Coconut Rice Pudding Recipe

There’s something simply magical about Coconut Rice Pudding—the sort of magic that happens when pantry staples and a little love come together in one creamy, tropical bowl. This dessert is comfort food at its coziest, with perfectly tender rice simmered in a blend of coconut milk and dairy (or non-dairy) options, just sweet enough to brighten your day. Whether you serve it warm on a chilly evening or chilled as a refreshing summer treat, Coconut Rice Pudding is guaranteed to win hearts and satisfy cravings with every silky spoonful.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Coconut Rice Pudding is all about simple, accessible ingredients that truly shine when cooked together. Each element adds its own special twist—whether it’s creamy texture from coconut milk or a pop of color from fresh fruit on top, every ingredient plays a star role.

• 1 cup uncooked short-grain white rice: Essential for creating that classic pudding creaminess—short-grain rice naturally becomes tender and plump as it cooks.
• 2 cups water: Starts the rice off on the right foot, ensuring perfectly hydrated grains before the creamy additions join in.
• 1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk: This is the secret to luscious, tropical flavor and that dreamy, rich texture you crave in Coconut Rice Pudding.
• 1 cup whole milk (or almond milk for dairy-free): Combines beautifully with coconut milk for extra creaminess; use almond milk to keep it completely dairy-free.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds gentle, balanced sweetness that lets the coconut flavor shine through.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors and keeps the pudding from tasting flat.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings out the natural sweetness and adds delicious depth to the pudding’s flavor profile.
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional): If you love a gently spiced twist, a sprinkle of cinnamon takes this dessert to new heights.
• Toasted coconut flakes and fresh fruit for topping (optional): These playful toppings add wonderful texture, color, and brightness.

How to Make Coconut Rice Pudding

Step 1: Simmer the Rice

Start your Coconut Rice Pudding by combining the short-grain rice and water in a medium saucepan. Bring it up to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer quietly for about 15 minutes. Your goal here is to plump up the rice and absorb most of the water without letting the bottom stick—give it a gentle stir halfway if you like.

Step 2: Add Creamy Milks and Sweetness

Now the magic begins! Uncover the pot and stir in your full-fat coconut milk, the whole milk (or almond milk for a dairy-free spin), granulated sugar, and salt. Keep the heat low and let the mixture bubble away, stirring frequently. The rice will begin to surrender its starch, thickening the puddle into the most luscious, creamy Coconut Rice Pudding over about 25 to 30 minutes.

Step 3: Flavor and Finish

Once your pudding is satisfyingly thick and the rice is fully tender, take the saucepan off the heat. Now, stir in the vanilla extract and, if you love a little warmth, the cinnamon. This is when the aroma will truly fill your kitchen, tempting everyone to hover nearby! Give it a taste, and adjust the sweetness or spice to your liking.

Step 4: Serve It Up!

Your Coconut Rice Pudding is ready to enjoy! Spoon it into your favorite bowls, and, if you’re feeling festive, pile on the toppings—crunchy toasted coconut flakes and bites of fresh fruit are especially irresistible. You can serve it warm for ultimate comfort or chill it if you prefer a cool, custardy treat.

How to Serve Coconut Rice Pudding

Garnishes

This dessert is a playground for toppings! A flurry of toasted coconut flakes brings out an extra layer of nuttiness, while slices of mango, pineapple, or berries add bursts of color and freshness. Sprinkle with a pinch more cinnamon for a finishing touch, or even a drizzle of honey if you really want to gild the lily.

Side Dishes

While Coconut Rice Pudding is delightfully satisfying on its own, it’s lovely served alongside light, fresh sides like tropical fruit salads, or paired with crisp coconut tuiles. If you’re entertaining, offer coffee or a pot of floral tea to round out the experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Coconut Rice Pudding into a showstopper by layering it in glass jars with fruit compote for an elegant parfait, or serve individual portions in hollowed-out coconuts at your next barbecue for a playful, tropical vibe. For a fun twist, try swirling in a spoonful of jam or lemon curd before serving!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Coconut Rice Pudding keeps beautifully in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container and it’ll last for up to 4 days. As it chills, the pudding thickens up—simply give it a good stir and add a splash of milk before dishing out another serving.

Freezing

If you’re planning ahead, you can freeze Coconut Rice Pudding for up to a month. Pack portions into freezer-safe containers, and when you’re ready to indulge, thaw overnight in the fridge. The texture may be a bit firmer after freezing, so refresh it with an extra drizzle of coconut milk before serving.

Reheating

To savor your Coconut Rice Pudding warm, place your desired amount in a saucepan over low heat, stirring gently. Add a splash of milk (dairy or almond) for creaminess as it loosens back up. You can also reheat in the microwave, just watch carefully as it heats quickly.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice or jasmine rice instead?

While short-grain white rice creates the creamiest result, you can absolutely try brown or jasmine rice for a twist. Just note that cooking times and liquid quantities may need a slight adjustment—brown rice especially takes longer and yields a chewier texture.

Is Coconut Rice Pudding gluten-free?

Yes, this Coconut Rice Pudding is naturally gluten-free, as long as all your ingredients are verified gluten-free (some flavorings, like vanilla extract, can vary). It’s a wonderful treat for anyone avoiding wheat!

How do I make this dessert vegan?

Making Coconut Rice Pudding completely vegan is deliciously easy: simply swap the whole milk for your favorite plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk), and double-check that your sugar is vegan-friendly.

Can I adjust the sweetness?

Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet pudding, start with 1/3 cup sugar, taste as it cooks, and add more to suit your palate. Likewise, coconut sugar or maple syrup can be fun alternatives for subtle flavor variation.

What kind of coconut milk should I use?

For the creamiest Coconut Rice Pudding, use full-fat, canned coconut milk. Lite coconut milk will work but delivers a lighter texture and less richness, so stick to the full-fat version if you want that real tropical decadence.

Final Thoughts

There’s no better way to brighten your day than by savoring a bowl of Coconut Rice Pudding—creamy, tropical, and endlessly comforting. Give it a try, play with the toppings, and share the joy with someone you love. Here’s to making sweet memories, one spoonful at a time!

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