Coconut and Condensed Milk Dessert

Introduction

Indulging in a sweet treat while adhering to your Weight Watchers (WW) plan can be a delightful experience with this Easy Coconut and Condensed Milk Dessert. This recipe is specifically designed to be ultra-low in SmartPoints, offering a deliciously creamy and satisfying dessert without derailing your wellness goals. With just 15 minutes of preparation, this dessert is perfect for those who want a quick and easy treat that still fits within their dietary framework.

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Ingredients

For the Dessert:

  • 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut: Provides a rich coconut flavor with minimal calories and fat.
  • 1/2 cup reduced-fat sweetened condensed milk: A lower-calorie alternative to regular condensed milk; helps to sweeten the dessert while keeping the SmartPoints low.
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk: A low-calorie milk alternative that contributes to the creamy texture.
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a depth of flavor with negligible calories.
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil: Used for a touch of healthy fat and to help bind the ingredients together; measure carefully.
  • Pinch of salt: Enhances the flavors without adding significant sodium.

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by measuring out all ingredients. This will streamline the preparation process and ensure you don’t miss any steps.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut and a pinch of salt. Mix well to distribute the salt evenly.
  3. Heat the Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of reduced-fat sweetened condensed milk and 1/4 cup of unsweetened almond milk. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is warm and slightly thickened. Avoid boiling.
  4. Add Flavorings: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This adds a subtle vanilla flavor that complements the coconut.
  5. Mix in Coconut Oil: Stir in 1 tablespoon of coconut oil into the warm mixture. The coconut oil should melt and blend smoothly with the rest of the ingredients. This step helps to bind the dessert and gives it a smooth texture.
  6. Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gradually pour the warm condensed milk mixture over the shredded coconut in the mixing bowl. Stir continuously to ensure that all the coconut is evenly coated with the mixture.
  7. Chill the Mixture: Transfer the mixture to a small, lined baking dish or a shallow container. Press the mixture down firmly with the back of a spoon to ensure it packs together well.
  8. Refrigerate: Place the container in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 1 hour, or until set. The chilling time allows the mixture to firm up and makes it easier to cut into portions.
  9. Cut and Serve: Once the dessert has set, remove it from the refrigerator and cut it into small squares or bars. This recipe typically yields about 12 servings.
  10. Store Leftovers: Any leftover dessert can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The dessert can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutritional Information

Each serving (1/12 of the recipe) contains approximately:

  • Calories: 110
  • Protein: 1 gram
  • Carbohydrates: 13 grams
  • Fat: 6 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 5 grams
  • Fiber: 2 grams
  • Sugar: 9 grams
  • Sodium: 30 milligrams

Weight Watchers SmartPoints

For each serving of Easy Coconut and Condensed Milk Dessert:

  • WW Blue Plan: 4 SmartPoints
  • WW Green Plan: 5 SmartPoints
  • WW Purple Plan: 3 SmartPoints

(Note: SmartPoints values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and quantities of ingredients used. Always verify with the WW app for the most accurate values.)

Tips and Variations

  1. Lower Sugar Option: For an even lower SmartPoints option, use a no-calorie sweetener instead of reduced-fat sweetened condensed milk. This will reduce the sugar content and overall points.
  2. Dairy-Free Option: Ensure that the condensed milk used is dairy-free, or substitute with a homemade sweetened condensed coconut milk to keep the dessert dairy-free.
  3. Add-ins: Consider adding a handful of chopped nuts or dried fruit to the mixture for added texture and flavor. Keep in mind that these additions will affect the SmartPoints, so adjust accordingly.
  4. Serving Ideas: Serve the dessert with a dollop of light whipped topping or a fresh berry for added flavor and visual appeal. Be sure to adjust the SmartPoints for any additional toppings.
  5. Make-Ahead: This dessert is perfect for making ahead of time. Prepare it up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors often improve after a day or two.
  6. Portion Control: To maintain portion control, use a sharp knife to cut the dessert into even squares. This helps manage SmartPoints and ensures each serving is consistent.

Detailed Preparation Steps

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

  • Before you begin, gather all your ingredients and measuring tools. Having everything ready helps ensure a smooth and efficient preparation process.

Step 2: Combining Dry Ingredients

  • In a medium-sized bowl, mix 1 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut with a pinch of salt. Mixing the salt evenly throughout the coconut helps enhance the overall flavor of the dessert.

Step 3: Heating the Wet Ingredients

  • In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of reduced-fat sweetened condensed milk with 1/4 cup of unsweetened almond milk. Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The goal is to warm the mixture and slightly thicken it, not to boil it.

Step 4: Adding Flavorings

  • Once the mixture is warmed and slightly thickened, remove it from the heat source. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, which adds a pleasant vanilla flavor without adding extra calories.

Step 5: Mixing in Coconut Oil

  • Stir in 1 tablespoon of coconut oil until it is fully melted and incorporated into the mixture. The coconut oil helps to bind the ingredients together and gives the dessert a smooth, cohesive texture.

Step 6: Combining with Dry Ingredients

  • Pour the warm condensed milk mixture over the shredded coconut in the bowl. Stir thoroughly to ensure that all the coconut is coated with the mixture. The warmth of the mixture helps it combine more easily with the coconut.

Step 7: Chilling the Mixture

  • Transfer the mixture to a lined baking dish or shallow container. Use the back of a spoon to press the mixture down firmly. This ensures that the dessert will hold together once set.

Step 8: Refrigerating

  • Place the container in the refrigerator and let the dessert chill for at least 1 hour. The cooling process allows the mixture to firm up, making it easier to cut into neat portions.

Step 9: Cutting and Serving

  • Once the dessert is set, remove it from the refrigerator. Use a sharp knife to cut it into even squares or bars. This recipe typically makes about 12 servings.

Step 10: Storing Leftovers

  • Store any leftover dessert in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze the dessert in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This Easy Coconut and Condensed Milk Dessert is an ultra-low-point treat that allows you to indulge your sweet tooth while adhering to your Weight Watchers plan. With just 15 minutes of preparation, this dessert is both quick and simple to make, making it perfect for busy days or spontaneous cravings. By carefully selecting ingredients and managing portion sizes, you can enjoy a delightful, creamy dessert that aligns with your wellness goals.

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