Toasted Coconut Rice Pudding (Printable)

Creamy rice paired with toasted coconut and tropical notes, perfect as a comforting sweet dish.

# Ingredient List:

→ Grains

01 - 1 cup Arborio rice

→ Coconut & Dairy

02 - 1 can (13.5 fl oz) full-fat coconut milk
03 - 2 cups whole milk or unsweetened almond milk

→ Sweeteners

04 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
05 - 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut

→ Flavorings

06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
08 - Pinch of salt

→ Toppings (optional)

09 - 1/4 cup toasted coconut flakes
10 - Fresh mango or pineapple slices

# Steps:

01 - In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the shredded coconut, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Set aside.
02 - In a medium saucepan, combine rice, coconut milk, whole milk, sugar, toasted shredded coconut, salt, and cinnamon.
03 - Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
04 - Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered, stirring frequently, until rice is tender and pudding has a creamy consistency, about 30 to 35 minutes. Add more milk if needed to adjust thickness.
05 - Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and let stand for 5 minutes to thicken.
06 - Serve warm or chilled topped with toasted coconut flakes and fresh tropical fruit as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes indulgent enough for dessert but wholesome enough to eat guilt-free for breakfast.
  • The toasted coconut adds a nutty depth that reminds you why this humble grain deserves so much attention.
  • It comes together in under an hour and fills your home with a warmth that lingers long after you've finished eating.
02 -
  • Stirring frequently isn't optional—it's the difference between creamy pudding and a scorched bottom and separated layers.
  • The pudding will thicken more as it cools, so if it seems a touch loose when you remove it from heat, that's exactly right and trust the process.
03 -
  • Keep a small bottle of full-fat coconut milk on hand because the thicker, creamier kind makes a world of difference compared to the lighter versions.
  • If your rice is still slightly firm after 30 minutes, that's a sign to keep cooking rather than rush it; there's no shortcut to that tender, creamy finish.
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