Honey-Sesame Sticky Rice Pudding with Toasted Almonds
Creamy sticky rice pudding subtly sweetened with honey and infused with toasted sesame seeds, topped with crunchy toasted almonds for texture contrast. This asian-inspired desserts ready in about 40 minutes layers glutinous sticky 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
- 1 cup glutinous sticky rice
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup glutinous sticky rice under cold water until water runs clear; soak the rice in cold water for 4 hours or overnight, then drain.
- Step 2: Combine soaked rice with 1 1/2 cups water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat; reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 15 minutes until water is absorbed.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 cup coconut milk, 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1 tsp vanilla extract; cook uncovered over low heat, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes until the pudding thickens and the rice is tender.
- Step 4: Toast 1/4 cup sliced almonds and 2 tbsp sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Step 5: Spoon the sticky rice pudding into serving bowls and sprinkle the toasted almonds and sesame seeds evenly on top before serving warm or at room temperature.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Honey-Sesame Sticky Rice Pudding with Toasted Almonds take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 Honey-Sesame Sticky Rice Pudding with Toasted Almonds?
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 Honey-Sesame Sticky Rice Pudding with Toasted Almonds?
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 Honey-Sesame Sticky Rice Pudding with Toasted Almonds 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.
What goes well with Honey-Sesame Sticky Rice Pudding with Toasted Almonds?
Asian desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
