Coconut Vanilla Rice Pudding

Name: Coconut Vanilla Rice Pudding
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup Arborio rice; 2 cups coconut milk; 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Toasted coconut flakes (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Cozy Dessert Classics

I absolutely adore making Coconut Vanilla Rice Pudding, especially when I crave something creamy and comforting. This recipe combines the richness of coconut milk with the warmth of vanilla, resulting in a dessert that's both luscious and satisfying. As I stir the ingredients gently, the aroma fills my kitchen, making it hard to resist tasting before it even sets. With just a few simple ingredients and techniques, I find that this dessert can easily become a favorite in my household, showcasing both my love for coconut and the simplicity of rice pudding.

Created by

Ella

Last updated on 2026-02-01T20:54:28.942Z

While experimenting with rice pudding recipes, I discovered that using coconut milk not only enhances the creaminess but also adds a tropical twist that elevates this classic dessert. The texture stays perfectly smooth, and the flavor profile remains light yet satisfying.

I also learned that to achieve a balanced sweetness, it's essential to mix the sugar gradually. This allows the coconut milk to shine without overwhelming the palate. I recommend finishing the pudding with a sprinkle of toasted coconut for an added crunch!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
The delightful fusion of creamy coconut and fragrant vanilla.
A simple dessert that's sure to impress friends and family.
Perfectly customizable with toppings like fruits or nuts.

Mastering the Creaminess

Achieving the perfect creaminess in Coconut Vanilla Rice Pudding largely depends on the type of rice you use. Arborio rice, typically used for risotto, releases starch during cooking, resulting in a velvety texture. When combining Arborio with coconut milk and whole milk, you create a rich, indulgent base. Be sure to monitor the heat while the rice simmers; if it cooks too rapidly, the pudding can become grainy instead of smooth and silky. Keeping the heat low and stirring regularly helps prevent this.

As the pudding cooks, you’ll notice it thickening and becoming glossy, which is an indicator that the starch has released effectively. If you find it too thick, simply whisk in a little more coconut milk or whole milk until you reach your desired consistency. The great thing about this pudding is its adaptability; I often tweak the consistency based on how I want to serve it—thicker for a spoonable dessert or slightly looser for a more soup-like dish.

Customizing Your Dessert

One of the joys of Coconut Vanilla Rice Pudding is its versatility in toppings. While toasted coconut flakes add a delightful crunch, consider incorporating fresh fruits like mango, banana, or berries for a refreshing contrast. Nuts such as slivered almonds or pistachios can also enhance both flavor and texture. If you're feeling adventurous, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup right before serving can elevate the dish to new heights of indulgence.

Another avenue for customization lies in the spices you use. A pinch of cinnamon or a hint of nutmeg can introduce warmth and complexity to the flavor profile. For a tropical twist, try infusing the pudding with a little lime or lemon zest during cooking. These additions not only brighten the dish but also complement the coconut beautifully. Remember, these variations are all about personal preference, and I encourage experimenting until you find your perfect combination.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your Coconut Vanilla Rice Pudding:

Ingredients

1 cup Arborio rice
2 cups coconut milk
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Toasted coconut flakes (for garnish)

Make sure you have everything ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your delicious Coconut Vanilla Rice Pudding:

Cook the Rice

In a medium saucepan, combine Arborio rice, coconut milk, whole milk, and salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

Add Sugar and Vanilla

After the rice has absorbed most of the liquid, stir in the sugar and vanilla extract. Continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes until the pudding thickens to your desired consistency.

Serve

Remove from heat and let the pudding cool slightly. Spoon into serving bowls and garnish with toasted coconut flakes before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Coconut Vanilla Rice Pudding warm or chilled!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or fresh fruit as topping. This pudding can also be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to three days.

Storage Tips

Coconut Vanilla Rice Pudding can be made ahead of time, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or entertaining. After cooling, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Just remember to stir in a splash of milk before reheating to restore the creaminess, as it may thicken the longer it sits. You can enjoy it warm or cold, depending on your preference.

If you're looking to freeze leftover pudding, do so in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as the pudding will expand when frozen. It can be kept in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove, adding a bit of liquid as needed.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your pudding ends up too watery, it may be due to not cooking the rice long enough. Starchy rice like Arborio needs adequate time to absorb the liquid fully. If this happens, simply continue cooking while stirring frequently until the desired consistency is achieved. Conversely, if your pudding is too thick, whisk in some warmed milk to loosen it up—this will help bring it back to that creamy, luscious state.

Another issue you might encounter is clumping. To avoid clumps forming, make sure to stir the mixture frequently as it cooks. If clumps do arise, you can use a whisk to gently break them up, ensuring the pudding remains smooth. This is especially important during the initial cooking phase before the pudding thickens.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, you can use jasmine or basmati rice, but the cooking time and texture will differ slightly.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this recipe vegan?

This recipe is already vegan if you use sugar that isn't processed with bone char.

→ What can I use as a topping?

Top with fresh mango, berries, or more toasted coconut for added flavor and texture.