Brazilian Sweet Coconut Rice Pudding
A creamy and comforting dessert featuring rice cooked in coconut milk with a hint of cinnamon, perfect for a sweet finish. This brazilian-inspired desserts (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes layers long-grain white rice, water, coconut milk into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp for garnish toasted shredded coconut
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 3/4 cup long-grain white rice under cold water until water runs clear, then drain.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and 1 1/2 cups water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 cups coconut milk, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp salt into the cooked rice.
- Step 4: Cook uncovered over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, for 20-25 minutes until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract for added aroma.
- Step 6: Spoon pudding into serving bowls and garnish each with 2 tbsp toasted shredded coconut. Serve warm or chilled.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Brazilian Sweet Coconut Rice Pudding take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (5 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Brazilian Sweet Coconut Rice Pudding?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Brazilian Sweet Coconut Rice Pudding?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Brazilian Sweet Coconut Rice Pudding for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Brazilian Sweet Coconut Rice Pudding vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
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