Coconut Rice Pudding

This coconut rice pudding made in a pressure cooker is the most delicious dessert you will ever make, and fast. You can make this creamy dairy free and gluten free pudding to serve after dinner in no time like this.

When my daughter needed to try a gluten free diet I got used to using coconut milk instead of cow milk and though it would work well with this. Tweaking a few ingredients and coming up with this became an amazing new treat we now make over and over again.

I now opt for this one over the other if I have the ingredients in my cupboard. Since I was born in Hawaii I guess I think of tropical flavors every time I bake. Ok so this isn’t really baaaaaaking persay since it isn’t in the oven but I haven’t used that thing for quite a while now.

If you have never thought of adding this tropical ingredient into this classic dessert, you should!! If you want to make it an easy Ninja Foodi recipe It doesn’t really matter what brand you have at home they all have the high pressure function so no worries.

We started by making “original” Instant Pot rice pudding at first. That was such a hit with my family and fans reading my blog that I thought I should try another flavor. I am so glad I did.

Ingredient Notes

You are going to start out with long grain white Rice uncooked. I use long grain or jasmine rice usually. Brown rice hasn’t be used yet, that would change the timing

Butter or dairy free alternative will give it a creamy element. I love Kerrygold brand for the flavor and texture myself.

Then you want to add Evaporated milk, you could use dairy free evaporated milk instead. Some stores sell lactose free evaporated milk too if you want

Coconut milk should be bought regular, not low fat or low sugar. Go for the good stuff, it comes canned in the baking aisle usually.

Milk should be whole or 2% for best results. You could use almond milk for dairy free alternative. Soy milk could be used as well

1. Whisked egg should be large and added at room temperature, tempered inside some of the hot pudding before adding.
2. White sugar will bring a bit more sweetness to it
3. Top with a bit of cinnamon if you like or leave plain
4. Make sure you use sweetened shredded coconut, unsweetened is a NO go friends.

We aren’t counting the calories when we enjoy a bowl full of this goodness. All in moderation friends, just enjoy it with your family and hear the OOhhhhhs and Ahhhhs.

Can I substitute coconut cream for coconut milk for rice pudding?

Yes, you can substitute one for the other when cooking rice, but there are a few things to consider since cream is much thicker and richer with 20% more fat of course. I mean we aren’t counting calories here so I would say go for it if that is what you have on hand. In fact, if you’re making black rice pudding sweeter I would use half and half to make sweeter!

You really don’t NEED the shredded coconut, that is just to amp up the flavor. I love it though. Totally up to you. We did continue to fool around with our original recipe though and also came up with this chocolate rice pudding you can try. It’s a great Instant Pot dessert recipe you can make really quickly.

Tips for Success

I will say you do need to pay attention to the beep when this is done because one extra minute and your rice will become mush but at least you get a sign to jump up when you’re waiting on the couch for it. It isn’t such a guessing game standing at the stovetop the whole time.

Personally I like this really chilled in bowls overnight. My husband on the other hand wants it warm right out of the pot. If you do cool it separate into bowls on the counter and let cool first. Then transfer into the fridge with a piece of plastic wrap draped over the top and gently touching the top. This will get rid of that harder layer on the top.

It’s one of our favorite Instant Pot recipes for sure. Of course if you have a Mealthy or Crock pot Express this will work too. I have them all. Granted I am a food blogger so maybe that kinda’ makes sense but I did want to make sure it wouldn’t make a difference between any of them, and it doesn’t.

More coconut recipes you’ll love

Our coconut banana bread or coconut zucchini bread recipes are to die for. Chocolate coconut cake is a poke cake with all the goodness. Pressure cooker coconut chicken is dairy free and something new you should try.

If you’re really coconut obsessed you can even make coconut foot scrub while enjoying coconut muffins! lol You really can go all out with this YUM.

How to Save Leftover Homemade Rice Pudding

If you do have some left it will save well but you need to keep it moist and in a sealed container so it doesn’t dry out. When you are ready to enjoy it again I would fold in some fresh milk of your choice to loosen it up. You can do this while it’s served cold or pour on top before warming in the microwave for 30 seconds or so.