If you are craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug and transports you straight to a tropical paradise, this Coconut Rice Pudding Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines the fragrant, delicate jasmine rice with creamy coconut milk and a hint of cinnamon, delivering comfort and a subtle exotic twist all in one luscious spoonful. Whether you serve it warm or chilled, this dish offers a delightful balance of sweetness and creaminess that’s perfect for any occasion or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth with something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of each ingredient, which come together to create a harmonious bowl of creamy goodness. Each component adds to the flavor, texture, or creaminess, making the final pudding irresistibly smooth and rich.
- Jasmine rice (1 cup): Its fragrant aroma and slightly sticky texture make the perfect base for this pudding.
- Full-fat coconut milk (1 can, 13.5 oz): Provides that luscious tropical creaminess essential to authentic coconut rice pudding.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Adds richness and helps balance the coconut milk’s sweetness with dairy’s smoothness.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the pudding to just the right degree without overpowering the natural flavors.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the overall taste by balancing the sweetness and bringing out the depth in the coconut milk.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Gives a warm, familiar flavor that amplifies the comforting vibe of the pudding.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle hint of spice that complements the coconut perfectly.
- Shredded sweetened coconut (1/4 cup, optional): For added texture and an extra burst of coconut flavor.
- Ground cinnamon or toasted coconut (optional topping): For a beautiful and tasty finishing touch before serving.
How to Make Coconut Rice Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients and Bring to a Boil
Start by placing the jasmine rice, full-fat coconut milk, whole milk, sugar, and salt into a medium saucepan. This mix is the heart of your pudding, marrying the creamy liquids with the sweet and aromatic rice. Turn the heat to medium and stir frequently as you bring the pot to a gentle boil, making sure nothing sticks to the bottom.
Step 2: Simmer until Creamy and Tender
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from clumping or scorching, and watch as it thickens and becomes tender over 25 to 30 minutes. This slow simmer is crucial for transforming simple ingredients into a luxuriously creamy pudding.
Step 3: Add Final Flavors
After removing the pot from heat, stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and the optional shredded sweetened coconut. These elements add depth and that final tropical flair, turning a simple rice dish into a true showstopper of flavor.
Step 4: Cool and Prepare for Serving
Let the pudding cool slightly before choosing how you want to serve it. Whether you enjoy it warm and comforting or chilled and refreshing, this pudding adapts beautifully to your mood or season.
How to Serve Coconut Rice Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
Top your pudding with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or some toasted coconut flakes to add contrast in texture and enhance the coconut flavor. These simple garnishes make the dish feel extra special and visually inviting.
Side Dishes
This pudding pairs wonderfully with tropical fruits such as mango, pineapple, or a handful of fresh berries. A light cup of jasmine tea or a frosty coconut water alongside can also make for a refreshing complementary drink.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pudding in small glass jars or coconut shells to bring out that island vibe. You could also layer it with fruit compotes or a drizzle of passion fruit syrup for added burst and color, perfect for entertaining guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any uneaten pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Its flavors often develop further once chilled, making it an even more enjoyable treat the next day.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, texture might change slightly after thawing, making it a bit grainier. If you choose to freeze, portion the pudding into freezer-safe containers and consume within a month for best quality.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at short intervals, stirring frequently. Adding a splash of milk can help restore the creamy consistency if it’s thickened too much during refrigeration.
FAQs
Can I make this Coconut Rice Pudding Recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the whole milk with coconut milk or almond milk for a fully dairy-free version that still tastes creamy and delicious.
What type of rice works best?
Jasmine rice shines here thanks to its natural fragrance and texture, but you can also experiment with Arborio rice if you prefer an even creamier pudding.
How sweet should this pudding be?
The sugar amount in the recipe is balanced for most palates, but feel free to adjust it to your taste. Some like it sweeter, while others enjoy a subtler hint of sweetness.
Can I serve this pudding cold?
Yes! Coconut Rice Pudding Recipe is versatile and delicious served warm or chilled. Chilling it allows the flavors to meld beautifully and offers a refreshing dessert when it’s warm outside.
Is shredded coconut necessary?
It’s optional but recommended if you want an added coconut texture and a slightly sweeter profile within the pudding. Without it, the pudding is still fantastic and creamy.
Final Thoughts
This Coconut Rice Pudding Recipe is one of those rare desserts that feel both indulgent and comforting while being incredibly simple to make. Whether you’re craving a cozy treat for yourself or aiming to impress friends with something a little different, this pudding hits every note. Dive in and enjoy the creamy, fragrant taste of tropical bliss anytime you want!
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Coconut Rice Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Coconut Rice Pudding is a creamy, comforting dessert made with jasmine rice cooked in a rich blend of coconut milk and whole milk, sweetened with sugar and flavored with vanilla and cinnamon. Perfect served warm or chilled, it features a tropical twist with optional shredded coconut and is simple to prepare on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Rice Pudding Ingredients
- 1 cup jasmine rice (uncooked)
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup shredded sweetened coconut (optional)
- Ground cinnamon or toasted coconut for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the jasmine rice, coconut milk, whole milk, sugar, and salt to prepare the base of the pudding.
- Bring to Boil: Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until it comes to a gentle boil.
- Simmer and Thicken: Reduce the heat to low and let the pudding simmer, stirring occasionally, for 25 to 30 minutes until the rice is tender and the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Add Flavorings: Remove the pudding from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and shredded coconut if using to enhance flavor and texture.
- Serve: Let the pudding cool slightly to serve warm, or refrigerate for a few hours to enjoy chilled. Optionally, top with ground cinnamon or toasted coconut before serving for extra garnish.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, use all coconut milk or substitute almond milk for the whole milk.
- Adjust sweetness to taste by adding more or less sugar.
- Arborio rice can be used instead of jasmine rice for a creamier texture.
