If you have a sweet tooth and love that velvety tropical twist, you are going to adore this Creamy Coconut Rice Pudding with Fresh Fruit Garnish Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of luscious coconut milk and tender jasmine rice, slowly simmered to a dreamy creaminess that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl. Topped with bright, juicy fresh fruits, this dessert is as refreshing as it is comforting. Whether you’re craving a simple snack or an elegant dessert, this recipe hits all the right notes to satisfy your dessert cravings with an exotic flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Creamy Coconut Rice Pudding with Fresh Fruit Garnish Recipe is all about uncomplicated, thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each one plays an essential role—from creating that rich, creamy texture to adding depth and a hint of natural sweetness.
- 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice: Provides the perfect fragrant base with a tender bite.
- 2 cups water: To cook the rice just right without overwhelming the coconut flavors.
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk: The star ingredient that delivers bold creaminess and tropical scent.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice): Lightens the pudding while keeping it silky smooth.
- 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey: Natural sweeteners that balance the coconut’s richness perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and an inviting aroma that elevates every spoonful.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: A tiny pinch that brightens and rounds out the flavors.
- 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut (optional, for garnish): Offers extra texture and coconutty crunch.
- Fresh fruits like mango or berries (optional, for serving): Bring fresh color, natural sweetness, and a zesty finish.
How to Make Creamy Coconut Rice Pudding with Fresh Fruit Garnish Recipe
Step 1: Rinse and Cook the Rice
Start by giving your jasmine rice a thorough rinse under cold water until it runs clear. This step removes excess starch, preventing the pudding from getting gummy. Next, cook the rice with 2 cups of water in a medium saucepan—bring it to a boil, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer gently until all the water has been absorbed, about 10 to 15 minutes. The rice should be tender but not mushy, laying the foundation for that perfect pudding texture.
Step 2: Add Coconut Milk and Sweeteners
Once your rice is cooked, stir in the creamy coconut milk, almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Each ingredient works in harmony: the coconut milk delivers silky richness, the almond milk keeps things light, and the maple syrup adds just the right hint of natural sweetness. This mixture is where the pudding’s signature flavor profile comes together.
Step 3: Simmer to Creamy Perfection
Return the saucepan to medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently for 20 to 25 minutes to prevent sticking and to encourage the rice to absorb all that lovely liquid. This patient simmering thickens the pudding and ensures a creamy, luscious consistency—a true test of comfort food mastery.
Step 4: Cool and Thicken
After the pudding has thickened up nicely, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. This resting time allows the pudding to set and become even creamier. It’s the moment where anticipation builds—just wait until you dive into that first spoonful.
Step 5: Serve Warm or Chilled
You can savor your Creamy Coconut Rice Pudding with Fresh Fruit Garnish Recipe warm, enjoying the soothing warmth and aroma, or chill it in the fridge for a refreshing treat. Both ways are spectacularly delicious, so feel free to indulge however you like.
How to Serve Creamy Coconut Rice Pudding with Fresh Fruit Garnish Recipe
Garnishes
The true finishing touch is in the garnish. Sprinkle some shredded unsweetened coconut over the top for a delightful texture contrast, or pile on fresh fruits like juicy mango chunks, vibrant berries, or even kiwi slices. These bright accents lift the pudding’s creaminess with bursts of natural sweetness and tang.
Side Dishes
This pudding is so satisfying that it rarely needs a side dish, but if you want to complement it, think light and fresh. A crisp green salad or a plate of tropical fruit slices pairs beautifully for a balanced dessert experience. Alternatively, serve it alongside a cup of herbal tea or freshly brewed coffee to round out your treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is part of the fun! Serve the pudding in little glass jars or elegant bowls to showcase the creamy texture beneath a colorful layer of fruit. Layer with granola or toasted nuts for texture, or drizzle a touch of coconut cream or honey on top for an extra luxurious finish. It all makes for a charming display that’s as delightful to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pudding keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Because this recipe is made with coconut milk instead of heavy dairy, it stays fresh and maintains its creamy texture without turning watery. Just give it a good stir before serving.
Freezing
If you want to store it longer, you can freeze the pudding in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Be aware that the texture might change slightly upon thawing, becoming a bit grainier, but a quick stir and gentle reheating will help bring it back to life.
Reheating
When reheating, warm your pudding gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave at short intervals, stirring often. If it seems too thick, add a splash of almond milk or coconut milk to restore that silky smoothness. Serve immediately for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of rice?
Absolutely! Jasmine rice is ideal for its fragrance and texture, but short-grain rice can work well too since it tends to become creamy when cooked. Avoid long-grain rice varieties as they might not yield the desired pudding creaminess.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes! By using coconut milk and plant-based milk like almond milk, plus maple syrup as a sweetener, this pudding is completely vegan and dairy-free, making it suitable for many dietary preferences.
How sweet is the pudding? Can I adjust the sweetness?
The pudding has a gentle sweetness from the maple syrup, which you can definitely customize. Feel free to add more or less sweetener to match your personal taste or try other natural sweeteners like agave or coconut sugar.
Can I make this recipe without almond milk?
Yes! Almond milk adds a bit of lightness but you can substitute it with any other milk of your choice—dairy or plant-based. Just keep the total liquid amount the same to ensure the pudding achieves the right consistency.
What fresh fruits work best as garnish?
Bright, juicy fruits complement the coconut richness beautifully. Mango, strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, and pineapple are all excellent choices. You can mix and match depending on what’s in season or what you love the most.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamy Coconut Rice Pudding with Fresh Fruit Garnish Recipe enough if you want a treat that feels both indulgent and wholesome. It’s simple to prepare, wonderfully versatile, and makes every bite a celebration of tropical goodness. Whip up a batch soon—you’ll be amazed at how this humble pudding can bring such joy and comfort to your table.
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Creamy Coconut Rice Pudding with Fresh Fruit Garnish Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This creamy Coconut Rice Pudding is a comforting and dairy-free dessert made with jasmine rice, coconut milk, and natural sweeteners. It offers a luscious texture with a tropical twist, perfect for serving warm or chilled and garnished with shredded coconut or fresh fruits like mango and berries.
Ingredients
Rice Base
- 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice
- 2 cups water
Liquid & Flavorings
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Garnish
- 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- Fresh fruits like mango or berries
Instructions
- Rinse Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch and prevent the pudding from becoming gluey.
- Cook Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the water is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Add Milk and Sweeteners: Stir in the coconut milk, almond milk, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and salt into the cooked rice until well combined.
- Simmer Pudding: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook while stirring frequently for 20 to 25 minutes until the pudding thickens and reaches a creamy consistency.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the pudding cool slightly; it will thicken further as it cools.
- Serve: Serve the rice pudding warm or chilled. Optionally, garnish with shredded coconut and fresh fruits such as mango or berries for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice is key to ensuring a smooth texture.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of maple syrup or honey to your taste.
- You can substitute almond milk with any milk of your preference.
- The pudding thickens more as it cools, so its consistency can be adjusted by serving warm or chilled.
- Use fresh tropical fruits like mango for an authentic flavor pairing.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
