Coconut Rolls with Custard Filling

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Absolutely! Here’s a full, rich, and heartfelt recipe for Coconut Rolls with Custard Filling, including history, methods, and everything you asked for. Let’s bring this sweet, creamy, and nostalgic dessert to life. 🌴✨

🥥 Coconut Rolls with Custard Filling

Soft, fluffy, and filled with velvety custard, then rolled in sweet coconut — this dessert is a dreamy delight straight from the heart of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean kitchens.

These coconut custard rolls are the kind of treat that stirs memories — made in family gatherings, holiday celebrations, and cozy Sunday afternoons. The creamy, silky custard filling wrapped inside soft rolls and coated in coconut is a comforting classic known in various forms across Turkey, the Levant, and North Africa. Now, it’s your turn to bring this tradition home. 💛

📜 Historical Background

Coconut rolls with custard, or versions of “sütlü tatlı” (milk dessert), are often found in Turkish cuisine and throughout Middle Eastern sweet tables. Influenced by Ottoman milk-based desserts and French pastry techniques, this recipe blends soft custard and pillowy cake or roll layers, adapted with local ingredients like semolina or flour, butter, and fragrant vanilla. Coconut became a popular coating due to its sweetness and texture, and it lends a tropical touch to these traditional desserts.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Custard Layer:

  • 1 liter (4 cups) whole milk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 60 grams (about 4 tablespoons) unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Base & Assembly:

  • 1 pack tea biscuits or ladyfingers (optional, for layering — adds texture)
  • 2 to 3 cups desiccated coconut (for rolling and coating)

Optional Garnishes:

  • Chopped pistachios
  • Rosewater or orange blossom water (1 tsp for a fragrant twist in custard)
  • Whipped cream or cherries for serving

👨‍🍳 Instructions

🔸Step 1: Make the Custard

  1. In a large saucepan, add milk, sugar, and flour.
  2. Whisk thoroughly to dissolve flour — this prevents lumps.
  3. Place on medium heat and cook, stirring constantly with a whisk or silicone spatula, until it thickens into a smooth custard.
  4. Once thick, remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract until fully melted and incorporated.
  5. Let the custard cool slightly (but not set).

🔸Step 2: Prepare the Coconut Layer

  1. On a large baking tray or cutting board, spread the desiccated coconut evenly (this will coat the outside of the rolls).
  2. Optional: line the tray with a layer of biscuits to form a firm bottom layer — this makes the rolls easier to cut and adds texture.

🔸Step 3: Spread and Chill

  1. While the custard is still warm, pour it gently over the coconut layer (and biscuits, if used).
  2. Use a spatula to smooth it into a rectangle, about 1 to 1.5 cm thick.
  3. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully set and firm.

🔸Step 4: Cut & Roll

  1. Once chilled and firm, remove from the fridge.
  2. Using a sharp knife or dough cutter, slice into long strips (about 2 inches wide).
  3. Carefully roll each strip into a spiral. The coconut on the base will coat the outside beautifully.

Tip: Use gloves or slightly wet hands to prevent sticking during rolling.

🥰 Serving Suggestions

Serve your coconut rolls:

  • Chilled, with a drizzle of condensed milk
  • Topped with crushed pistachios or a cherry
  • Alongside mint tea or Arabic coffee

💞 For the Lovers of This Dessert…

These coconut custard rolls have lovers all over the world — from grandmothers in Istanbul to TikTok creators sharing nostalgic sweets. They’re adored for being:

  • Light yet indulgent
  • Easy to prepare, no oven needed
  • Perfect for Ramadan, holidays, or just a sweet treat
  • Ideal for making ahead for guests

🏁 Conclusion

Coconut Rolls with Custard Filling aren’t just a dessert — they’re a story, a hug in food form, a cherished moment waiting to be shared. Whether you’re making these for your loved ones or treating yourself, each bite whispers comfort, sweetness, and love.

💌 Try it once, and you’ll crave it forever.
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✔ Make it for someone you love.
✔ And don’t forget to express your joy so we can keep sharing these delicious treasures!

Comment “🥥💛” if you’re going to try it.
Thank you! 🌸

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