mango puree until it simmers gently.

3. Remove from heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved.

4. Cool mixture to 30°C (86°F).

5. Fill six-ounce glasses one-third full with the mixture. Refrigerate until set.

Coconut Tapioca:

1. Mix coconut milk and sugar in a bowl.

2. Boil water in a pot and add tapioca once boiling.

3. Cook until tapioca is mostly translucent (about 90% done).

4. Drain and rinse with cold water.

5. Stir cooked tapioca into the coconut milk mixture. Let cool slightly.

Coconut Crumble:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Toast shredded coconut for 3–4 minutes until golden. Let cool.

3. Combine toasted coconut, flour, and brown sugar in a mixer.

4. Add softened butter and mix until crumbly.

5. Spread onto a parchment-lined tray and bake for 8–10 minutes until golden. Cool completely.

Final Assembly:

1. Remove panna cotta glasses from the fridge.

2. Add a layer of diced mango followed by coconut tapioca, spreading evenly to form a barrier.

3. Pour another layer of mango panna cotta on top and refrigerate until set.

4. Just before serving, sprinkle coconut crumble and diced pomelo on top.

Nutrients (Estimated per serving)

• Calories: ~320 kcal

• Carbohydrates: ~34g

• Protein: ~4g

• Fat: ~19g

• Saturated Fat: ~12g

• Sugar: ~20g

• Fiber: ~2g

• Sodium: ~40mg

Why This Dessert Works So Beautifully

What makes this mango panna cotta so special is the combination of contrast and harmony. The panna cotta itself is infused with sweet mango puree, resulting in a silky-smooth custard with a light, fruity aroma and subtle tang. Layered within is a gentle coconut tapioca that brings chewiness and creaminess, balancing out the richness of the cream-based panna cotta.

The final components—toasted coconut crumble and fresh pomelo—complete the sensory experience. The crumble adds a nutty, crunchy texture that contrasts with the softness of the other layers, while pomelo provides bursts of juicy brightness and a slightly bitter citrus note that cuts through the sweetness.

Altogether, this dessert works because of its balanced complexity. It plays with flavor, temperature, and texture while remaining elegant and easy to enjoy.

A Multilayered Sensory Experience

This dessert isn’t just a sweet ending—it’s a journey through flavors and textures that evolve with every bite. The mango panna cotta layer is creamy and mellow, delicately set with just enough gelatin to retain a silky wobble. The coconut tapioca sits as a tropical surprise in the middle, reminiscent of childhood desserts yet refined enough for adult palates. Diced fresh mango adds fruit-forward sweetness and juicy bite, while pomelo segments offer refreshing citrus sharpness.

The final touch—the coconut crumble—is toasted to a golden crisp, lending an aromatic crunch with a buttery finish. This layer is what elevates the dessert into something restaurant-worthy. Each spoonful captures the essence of tropical indulgence: creamy, chewy, juicy, and crunchy.

Nostalgia Meets Modern Elegance

For many who grew up in Southeast Asia or Southern China, the flavors in this dessert are deeply nostalgic. Mango and coconut are beloved in tropical regions, and tapioca pearls often make appearances in childhood treats. At the same time, the panna cotta format adds a sophisticated, plated-dessert presentation that bridges the gap between tradition and contemporary gastronomy.

This hybrid dessert is a perfect example of culinary fusion done right. It respects the roots of the original dishes while reinterpreting them in a way that feels new and exciting. It invites conversation—about memory, culture, travel, and personal connection to food.

Perfect for Entertaining or Intimate Dinners

This mango panna cotta dessert is as ideal for entertaining guests as it is for a quiet night in. It can be made entirely in advance and plated just before serving, making it low-effort for hosts who want a high-impact presentation without fuss. The visual appeal of the layered glass jars or ramekins—bright mango, pearly white coconut, jewel-like pomelo—is striking and inviting.

Moreover, because each portion is served in its own vessel, the dessert feels personal and intentional. It also means easy cleanup and a consistent serving size, perfect for dinner parties or special events.

Customizations and Variations

One of the strengths of this recipe is its adaptability. You can adjust sweetness levels depending on your mango’s ripeness or swap pomelo for grapefruit or orange segments if needed. The crumble can be spiced with cardamom or a hint of cinnamon for warmth, or replaced with a granola-style topping if you prefer more crunch.

For a dairy-free version, coconut cream and coconut milk can replace the dairy components in the panna cotta. If you want to add richness, a dash of condensed milk or a swirl of passion fruit coulis makes an excellent drizzle just before serving.

For those who love texture, adding chia seeds or additional fruit pieces in the coconut tapioca layer can create even more variation. And if you’re serving this in a fine-dining context, consider garnishing with edible flowers or mint for a touch of elegance.

Tropical Flavors with Nutritional Appeal

Although panna cotta is known for its richness, this mango-forward version offers nutritional perks thanks to its use of fruit and fiber-rich tapioca. Mangoes are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants. Pomelo is hydrating, high in fiber, and offers a gentle citrus bitterness that aids digestion. The use of coconut milk and shredded coconut introduces healthy fats and adds a feeling of indulgence without overreliance on sugar.

If you’re looking to lighten the dessert further, you can reduce the sugar or use natural sweeteners like honey or agave. The gelatin can also be swapped for agar-agar to make it vegetarian-friendly.

Serving Tips and Presentation Ideas

To make this dessert even more striking, serve it in clear glass cups or stemmed dessert glasses to show off the distinct layers. A garnish of coconut crumble and pomelo on top adds texture and contrast, but you can also play with additional garnishes like lime zest, mango roses, or a dollop of whipped coconut cream.

Serve chilled, straight from the fridge, for the best texture and flavor. The longer the panna cotta chills, the more it firms up and sets, which helps it hold shape under the weight of the toppings.

You can make all elements a day in advance and assemble just before serving, keeping the crumble stored separately in an airtight container to maintain its crunch.

Conclusion

Mango Panna Cotta with Coconut Tapioca and Pomelo is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of culture, memory, and tropical flavor. It’s a nostalgic nod to childhood favorites like mango sago and mango pudding, reimagined through a refined culinary lens. With its silky mango base, chewy coconut tapioca, juicy pomelo, and crisp coconut crumble, this dessert offers a dynamic and balanced bite that’s sure to impress.

Whether you’re sharing it with friends, serving it at a dinner party, or enjoying it solo as a treat after a long day, this dessert delivers the essence of summer and home in every spoonful. It’s simple, make-ahead friendly, and endlessly customizable—proof that comfort food can be elegant, and elegance can be deliciously comforting.