Pineapple-Coconut Rice Pudding

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy, tropical twist on classic rice pudding, infused with coconut and fresh pineapple for a sweet, satisfying dessert. This Tropical-inspired recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, layers Short-grain rice (sushi rice), Coconut milk (full-fat), 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 300 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Tropical cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup short-grain rice, 1 1/2 cups coconut milk, 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until the rice is tender and the mixture has thickened to a creamy consistency (it should coat the back of a spoon).
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup diced pineapple and 2 tbsp shredded coconut, then remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Serve warm or chilled, garnished with extra shredded coconut if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pineapple-Coconut Rice Pudding take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Pineapple-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 Pineapple-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 Pineapple-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.

What goes well with Pineapple-Coconut Rice Pudding?

Tropical 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.

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