Tiki-Inspired Pineapple Coconut Rice Pudding
Silky coconut milk rice pudding infused with tropical pineapple chunks and warm vanilla, perfect for a comforting tiki-themed dessert. This caribbean-inspired desserts ready in about 50 minutes layers short-grain white rice, unsweetened coconut milk, whole 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 short-grain white rice
- 2 cups unsweetened coconut milk
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
- 1/4 cup toasted shredded coconut
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 3/4 cup short-grain white rice under cold water until water runs clear, then drain.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, 2 cups unsweetened coconut milk, 1 cup whole milk, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp vanilla bean paste, and 1/4 tsp salt. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to low and simmer uncovered.
- Step 3: Cook the rice mixture, stirring frequently, for about 30-35 minutes until the rice is tender and the pudding thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 cup diced fresh pineapple and 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes to warm the pineapple and infuse flavors.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish each serving with 1 tbsp toasted shredded coconut for added texture and aroma.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tiki-Inspired Pineapple Coconut Rice Pudding take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (10 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 Tiki-Inspired 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 Tiki-Inspired 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 Tiki-Inspired 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 Tiki-Inspired Pineapple Coconut Rice Pudding?
Caribbean 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.
