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Delicious Hawaiian Rice Pudding

Experience the tropical flavors of Hawaii with this creamy and comforting Hawaiian rice pudding. It’s a delightful dessert that combines coconut, pineapple, and a hint of vanilla for a taste of paradise.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked rice (short or medium-grain for best texture)
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned, drained well)
  • 1 cup coconut cream (or coconut milk for a lighter option)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (can substitute with honey or maple syrup)
  • 1 cup Cool Whip or whipped topping (freshly whipped cream also works)
  • mini marshmallows (optional)
  • toasted macadamia nuts (optional for extra crunch)

Instructions

  1. Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Make sure your rice is cooked and cooled to room temperature to prevent clumping. If you need to cook rice, do so first, which takes about 20 minutes, and let it cool.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice and coconut cream. Stir well until the rice is fully coated and creamy. Look for a smooth consistency without clumps, which should take about 2 minutes.
  3. Gradually add the granulated sugar to the rice mixture, stirring continuously. Taste after each addition to ensure it’s sweetened to your liking. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Now, fold in the pineapple chunks gently. Use a spatula and be cautious not to break the pineapple pieces. You want to see nice chunks distributed throughout the mixture, which should take around 1-2 minutes.
  5. Add the Cool Whip or whipped topping into the mixture, gently folding it in. This gives the pudding a light and airy texture. Ensure no streaks remain, which should take about 3 minutes.
  6. If desired, mix in mini marshmallows at this point for an additional sweet bite. Keep folding until evenly distributed.
  7. Transfer the mixture into a serving bowl or individual cups. You can smooth the top with a spatula. Cover with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until chilled. The texture will firm up slightly, making it easier to serve.
  8. Before serving, sprinkle toasted macadamia nuts on top for a delightful crunch. This also adds a beautiful presentation element!

Nutrition

Keywords: Watch the sugar: Start with half the amount and adjust based on your taste after combining the ingredients. Ensure the pineapple chunks are drained well to avoid excess moisture.