Soft Coconut Rice Pudding for Gentle Small Portions
A creamy, comforting dessert made in small portions with a gentle texture and mild coconut flavor.
Preparing desserts in small portions helps avoid waste and gives you fresh, tasty treats whenever the mood strikes. This coconut rice pudding is designed with gentle textures, making each spoonful soft and smooth and easy to chew and digest.
The recipe avoids strong spices and heavy sugars, keeping it light yet satisfying. Enjoy it on its own or pair it with soft fruit for a balanced, comforting dessert that feels homemade with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- ½ cup Arborio rice (or short-grain white rice)
- 1 cup light coconut milk
- 1 cup milk (dairy or any plant-based)
- 2 tbsp sugar (or to taste)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1 tbsp shredded coconut for garnish
- Optional: Fresh soft fruit like ripe mango or banana slices
You can serve this soft coconut rice pudding on its own or with gentle fresh fruit added for extra flavor and texture.
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
- In a small saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, coconut milk, regular milk, sugar, and salt.
- Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until it starts to simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and cover partially. Let it cook gently for about 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- When the rice is tender and the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency, remove from heat.
- Stir in vanilla extract and let the pudding cool slightly before serving.
- If desired, sprinkle shredded coconut on top and add slices of soft fresh fruit.
Tips and Easy Variations
Texture Tips
- Use short-grain rice and cook a little longer for an extra-soft pudding.
- Add a splash more milk if the mixture becomes too thick while cooking.
- Stir frequently near the end to prevent sticking and ensure creaminess.
Sweetness & Flavour
- Reduce the sugar or substitute with maple syrup or agave to taste.
- Add a gentle dash of cinnamon or cardamom for mild spice.
- Fold in soft fruit like ripe mango or banana for extra flavor and texture.
Digestion & Lightness
- Choose light coconut milk to keep the dessert easier on the stomach.
- Mix half water and half milk to reduce richness while keeping softness.
- Use plant-based milk if you prefer a dairy-free version that stays gentle.
Quick reminders
- Cook rice until very tender for a smooth texture
- Adjust sweetness to taste
- Avoid freezing to keep the pudding creamy
Storage and Leftovers
Fridge
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Freezer
Freezing is not recommended because it can change the smooth consistency of the pudding.
Reheating
Warm gently on the stove with a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture before serving.
Conclusion
Give this soft coconut rice pudding a try when you want a gentle, comforting dessert for one or two. It’s easy to prepare and uses simple ingredients for a lightly sweet, soothing finish.
Serve it warm or at room temperature with optional shredded coconut or soft fruit for a cozy, homemade treat.
FAQ
Can I make this pudding dairy-free?▶
Yes — swap regular milk for any plant-based milk like almond or oat; it remains creamy with light coconut milk.
Do I need Arborio rice?▶
No — Arborio helps achieve extra creaminess, but short-grain white rice works well and yields a soft texture.