Maja Blanca is a traditional Filipino dessert that is made with coconut milk, cornstarch, and sugar. It is a creamy and sweet dish that is often served during special occasions like birthdays, fiestas, and holidays.

Ingredients

Making Maja Blanca is quite simple, and it only requires a handful of ingredients. Here are the basic ingredients needed:.

2 cups of coconut milk
1 cup of cornstarch
1 cup of sugar
1/4 cup of water
1/2 cup of toasted grated coconut
1/4 cup of sliced or chopped toasted cashews (optional)

Preparation

Here are the steps to follow to make Maja Blanca:.

Grease a baking dish or mold with butter or cooking spray and set aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch, sugar, and water, and mix well until everything is dissolved. Set aside.
In a saucepan, combine the coconut milk and the cornstarch mixture. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and starts to boil.
When the mixture starts to boil, reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for a few more minutes until it becomes smooth and creamy.
Add the grated coconut and the cashews (if using), and mix well.
Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish or mold and let it cool down to room temperature.
Refrigerate the Maja Blanca for at least an hour until it becomes firm.
Serve chilled and enjoy!

Variations and Add-ons

While the classic Maja Blanca recipe is already delicious on its own, there are several variations and add-ons that you can try to make the dish even more interesting. Here are some ideas:.

Ube Maja Blanca – Maja Blanca with purple yam or ube
Chocolate Maja Blanca – Maja Blanca with cocoa powder or melted chocolate
Coconut Maja Blanca – Maja Blanca with more grated coconut
Mango Maja Blanca – Maja Blanca with mashed ripe mangoes
Fruit Cocktail Maja Blanca – Maja Blanca with canned fruit cocktail
Liquid toppings – Chocolate syrup, caramel syrup, condensed milk, fruit jams
Sliced fresh fruits – Mangoes, strawberries, kiwis, bananas
Crushed cookies – Graham crackers, Oreo cookies

Why is Maja Blanca Popular?

Maja Blanca is a popular dessert in the Philippines, and for good reasons. Here are some of the reasons why Maja Blanca is well-loved by many Filipinos:.

It is affordable – The ingredients needed to make Maja Blanca are simple and easy to find, and they are not expensive.
It is easy to make – As mentioned earlier, making Maja Blanca is very straightforward, and even beginners in cooking can make it with ease.
It is versatile – As seen in the variations and add-ons mentioned earlier, Maja Blanca can be customized to suit different flavors and preferences.
It is a crowd-pleaser – Maja Blanca is a dish that can be enjoyed by everyone, young or old. It is a hit in potlucks and parties.
It is nostalgic – Maja Blanca is a dessert that many Filipinos grew up eating and loving. It brings back memories of childhood and family gatherings.
It is delicious – Of course, the most important reason why Maja Blanca is popular is that it is delicious! Creamy, sweet, and satisfying, Maja Blanca is a dessert that can end a meal on a high note.

Maja Blanca: The Dish of the Day

In conclusion, Maja Blanca is a dessert that deserves more attention outside the Philippines. It is a dish that is easy to make, versatile, and delicious, and it can be customized to suit different occasions and preferences.

If you haven’t tried Maja Blanca yet, now is the time to do so!.