Name: Coconut-Berry-Date Walnut Rice Pudding Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Tropical
Ingredients: 1 cup arborio or short-grain rice; 2 ½ cups full-fat coconut milk; 1 cup water; ¼ teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ cup shredded coconut (unsweetened); ½ cup chopped strawberries; ½ cup blueberries; 6 medjool dates, pitted and sliced; ¼ cup walnut halves or pieces, toasted

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Imagine scooping into a bowl of pure comfort where tropical coconut creaminess meets bursts of berry freshness, soft dates, and golden, crunchy walnuts. This Coconut-Berry-Date Walnut Rice Pudding is an absolute celebration for the senses—rich and creamy, naturally sweetened, and layered with exciting textures. Whether you’re serving it chilled as a sunny-day treat or warm for cozy nights, this delightful dessert instantly transports you to dessert paradise, one spoonful at a time.

Coconut-Berry-Date Walnut Rice Pudding Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every component of this dish brings something magical—whether it’s luscious coconut milk, naturally sweet dates, or the pop of juicy berries. You only need a handful of pantry staples and a quick trip to the produce market to create the bright and bold flavors this Coconut-Berry-Date Walnut Rice Pudding is known for!

Arborio or short-grain rice: Delivers the perfect creamy, chewy texture, which is the soul of a great rice pudding!
Full-fat coconut milk: Gives the pudding its signature richness and intoxicating tropical aroma.
Water: Helps loosen the coconut milk for even cooking and prevents the pudding from becoming too thick.
Salt: A tiny amount works wonders to balance the sweetness and enhance every flavor note.
Maple syrup or honey: Natural sweeteners that add warmth and depth while keeping things refined sugar-free.
Vanilla extract: Adds a delightful fragrance and ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Shredded coconut (unsweetened): A gentle boost of coconut flavor and irresistible chewy texture.
Strawberries (chopped): The juicy, sweet-tart pop makes each bite bright and refreshing.
Blueberries: A burst of color and antioxidants, plus they’re just plain fun to eat.
Medjool dates (pitted and sliced): Nature’s caramel—soft, sticky, and naturally sweet.
Walnut halves or pieces (toasted): Adds crunch and a nutty finish that perfectly contrasts the creamy pudding.

How to Make Coconut-Berry-Date Walnut Rice Pudding

Step 1: Simmer the Rice in Coconut Milk

Combine your rice, full-fat coconut milk, water, and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan. Set it over medium heat and bring this dreamy mix to a gentle boil. The coconut milk will slowly scent your kitchen, and the rice starts absorbing all that glorious flavor—this is where the magic begins!

Step 2: Slow-Cook Until Creamy

Turn that heat way down to low, partially cover the pan, and let everything simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. Give it a gentle stir every now and then, soaking in the fragrance and watching as the rice plumps up and transforms into the creamiest base for your Coconut-Berry-Date Walnut Rice Pudding.

Step 3: Sweeten and Add Coconut

Once your rice is tender and luscious, stir in the maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and shredded coconut. Let this mixture bubble for just a couple more minutes—this last step infuses deep flavor and a little extra chewiness. Remove the pan from heat, and take a moment to appreciate just how inviting it looks!

Step 4: Cool, Then Assemble

Allow the pudding to cool slightly so it thickens a bit more—you can spoon it into a glass dish or individual serving bowls at this stage. The waiting is the hardest part, but it’ll be worth it for that perfectly set, spoonable texture.

Step 5: Add the Fresh and Crunchy Toppings

Now for the fun! Pile on the sliced dates, vibrant strawberries, plump blueberries, and toasted walnuts. These toppings take your Coconut-Berry-Date Walnut Rice Pudding to the next level with their color, crunch, and juicy sweetness. Serve it warm for a cozy treat, or pop it in the fridge to chill, depending on your mood. Don’t forget that optional swirl of extra coconut milk!

How to Serve Coconut-Berry-Date Walnut Rice Pudding

Garnishes

A final flourish of toasted coconut flakes, a drizzle of maple syrup, or an extra sprinkle of chopped walnuts can add an irresistible touch to your Coconut-Berry-Date Walnut Rice Pudding. Even a few fresh mint leaves will make it look and taste gorgeously fresh!

Side Dishes

This creamy rice pudding is filling on its own, but it makes a wonderful partner to a fresh fruit salad or a platter of tropical fruit. If you’re serving a brunch, pair it with herbal teas or a frothy coconut latte for a totally dreamy combo.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping dessert, layer the pudding, fruit, and nuts in clear glasses for a lovely parfait effect. You can also spoon the Coconut-Berry-Date Walnut Rice Pudding into mason jars for on-the-go snacking, or shape it into little rounds in ramekins for an elegant plated treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any of this dreamy Coconut-Berry-Date Walnut Rice Pudding left, simply pop it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to four days—and in my opinion, it might even taste better after the flavors have had time to mingle!

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this rice pudding! Place leftovers into freezer-safe containers, making sure to leave a little space for expansion. Freeze for up to one month; just keep in mind that the fruit topping is best added fresh after thawing for the best texture and color.

Reheating

To serve warm, simply reheat individual portions gently in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of coconut milk or water if it seems a little thick. Stir well and enjoy—warm pudding is especially comforting!

FAQs

Can I use another type of rice if I don’t have arborio?

Absolutely! While arborio or short-grain rice creates the creamiest texture, jasmine or sushi rice work beautifully too—just avoid long-grain rice as it tends to be less creamy.

Is this Coconut-Berry-Date Walnut Rice Pudding vegan?

If you choose maple syrup as your sweetener, the whole recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan. Just be sure to double-check any bottled vanilla for hidden animal-derived ingredients.

What other fruits can I use?

Feel free to swap in raspberries, blackberries, diced mango, or even sliced banana—this pudding loves all kinds of fresh, juicy fruits! Have fun and make it your own signature Coconut-Berry-Date Walnut Rice Pudding variation.

Can I reduce the sweetness?

Of course. Everything in this recipe can be adjusted to suit your preferences, so if you’d like it less sweet, simply use less maple syrup or honey—or boost the amount of tangy berries for balance.

How do I toast walnuts?

Just scatter the walnuts on a pan and toast over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and fragrant. Let them cool before adding to your Coconut-Berry-Date Walnut Rice Pudding for the ultimate crunch!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a spoonful of sunshine, give this Coconut-Berry-Date Walnut Rice Pudding a whirl—your tastebuds (and any lucky friends you share it with) will be obsessed! Wholesome, creamy, and refreshingly different, this pudding is bound to become a go-to homemade treat you’ll crave all year long.