Ahhh yes 🥭🍌🥥 Pavê Tropical—a Brazilian no-bake layered dessert that’s creamy, fruity, and perfect for summer. It’s kind of like a trifle, with layers of biscuits, tropical fruits, and a luscious custard or cream. Here’s a classic, easy version:
🍍🥭 Pavê Tropical (Tropical Layered Dessert)
Ingredients (serves 6–8)
Cream Layer
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (12 oz) coconut milk or regular milk
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp sugar (optional, depending on sweetness preference)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
Layers
- 1 pack ladyfinger biscuits or Maria cookies (or sponge cake slices)
- 1 cup chopped tropical fruits (mango, pineapple, papaya, banana)
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
- Optional: chocolate shavings or toasted nuts for garnish
Instructions
1️⃣ Make the cream
- In a saucepan, mix condensed milk, coconut milk, cornstarch, sugar, and vanilla.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (~5–7 minutes).
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Fold in whipped cream gently for a light, airy texture.
2️⃣ Prepare the layers
- In a serving dish (glass works beautifully), layer ladyfinger biscuits at the bottom.
- Spread a layer of cream over the biscuits.
- Add a layer of chopped tropical fruits.
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with cream on top.
3️⃣ Chill
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to allow flavors to meld and biscuits to soften.
4️⃣ Garnish & serve
- Sprinkle shredded coconut, chocolate shavings, or toasted nuts on top.
- Serve chilled with a spoon.
Pro Tips
- Soft biscuits: quickly dip ladyfingers in juice (orange or pineapple) if you want extra moist layers.
- Fruit variety: use any tropical fruit available, like kiwi or passion fruit.
- Make ahead: pavê tastes even better after a night in the fridge.
- Presentation: layer in individual glasses for a fancy touch.
🔥 Variations
- 🥭 Mango Pavê: use only mango and a touch of lime zest in the cream
- 🍫 Chocolate Tropical Pavê: add cocoa powder to part of the cream layer
- 🥥 Coconut Lovers: top with toasted coconut and a drizzle of coconut syrup
- 🍌 Banana & Caramel: add sliced bananas and drizzle caramel sauce between layers
I can also give a “super tropical, ultra-creamy pavê” version with three layers of fruits, custard, and coconut cream that’s show-stopping for parties 😏.
Do you want me to do that?
