Mini Old El Paso Taco Bowls willed with coconut cream, pineapple chunks and shredded toasted coconut on a wooden serving board and mini colourful umbrellas

Tropical Cream Dessert Taco Bowls

Make this tropical dessert for your next dinner party, and your guests will feel like they're on vacation! This recipe is sure to steal any show – it is so pretty and simply sumptuous.
Prep 1 Hours
Total Time 2 Hours
Servings 6

Ingredient List

  • ¾ cup (175 mL) from 1 can (400 mL) coconut milk (not cream of coconut)
  • ¾ cup (175 mL) from 1 can (300 mL) sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated)
  • ⅓ cup (75 mL) pineapple juice
  • 2 tablespoons (30 mL) coconut-flavoured rum
  • 2 tablespoons (30 mL) cornstarch
  • 1 egg yolk
  • ½ teaspoon (2 mL) vanilla
  • ¼ teaspoon (1 mL) coconut extract
  • 2 tablespoons (30 mL) butter, melted
  • 1 package (144 g) Old El Paso™ Mini Tortilla Bowls (12 Count)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 mL) raw sugar or coarse white sugar
  • 1 ½ cups (375 mL) sweetened whipped cream or 1 cup (250 mL) heavy whipping cream, whipped, sweetened
  • Finely chopped fresh pineapple, toasted macadamia nuts, toasted unsweetened coconut flakes, if desired

Preparation

  1. In 2-quart (2 L) saucepan, stir coconut milk, condensed milk, pineapple juice, rum, cornstarch and egg yolk with whisk. Cook over medium heat 2 to 3 minutes, beating constantly with whisk, until mixture thickens and boils. Boil and continue to stir constantly 1 minute longer. Remove from heat; stir in extracts. Pour into shallow dish; cool 10 minutes. Press plastic wrap on filling to prevent tough layer from forming on top. Refrigerate about 2 hours or until completely cool.
  2. Meanwhile, heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line cookie sheet with foil. Lightly brush melted butter on all sides of each bowl. Sprinkle raw sugar to cover entire bowl. Place bowls on cookie sheet. Bake 5 to 8 minutes or until browned on edges and firm to the touch. Bowls will crisp as cooled. Remove to cooling rack to cool.
  3. Fill each cooled bowl with generous 2 tablespoons (30 mL) filling; top with whipped cream, and garnish with pineapple, nuts and coconut. Serve immediately. Store any remaining bowls in refrigerator.

Expert Tips

  • To toast coconut, bake uncovered in ungreased shallow pan at 350°F (180°C) for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.
  • To toast macadamia nuts, sprinkle in ungreased heavy skillet. Cook over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently until browning begins, then stirring constantly until golden brown.
  • Raw sugar is best for coating the taco bowls since it still contains some molasses, which adds colour and a deep, rich flavour to the dessert.