Creamy Coconut Rice Pudding: A Sweet Comfort Treat For All

Coconut rice pudding is a sweet dessert that mixes tropical tastes with creamy textures.

This dish has roots in many Southeast Asian and Caribbean food traditions.

It brings together the smoothness of rice with the sweet richness of coconut milk and mild spices.

Creamy and indulgent, this pudding offers a perfect mix of rich flavors and gentle aromas.

People love how flexible this dessert is, as it can be enjoyed warm or cold.

With its simple ingredients and easy steps, coconut rice pudding is a favorite for many who enjoy delicious desserts.

Why Coconut Rice Pudding Feels Warm And Creamy

• Effortless Dessert Delight: This coconut rice pudding recipe offers simple steps anyone can master, making it perfect for beginner cooks seeking a delicious treat.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy warm and comforting straight from the pot or chill for a refreshing cold dessert, providing flexibility for different taste preferences and occasions.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Rich, creamy texture with sweet coconut and cinnamon flavors creates a nostalgic dessert that appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family gatherings or potlucks.
• Quick Preparation Time: With just 30 minutes total cooking time, this recipe delivers a gourmet-style dessert without requiring complex techniques or extensive kitchen skills.

Coconut Rice Pudding Ingredient List

• White Rice: Starchy foundation that gives pudding its classic texture, long-grain works best.
• Whole Milk: Creamy base providing rich consistency, use fresh and full-fat.
• Coconut Milk: Adds tropical flavor and smooth richness, choose full-fat version.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Primary sweetener with thick, caramelized notes, provides extra creaminess.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness and smooth texture, higher fat content recommended.
• Raisins: Optional sweet bursts of chewy texture, golden raisins work nicely.

• Ground Cinnamon: Warm, aromatic spice complementing coconut and rice flavors.
• Shredded Coconut: Textural topping with additional coconut flavor, use unsweetened for best results.
• Toasted Coconut: Optional garnish for extra crunch and enhanced coconut taste.

How To Cook Coconut Rice Pudding

Step 1: Launch the Cooking Process

• Grab a large pot
• Place the pot over medium-high heat
• Add these ingredients: Rice, whole milk, coconut milk
• Bring the mixture to a boil

Step 2: Simmer and Soften

• Lower the heat to low
• Cover the pot
• Stir occasionally
• Cook for 14-16 minutes
• Ensure rice becomes tender

Step 3: Enhance the Flavor

• Sweetened condensed milk
• Heavy cream
• Cinnamon
• Raisins (optional)

Cook over low heat

Stir occasionally

Continue cooking for about 12 minutes

Wait until the pudding becomes thick and creamy

Step 4: Add Final Touch

• Remove pot from heat
• Mix in shredded coconut

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

• Serve warm immediately
• Or let pudding cool completely
• Chill in refrigerator if desired
• Optional: Sprinkle toasted coconut on top
• Indulge in your delicious dessert

Tips To Make Coconut Rice Pudding Better

• Prevent Scorching: Stir the rice mixture frequently to avoid burning or sticking to the bottom of the pot, ensuring smooth and even cooking.
• Customize Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk to control the dessert's sweetness level, making it perfect for different taste preferences.
• Boost Texture Variation: Experiment with different types of rice like arborio or jasmine for unique textures and subtle flavor differences in the pudding.
• Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute whole milk and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk to create a vegan-friendly version of the dessert.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast the shredded coconut before adding to the pudding to intensify its nutty and aromatic qualities, elevating the overall taste profile.

How To Store Coconut Rice Pudding Safely

• Refrigerate: Store leftover coconut rice pudding in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. The pudding will maintain its creamy texture and delightful coconut flavor.
• Prevent Drying: Before storing, press plastic wrap directly onto the pudding's surface to prevent a skin from forming and keep moisture locked in.
• Reheat Gently: Warm the pudding in the microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add a splash of milk to restore its original creamy consistency if needed.
• Freeze Option: Freeze the pudding in sealed containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and stir well before serving to restore its smooth texture.

Toppings That Go With Coconut Rice Pudding

• Pair with Tropical Fruit Salad: Chop fresh pineapple, mango, and passion fruit to complement the coconut's creamy sweetness and add vibrant tropical flavors.
• Serve with Spiced Chai Tea: Brew a warm, aromatic chai with cardamom and ginger that enhances the pudding's rich, comforting spices and creates a delightful balance.
• Match with Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm salted caramel sauce over the pudding to introduce a decadent contrast of sweet and salty notes that elevate the dessert's complexity.
• Accompany with Rum-Infused Whipped Cream: Whip heavy cream with a splash of dark rum to create a boozy, velvety topping that adds depth and sophistication to the coconut rice pudding.

Ways To Change Coconut Rice Pudding

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace whole milk and heavy cream with almond milk or oat milk. Use coconut cream instead of condensed milk, and swap regular milk for coconut milk to enhance the tropical flavor.
• Vegan Version: Substitute whole milk with plant-based milk, use coconut cream, and replace condensed milk with maple syrup or agave nectar. Add chia seeds for extra creaminess and protein.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of condensed milk. Include sugar-free dried fruits like unsweetened cranberries or chopped dried apricots to reduce overall sugar content.
• Tropical Fusion: Add diced mango, passion fruit, or pineapple chunks during the last few minutes of cooking. Sprinkle with toasted macadamia nuts or sliced almonds for extra crunch and flavor complexity.

Questions About Coconut Rice Pudding

• Can I use different types of rice for this recipe?

You can use short-grain white rice or arborio rice for the best creamy texture. Long-grain rice might not give the same rich, pudding-like consistency.

• Is it possible to make this dessert dairy-free?

Yes, substitute whole milk and heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk. Use dairy-free condensed milk alternatives to keep it vegan-friendly.

• How can I prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot?

Stir the rice mixture frequently and keep the heat low. Use a heavy-bottomed pot and avoid walking away from the stove during cooking to prevent burning.

• Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

Replace sweetened condensed milk with a lighter version or use coconut sugar. You can also adjust the amount of condensed milk to control sweetness without compromising the pudding’s creamy texture.

Creamy Coconut Rice Pudding Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy “Coconut Rice Pudding” whispers sweet comfort from tropical kitchens. Rich coconut milk embraces tender rice grains, creating a silky dessert that transports hungry souls to warm island shores where desserts dance with pure delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup short-grain or medium-grain white rice
• 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) whole milk
• 1 (13.25 ounces / 375 grams) can coconut milk
• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk

Dairy and Cream:

• ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) heavy cream

Spices and Optional Add-ins:

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ⅓ cup golden raisins (optional)
• ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut (optional)
• Toasted shredded coconut (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Merge rice, whole milk, and coconut milk in a spacious saucepan, heating over medium-high temperature until the liquid reaches a vigorous boil.
2. Decrease heat to minimum, cover the pot, and allow contents to simmer gently, periodically stirring to prevent rice from sticking, until grains become perfectly tender and absorb most liquid.
3. Incorporate sweetened condensed milk, rich heavy cream, warm cinnamon, and optional raisins into the cooked rice mixture, continuing to cook on low heat while stirring intermittently.
4. Monitor the pudding’s consistency, ensuring it transforms into a luxuriously thick and creamy texture with a smooth, velvety finish.
5. Remove saucepan from heat source and fold in delicate shredded coconut, distributing evenly throughout the pudding.
6. Choose serving preference: present the pudding while still warm and comforting, or allow it to cool completely and refrigerate for a chilled dessert experience.
7. Enhance visual appeal and add textural contrast by sprinkling toasted coconut flakes over the top just before serving, creating an elegant and appetizing presentation.

Notes

• Toast coconut carefully to prevent burning, watching closely and stirring frequently to achieve golden brown color without scorching.
• Replace whole milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version that maintains creamy texture and adds subtle nutty undertones.
• Control sweetness by adjusting condensed milk quantity or using alternative sweeteners like maple syrup or honey for personalized flavor profile.
• Allow pudding to rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 440
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg