Lilac-Infused Coconut Rice Pudding with Toasted Almonds
Silky coconut rice pudding delicately scented with lilac infusion and topped with crunchy toasted almonds for texture contrast. This asian fusion-inspired desserts (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes layers arborio rice, canned full fat coconut milk, water 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 320 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 arborio rice
- 3 cups, canned full fat coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon dried edible lilac buds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 3 cups canned full-fat coconut milk, 1 cup water, and 1 tablespoon dried edible lilac buds. Heat over medium-low for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to infuse the liquid. Strain out the lilac buds.
- Step 2: Return the infused coconut milk mixture to the saucepan and add 3/4 cup arborio rice, 1/3 cup sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for about 25-30 minutes until the rice is tender and the pudding has thickened to a creamy consistency.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Let cool slightly.
- Step 5: Serve warm or chilled, topped with 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds for a nutty crunch.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lilac-Infused Coconut Rice Pudding with Toasted Almonds take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 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 Lilac-Infused Coconut 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 Lilac-Infused Coconut 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 Lilac-Infused Coconut 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.
Is Lilac-Infused Coconut Rice Pudding with Toasted Almonds 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.
