Baked Coconut Rice Pudding

Baked Coconut Rice Pudding

Baked Coconut Rice Pudding is a warm, comforting dessert that blends creamy rice, rich coconut flavor, and a beautifully caramelized golden crust. It’s the kind of old-fashioned recipe that fills the kitchen with a sweet, inviting aroma and delivers a silky texture with every spoonful. This dessert is wonderfully simple yet incredibly satisfying — perfect for family gatherings, holiday meals, or quiet evenings when you crave something homemade and soothing. The combination of creamy interior and crispy top makes it irresistible, offering a balance of textures that elevates this classic pudding to a whole new level.

Ingredients

For the Rice Pudding Base:

• 1 cup uncooked rice (short or medium grain preferred)

• 2 cups water

• 2 cups coconut milk

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• 1 cup whole milk

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon salt

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Optional Add-Ins:

• ½ cup shredded coconut

• A pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon

• A tablespoon of butter for extra richness

Instructions

1. Cook the Rice

In a saucepan, combine rice and water.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the rice absorbs the water — usually about 15 minutes.
Fluff with a fork and set aside.

2. Prepare the Custard Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together coconut milk, whole milk, sugar, beaten eggs, vanilla, and salt.
If using shredded coconut or spices, stir them in now.

3. Combine Rice and Custard

Add the cooked rice to the custard mixture and stir until well combined.
The mixture will look loose, but it thickens beautifully as it bakes.

4. Bake the Pudding

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Pour the mixture into greased ramekins or a single baking dish.
Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the top becomes golden brown and slightly crispy.

5. Let It Cool Slightly

Allow the pudding to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
This helps the texture firm up while staying creamy inside.

Serving Tip

Serve warm with a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk or a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top.

Conclusion

Baked Coconut Rice Pudding is a nostalgic dessert that brings comfort with every bite. Its creamy base, enhanced by coconut’s natural sweetness, pairs perfectly with the caramelized top layer that forms during baking. This dessert is simple, elegant, and deeply satisfying — ideal for serving after dinner or enjoying as a cozy treat any time of day. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe again and again, appreciating its warmth, simplicity, and unforgettable flavor.