Watalappan
A rich and creamy baked coconut custard dessert, sweetened with jaggery and infused with warming spices like cardamom and nutmeg. It's a classic Sri Lankan sweet often enjoyed during festive occasions.
🧂 Ingredients
- 250 g Kitul Jaggery (or dark brown sugar/muscovado sugar)(grated or finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp Hot water
- 4 whole Large eggs
- 2 large Large egg yolks
- 0.5 tsp Ground cardamom
- 0.25 tsp Ground nutmeg
- 0.125 tsp Salt
- 480 ml Full-fat coconut milk(room temperature)
- 50 g Roasted cashews(for garnish, roughly chopped)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F). Lightly grease six 150ml (1/2 cup) ramekins or a similar-sized baking dish.
💡 Tip: Using a water bath will help the custard cook evenly and prevent cracking. - 2
In a bowl, combine the grated jaggery with hot water and stir until a smooth paste forms. Do not worry if the jaggery doesn't completely dissolve.
- 3
Add the whole eggs, egg yolks, ground cardamom, nutmeg, and salt to the jaggery paste. Whisk gently until just combined. Avoid creating too much foam.
💡 Tip: Over-whisking can lead to a less smooth texture. - 4
Gradually whisk in the coconut milk until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- 5
Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into the prepared ramekins or baking dish to remove any solids and ensure a silky smooth texture.
💡 Tip: Straining is crucial for a flawless custard. - 6
Place the ramekins or dish in a larger baking pan. Carefully pour hot water into the larger pan to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins (this is the water bath).
💡 Tip: Ensure the water is hot but not boiling when you add it to the pan. - 7
Bake for 30-40 minutes for ramekins, or 45-60 minutes for a larger dish, until the edges are set and the center is slightly wobbly.
💡 Tip: The custard will continue to set as it cools. - 8
Carefully remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with roasted cashews.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use authentic Kitul jaggery for the best flavor, but good quality dark brown sugar or muscovado sugar can be used as substitutes.
- ✓Do not overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough or rubbery texture.
- ✓A water bath is essential for gentle, even cooking, preventing the custard from curdling or cracking.
🔄 Variations
- Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the egg mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
- Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon powder along with cardamom and nutmeg.
- For a richer flavor, use only thick coconut milk.