Hawaiian Coconut Pineapple Rice Pudding Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a comforting dessert that transports you straight to a tropical paradise, this Hawaiian Coconut Pineapple Rice Pudding Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a luscious blend of creamy coconut milk, sweet pineapple chunks, and warm spices, all mingling with tender cooked rice to create a dessert that’s rich, velvety, and wildly addictive. Whether you want a cozy treat on a chilly night or a refreshing chilled dessert for a sunny afternoon, this recipe checks all the boxes with vibrant flavors that sing aloha in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the simple list fool you — each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building those beautiful layers of flavor and texture that make this dessert unforgettable. From creamy coconut milk to fragrant cinnamon and nutmeg, here’s everything you need to gather before you start.

• Cooked white rice: The base that absorbs all the wonderful flavors, providing structure and comfort.
• Coconut milk: Adds richness and a tropical creaminess that defines the dish.
• Pineapple chunks: Brings juicy sweetness and a fresh pop of tropical zing.
• Heavy cream: Ensures a silky smooth texture and extra indulgence.
• Sugar: Balances the tartness of pineapple with gentle sweetness.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, inviting aroma that ties everything together.
• Ground cinnamon: Lends a cozy spiced note that’s subtle but essential.
• Ground nutmeg: Offers an earthy warmth enhancing the tropical flavors.
• Salt: A pinch to amplify sweetness and balance the richness.
• Cornstarch: The secret ingredient for a perfectly creamy and thick pudding.
• Water: Used to make the cornstarch slurry, ensuring smooth texture without clumps.

How to Make Hawaiian Coconut Pineapple Rice Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients

Begin by placing the cooked white rice, coconut milk, pineapple chunks, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt into a medium saucepan. This is where the magic begins, as those tropical and warm spices blend beautifully in one pot.

Step 2: Mix Everything Well

Give the mixture a good stir to make sure all those flavors are well combined and evenly distributed. This helps the pudding develop its signature consistent taste and texture right from the start.

Step 3: Heat the Mixture to a Simmer

Place your saucepan over medium heat and bring the ingredients to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally so your rice doesn’t stick to the bottom and burn — you want everything to cook evenly for a silky finish.

Step 4: Let it Cook Gently

Once simmering, lower the heat to keep things gentle. Allow the pudding to cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently so the flavors meld beautifully and the mixture starts to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry

While your pudding simmers, mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl until perfectly smooth. This slurry is the key to achieving that luscious, creamy consistency without any lumps.

Step 6: Add the Slurry to the Pudding

Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into your simmering rice mixture while stirring constantly. This step ensures the pudding thickens evenly and has a wonderfully silky texture.

Step 7: Finish Cooking on Low Heat

Continue cooking the pudding on low heat for another 3 to 5 minutes. You’ll notice it thickening beautifully into a creamy, dreamy dessert — at this point, the aroma will have your kitchen smelling like a tropical retreat.

Step 8: Remove from Heat

Once the pudding has thickened and the rice feels tender, remove the saucepan from the heat. This step stops the cooking at just the right moment so the texture stays perfect without becoming gluey.

Step 9: Let It Cool Slightly

Allow your pudding to cool for a few minutes. This resting time helps it set a bit and lets the flavors settle into that luscious tropical balance.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

You can serve this Hawaiian Coconut Pineapple Rice Pudding Recipe warm for cozy indulgence or chilled for a refreshing dessert — either way, the tropical notes and creamy texture will have you hooked from the very first bite.

How to Serve Hawaiian Coconut Pineapple Rice Pudding Recipe

Garnishes

Top your pudding with toasted coconut flakes for a delightful crunch and an extra hint of coconut flavor that vibrates with the tropical vibes. A few fresh pineapple pieces or a sprinkle of chopped macadamia nuts can also elevate the presentation and add extra texture.

Side Dishes

Pairing this pudding with fresh tropical fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream turns it into a full-on flavor fest. If you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of passion fruit coulis adds a tangy contrast that highlights the coconut-pineapple combo beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the pudding in individual mason jars with layers of pineapple compote or crushed graham crackers for a fun, portable dessert. For a party, consider hollowed-out pineapple halves to dish it out — it’s as stunning as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This pudding keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld as it chills, making it a fantastic make-ahead dessert for busy days or entertaining guests.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, the texture of the pudding may change slightly due to the cream and coconut milk. If you freeze it, place it in a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, gently warm the pudding on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to restore its creamy texture. You can add a splash of coconut milk or cream if it feels too thick after refrigeration.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice will give a nuttier flavor and a chewier texture, which works well, though the pudding won’t be quite as creamy as with white rice. Just make sure the brown rice is fully cooked before starting the recipe.

Is this pudding gluten-free?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free as long as all your ingredients are gluten-free, especially any vanilla extract or cornstarch you use. Always double-check your labels to be sure.

Can I substitute coconut milk with regular milk?

You can, but you’ll lose some of the signature tropical coconut flavor that makes this Hawaiian Coconut Pineapple Rice Pudding Recipe so special. If you want to cut calories or avoid coconut, try a mix of regular and a little coconut essence.

How sweet is this pudding?

The pudding has a gentle, balanced sweetness from the sugar and pineapple. You can adjust the sugar amount depending on your preference—less if you want it more subtle, or a touch more for a sweeter treat.

Can I add other fruits to this pudding?

Definitely! Mango, papaya, or even banana slices make wonderful additions that complement the coconut and pineapple flavors beautifully. Just mix them in during the last stages of cooking or as garnishes.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve got this Hawaiian Coconut Pineapple Rice Pudding Recipe up your sleeve, every dessert moment can feel like a vacation. It’s simple to make, bursting with tropical goodness, and perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring all by yourself. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience that creamy, sweet, and slightly spiced flavor that’s truly aloha in a bowl.

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