This recipe for Rice Pudding with Rhubarb uses coconut milk and is made right on the stove top! It’s unbelievably creamy and comforting with tender, cooked rhubarb flavored with rosewater to spoon over the top.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Years ago when I lived alone in a small, lonely apartment in a new town, I’d make rice pudding for the nostalgic comfort of it. There’s nothing better if you’re feeling a little homesick.
While I’ll always love the classic combination of creamy rice and whisky-soaked raisins, this recipe is a fresh take on that idea, and the results are super delicious and totally worth a try sometime. Here’s why:
- No dairy! This recipe for rice pudding is seriously updated without any heavy cream, eggs or milk. In fact, you could use a vegan style butter to make the whole recipe non-dairy. Yee haw!
- This gorgeous pink poached rhubarb sauce is gently flavored with rosewater is every bit as good as it sounds 🙂
- Rice pudding is wonderful as a brunch side dish…seriously good. Serve something with it like a Zucchini Potato Frittata, for example, and maybe some California Fig Banana Bread and Boozy Fresh Cherry Blackbottom Milkshakes just for fun!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the full recipe and list of ingredients, please scroll to the recipe card below
- Fresh Rhubarb: Long, rosy stalks are in grocery stores and farmers markets in warmer months, grab them while they’re in season.
- Rosewater: Use a culinary rosewater like Cortas. Rosewater is easy to find in most supermarkets in the baking aisle, and it adds a mysterious and delightful flavor to the cooked rhubarb. It’s strong, so don’t be tempted to add more than the recipe calls for.
- Butter: Regular unsalted is what we want for this recipe
- Rice: Regular long grain rice works great here, but you could also use Basmati, Arborio or Jasmine.
- Lemon Zest: Plus a little lemon juice for freshness and extra flavor. There’s no cinnamon stick in this rice pudding like traditional versions.
- Coconut Milk: Use the light variety in this recipe
- Sugar: Regular sugar is totally fine.
- Vanilla: Pure vanilla extract is what we need.
Step-by-Step Instructions
For the full set of instructions, please scroll to the recipe card below.
- Cook the Rhubarb: Trimmed,sliced fresh rhubarb gets cooked with water, sugar and salt.
- Simmer: Then cool slightly and puree in a food processor or blender. Return to the saucepan, add in some reserved rhubarb and simmer til’ soft. This makes a saucy, delicious mixture that’s easy to spoon.
- Cook the Rice: Combine the uncooked rice, water, butter, salt and lemon zest in a heavy saucepan, stirring occasionally, until the rice is fully cooked and tender.
- Combine: The coconut milk, sugar and vanilla, then simmer together with the rice mixture until the flavors are combined and the liquids mostly absorbed
- To serve: I love this best when it’s chilled for at least an hour, but it’s delicious warm too.
Expert Tips and Variations
- If your rice needs more cooking time because you notice the texture is still a bit chewy or slightly hard, just add a tablespoon or so more water and keep the heat at medium, stirring occasionally until the water evaporates and the rice is tender. You can repeat this a couple of times as needed.
- Rosewater lends a subtle floral flavor to the cooked rhubarb, and it’s absolutely delicious. If you can’t find culinary rosewater or just don’t want to, use pure vanilla extract instead. Fabulous!
- This Rice Pudding with Rhubarb will stay fresh for several days stored in the fridge in airtight containers. Keep the rhubarb sauce and rice mixtures separate until ready to serve.
- Use whole milk instead of coconut milk if you’d prefer.
- Use a vanilla bean instead of vanilla extract if that’s what you have. Just scrape the inside of the vanilla bean and add it to the rice mixture when cooking.
- This recipe uses regular long grain uncooked white rice, but most any rice will work (and note that you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.)
Serving Ideas
- This dessert looks beautiful in small glasses served on a wooden tray with a side bowl of whipped cream for extra deliciousness.
- LOVE this dessert with a brunch spread, or just on a cool morning with some bacon or sausage, scrambled eggs and that sort of thing.
- Serve this rice pudding family style, or portion it out in small glasses or cups.
- Whipped cream (non-dairy) is wonderful with this recipe! Same goes for this delish recipe for Raspberry Rhubarb Crisp!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! This is fine to do…just make it, cool it down and store in a tightly sealed container and keep in the refrigerator for 1-2 days before serving.
I wouldn’t, because the vegetables will definitely lose their luster in the process. If you are short on time, prep the components in advance and keep them refrigerated, then assemble and bake the frittata just before serving for maximum flavor and freshness
Yes! You can make the the two components, the rice mixture and then the rhubarb sauce at least two days in advance and keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.
What other types of rice can be used for this recipe?
If you don’t have long grain white rice, try Arborio, Basmati or Jasmine rice instead. Note that the cooking times may be slightly longer, so cook according the package directions.
More Recipes to Try:
Summer Fruit Crisp: A family favorite, so great with vanilla ice cream!
Roasted Nectarines with Caramel Sauce: Amazing and delicious!
Melon with Ice Cream & Caramel Sauce An all-time favorite!
Summer Fruit Crisp Everyone loves this one!
Strawberry Cheesecake in a Jar Reader favorite!
Melon with Ice Cream and Caramel Sauce Easy, fabulous and perfect for summer
Fresh Banana Cake A delicious dessert for all those ripe bananas
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If you’ve tried Coconut Milk Rice Pudding with Rose Rhubarb, or any recipe on Studio Delicious, please tell me about it in the comments below!
Rice Pudding With Rose Rhubarb
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups Rhubarb stalks, ends trimmed, thinly sliced About 1/2 pound
- 1/3 cup Water
- 1/3 cup Sugar
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Rose Water or pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups Water
- 2 tablespoons Butter, unsalted
- 1 1/2 cups Rice, white long grain, uncooked
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Lemon Zest
- 2 14.5 oz cans Coconut Milk, light
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1/2 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- FOR THE RHUBARB MIXTURE
- Add the sliced rhubarb to a heavy non-stick saucepan, reserving a 1/2 cup of it for later
- Add the water, 1/3 cup sugar and salt to the saucepan with the rhubarb.Simmer on medium heat, uncovered for about 8 minutes until rhubarb is tender.
- Let the mixture cool for 5 minutes, then put the mixture in a food processor or blender and process it until smooth.
- Return the rhubarb mixture to the saucepan and add the reserved 1/2 cup of uncooked rhubarb, plus a tablespoon of water.
- Simmer the mixture on medium heat, until the rhubarb pieces are tender, about 6 minutes. If the mixture is too thick, add another tablespoon of water. It should be syrupy but spoon-able. Remove from heat and stir in the rosewater (or vanilla, if using) and set aside to cool.
- MAKE THE RICE MIXTURE
- Combine the 3 cups water, butter, the uncooked rice, salt and lemon zest in a 2 quart saucepan. Bring to a boil, then cover the saucepan with a lid and and lower the heat to medium. Simmer the mixture until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender, 15-20 minutes. Set aside.
- In another large saucepan, combine the coconut milk and remaining 1 cup sugar and simmer on low heat for 5 minutes until the sugar is dissolved. Add the cooked rice mixture to the coconut mixture and continue to simmer together on low heat, uncovered, until most of the liquid is absorbed, another 15 minutes or so. Stir the mixture occasionally so it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan. Remove from the heat and add the vanilla extract, stir to combine.
- For serving, divide the rice mixture into 6 small glass dessert glasses or bowls, and top with a couple of spoonfuls of the Rose Rhubarb sauce. Serve with whipped cream if desired, too.
Notes
- If your rice needs more cooking time because you notice the texture is still a bit chewy or slightly hard, just add a tablespoon or so more water and keep the heat at medium, stirring occasionally until the water evaporates and the rice is tender. You can repeat this a couple of times as needed.
- Rosewater lends a subtle floral flavor to the cooked rhubarb, and it’s absolutely delicious. If you can’t find culinary rosewater or just don’t want to, use pure vanilla extract instead. Fabulous!
- This Rice Pudding with Rhubarb will stay fresh for several days stored in the fridge in airtight containers. Keep the rhubarb sauce and rice mixtures separate until ready to serve.
- Use whole milk instead of coconut milk if you’d prefer.
- Use a vanilla bean instead of vanilla extract if that’s what you have. Just scrape the inside of the vanilla bean and add it to the rice mixture when cooking.
- This recipe uses regular long grain uncooked white rice, but most any rice will work (and note that you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.)
Nutrition
- Super important to read the whole recipe before you begin
- Pay attention to the ingredient list and photos for the recipe
- If possible, prep your ingredients a little before you start
- Always use a sharp knife for safety
- Use the size of pan called for in the recipe
- For savory recipes, taste and season as you go
- Buy fresh, organic ingredients, locally sourced whenever possible
This recipe was originally published May, 2018, and was updated with new tips, content and photos in April, 2021.
Your rice pudding recipe sounds amazing but add the rose water and rhubarb you’ve got one special treat.
Thank you 🙂
This is my kind of breakfast! Growing up in Panama we are a coconut in everything culture LOL! Breakfast, lunch or dinner. This looks to good!
Thank you !
Rice pudding is one of my favorite comfort foods. You took it to a whole other level with this rose rhubarb on top! My brother LOVES rhubarb more than anything, so I’m sending him this recipe!
That’s so great…thanks!
I am currently battling a runny nose as I type this but I do believe I have landed on the perfect recipe that I needed badly. I love coconut milk and when you add it to a pudding, it becomes more comforting and delightful.
I hope you feel better..:)
I’m not afraid of germs but I just don’t like to get my hands dirty. It’s funny our little quirks, isn’t it? But, enought about that, I love rhubarb and I love rice pudding and yours looks delicious! I have to start looking for rhubarb so I can make it!
I think you are right…..thanks 🙂
I love the sweet smell of rose water in cakes and cookies and this rice pudding sounds like the perfect candidate. I must admit I have never made rhubarb myself. Never tasted it but i’m very intrigued.
You should def try it…it’s so good! 🙂
Rice pudding is my kiddos favorite breakfast. I can’t wait to make him this. SOunds so delicious and sweet. Love the rhubarb and coconut combo.
Oh thank you!
My husband is a fan of rice pudding, but I don’t think he’s tried it with rhubarb. Rose rhubarb sounds especially delicious! This is definitely something we’d make!
Excellentness! 🙂
This is such a great flavor combination, I love rhubarb and creamy rice pudding.
Thank you!
These contrasting flavors sound so refreshing and full of comfort! Beautiful recipe and very creative use of rhuarb. Perfect!
Thank you so much for the nice comments! 🙂
Such a beautiful and delicious dessert! I would love this after dinner tonight. So yummy!
im so excited for rhubarb to be in season…and it sounds sooo good with coconut milk.
What an absolutely beautiful looking dessert! I like the idea of rhubarb but I never know what to make with it besides pie, which is a lot of effort. So, I like that this one is ready in under 1 hour!
Thanks and hope you like it!
This is amazing. I am one of those people who loves to use rose water in things, never thought about pairing with rhubarb. So delicious!
Oh thank you! 🙂
This dessert recipe is SO GOOD! Perfect way to use rhubarb this season!
Yes it is, thanks
I love this version of rice pudding, and what a delicious way to use some of the rhubarb in my garden.
Yes! Lucky you with the rhubarb!
hmm. I’ve never made rice pudding but I made tapioca pudding last weekend! This looks soooo much easier and quicker. I bet it is delicious with the rose accented rhubarb.
It really is good, thanks for commenting!
My husband and I debate traditional rice pudding frequently, specifically if it should have raisins. This is a combination I’ve never tried or seen, it would be interesting to have the husband try and see if we agree.
It’s different, but tasty..:)
Oh my goodness I do not have the words to explain how amazing this was, I adore rhubarb and have been looking for a simple and delicious dessert this was it, absolutely amazing! I loved the addition of rosewater, would have never thought it would be such a delicious pair.
good to hear…thank you!
Totally in love with the combo. How flavorful and such a lovely treat.
Thank you..:)
This is just such a great recipe! I am so excite to have a dairy free rice pudding recipe that I love!
Great!
Oh My! The flavor combinations in this dessert were so delicate and light! I felt so feminine while eating this! Perfect for a girl’s brunch!
hahaha! Glad you enjoyed..
This is such a delicious flavor combination with rhubarb and rice pudding. Cannot wait to give it a try!
Great, thanks !
This looks absolutely delicious. I bet my boys would love this too. I never tried rhubarb with rice pudding before. Can’t wait to give this a try.
well thank you!
This recipe for Coconut Milk Rice Pudding with Rose Rhubarb was so easy and tasted delish! I am already planning to make it again soon! Definitely a hit in our house.
That’s great news!
I absolutely love coconut rice pudding. I make weekly if not more often. It’s been my favorite for years. Thank you for the rhubarb idea. It’s not for me but my husband and friends enjoy the addition.
Oh good! Hope you like it!
Ooh la-la! Love rhubarb and loved the hint of rose water in it, rice pudding is a dessert that needs to be brought back, this was so delicious and easy to make!
Thanks!
My mom is a big rice pudding lover. She was over the moon over this!
Yummy my Mom made me rhubarb growing up
Great….mine did too!