Indulge in a little slice of paradise with this Tropical Coconut Mango Delight. This luscious rice pudding blends creamy coconut milk and tender jasmine rice with bright, juicy mango chunks and a drizzle of golden honey. Whether enjoyed warm or chilled, this dessert brings a refreshing finish to any meal and transports your taste buds straight to a sun-kissed beach.
Full Recipe:
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1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
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1 cup jasmine rice, rinsed
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2 cups water
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1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
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2 tablespoons honey, plus extra for drizzling
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Optional: toasted coconut flakes for garnish
Directions:
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In a medium saucepan, combine coconut milk, rice, water, sugar, and salt.
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Bring mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
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Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 20–25 minutes until rice is tender and creamy.
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Stir in vanilla extract. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
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Gently fold in diced mango and honey, reserving a few mango pieces for topping.
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Spoon pudding into serving bowls, drizzle extra honey, and garnish with toasted coconut if desired.
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Serve warm or chilled.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: ~290 kcal per serving | Servings: 4
The Origin and Charm of Coconut Rice Pudding with Mango and Honey
Coconut rice pudding is a beloved dish across various cultures, from the creamy “kheer” of India to Southeast Asia’s sweet coconut sticky rice desserts. This particular version, enhanced with honey and fresh mango, is a beautiful fusion of tropical flavors and comforting textures. It brings together fragrant jasmine rice cooked in rich coconut milk, balanced by the floral sweetness of ripe mangoes and the golden syrupy notes of honey. This combination transforms the traditional rice pudding into a luxurious treat that feels both exotic and familiar.
Mango and coconut are a match made in culinary heaven. Both ingredients thrive in tropical climates and have been used together in cuisines like Thai, Filipino, Indian, and Caribbean. The mango lends a juicy, fresh brightness that perfectly complements the creamy, rich, and slightly nutty profile of coconut milk. When you add honey to the mix, you elevate the dish with natural sweetness and floral complexity that sugar alone can’t provide.
The Cultural Influence and Versatility of the Dish
Though inspired by Southeast Asian and Caribbean desserts, coconut rice pudding with mango and honey is incredibly versatile. It fits easily into a variety of cuisines and occasions. In Asian cultures, rice pudding is often made for religious holidays and celebrations, symbolizing prosperity and abundance. Meanwhile, in Caribbean households, coconut milk is a staple, and fresh tropical fruits like mangoes are abundant and celebrated.
The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability. It can be served warm, like traditional rice pudding, for a cozy and comforting dessert. Alternatively, it can be chilled and served cold for a refreshing summertime treat. The mango can be pureed for a smoother texture or diced for a burst of fresh, juicy contrast. The honey can be drizzled as a finishing touch or stirred in for even distribution. Optional toppings like toasted coconut flakes or mint leaves add visual appeal and layers of flavor, making it an elegant option for dinner parties or special occasions.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Aspects
Coconut rice pudding with mango and honey isn’t just indulgent—it also offers a number of health benefits, especially when made with clean, wholesome ingredients. Coconut milk is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easily digestible fats known to support metabolism and energy. Jasmine rice, while primarily a carbohydrate, offers quick energy and when paired with healthy fats like those in coconut milk, provides a more sustained release of energy.
Mangoes are a nutritional powerhouse. They are high in vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health, and also provide vitamin A, which is important for vision and immune health. They contain digestive enzymes like amylase, which help in breaking down carbohydrates, making this dish both comforting and digestive-friendly.
Honey adds not just sweetness but also antibacterial and antioxidant properties, especially if raw or locally sourced. While still a sugar, it’s lower on the glycemic index than refined sugar and contains trace minerals that contribute to overall health.
For those seeking dairy-free desserts, this pudding is a perfect choice. It’s naturally lactose-free thanks to the use of coconut milk, and it can easily be made vegan by replacing honey with agave syrup or maple syrup.
Perfect for Every Season and Every Occasion
What makes this dish truly special is its year-round appeal. In the colder months, a warm bowl of this creamy pudding can be the ultimate comfort food—warming and soothing. The fragrance of coconut and vanilla fills the kitchen, making it a delightful experience even before the first bite.
In summer, this dessert can be served chilled, making it light and refreshing. The mango provides a juicy, fruity counterpoint to the rich coconut base, and when garnished with mint or lime zest, the result is a dessert that feels both tropical and cooling. This duality—warm and cozy or cold and refreshing—gives the dish incredible flexibility.
It’s also easy to scale up for gatherings or portion into individual servings for meal prep. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a holiday, or just want a sweet treat on a weekday night, this recipe fits the bill.
Pairings and Serving Suggestions
For a complete tropical-themed meal, serve this pudding after a light Thai-inspired entrée like lemongrass chicken or coconut curry vegetables. It also pairs beautifully with herbal teas like chamomile or mint, or even a chilled glass of dessert wine for a more refined presentation.
If you’re planning to entertain, serve the pudding in glass dessert cups or layered in parfait glasses for a more visual appeal. Layer it with crushed cookies or graham crackers at the bottom for a pudding parfait, or top it with whipped coconut cream and a sprig of mint. For added texture, consider a sprinkle of chopped nuts, seeds, or even chia seeds.
For a breakfast twist, serve this pudding alongside Greek yogurt or fresh berries. Its mild sweetness makes it suitable for a morning meal when you’re craving something comforting yet not overly sugary.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Make-Ahead Tips
This dessert is excellent for meal prep. Once cooled, coconut rice pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The mango can be mixed in or added fresh on top when serving. For best results, store the honey separately and drizzle it right before serving to preserve its texture and aromatic qualities.
If you’re serving it cold, it’s best to chill the pudding for at least 2–3 hours before serving, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to set. The pudding may thicken slightly in the refrigerator; if needed, a splash of coconut milk or water can be stirred in to loosen it before serving.
Freezing is not typically recommended for rice pudding, as the texture of the rice can become grainy upon thawing. However, the components can be made ahead of time: the pudding base can be cooked and chilled, and the mango can be pre-diced and stored separately.
Appeal for All Ages and Diets
One of the best things about coconut rice pudding with mango and honey is its universal appeal. Kids love the creamy texture and the sweet, fruity taste, while adults appreciate the elegance and richness of the dish. It’s gluten-free, can be made dairy-free and vegan, and has a natural sweetness that avoids the cloying taste of overly processed desserts.
Whether you’re serving a crowd with dietary restrictions or just looking for a feel-good dessert, this dish checks every box. It’s a sophisticated choice that doesn’t require professional-level kitchen skills to pull off. Plus, it’s a wonderful introduction to tropical flavors for those who may not have tried them in desserts before.
Conclusion: A Sweet Journey to the Tropics
Coconut rice pudding with mango and honey is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience. It’s a beautiful way to transport your senses to tropical shores, offering a creamy, fruity, and satisfying finish to any meal. Rooted in tradition but easily adaptable for modern tastes and dietary needs, it’s a recipe that belongs in every home cook’s repertoire.
Whether enjoyed after a hearty dinner, served as a light summer snack, or offered at a festive gathering, this pudding delivers on taste, texture, and beauty. It’s easy to prepare, visually appealing, and infinitely comforting. Give it a try, and you may just find yourself making it a regular addition to your dessert lineup.