Hawaiian Rice Pudding

Hawaiian rice pudding transports you to tropical shores with its delightful combination of sweet rice, juicy pineapple, and coconut folded into pillowy clouds of whipped topping. This vintage recipe—sometimes called Rice Hawaiian—delivers the essence of island flavor in a chilled, creamy dessert that's perfect for hot summer days when turning on the oven is the last thing you want to do. The contrast between the tender rice and the tropical fruit creates a delightful textural experience in every spoonful, while the cool, creamy base provides the perfect backdrop for these island-inspired flavors.

This treasured recipe comes straight from my grandmother's recipe box, a collection I've been sharing to preserve our family's food history. There's something magical about preparing a dish that has graced family tables for generations—each spoonful connects you to countless summer gatherings and potluck dinners of the past. When I make Grandma Doll's Rice Hawaiian, I can almost see it being served in vintage Corningware or bright orange Tupperware at church picnics from decades ago.

Simple Tropical Ingredients

• Cooked rice: Creates the foundation with its subtle flavor and pleasant chewy texture
• Crushed pineapple: Provides juicy sweetness and that essential tropical flavor
• Shredded coconut: Adds distinctive texture and transports your taste buds to the islands
• Whipped topping: Delivers the creamy, cloud-like base that brings everything together
• Sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness of the fruit for a perfectly balanced dessert

I was initially skeptical about rice in a chilled dessert, but it truly creates a wonderful texture and subtle flavor that works beautifully with the tropical elements. The rice maintains its integrity even after refrigeration, making this a perfect make-ahead dessert. Plus, rice is economical, allowing you to easily double the recipe when feeding a crowd at summer gatherings.

Creating Perfect Hawaiian Rice Pudding

Prepare The Rice:

Start with properly cooked rice that's been cooled completely. The cooling is crucial—warm rice would melt the whipped topping and create a runny dessert. For best results, cook the rice a day ahead and refrigerate overnight, which also allows the grains to firm up slightly for better texture in the finished dessert.

Drain The Pineapple:

Thoroughly drain the crushed pineapple, pressing gently to remove excess juice without crushing the fruit. This prevents the dessert from becoming watery while preserving the pineapple's texture and flavor. Reserve the juice for another use—it makes a delicious addition to smoothies or cocktails.

Combine The Elements:

In a large bowl, gently fold together the cooled rice, well-drained pineapple, coconut, and sugar. The folding technique preserves the texture of each ingredient while ensuring even distribution throughout the dessert. This creates the perfect foundation for your tropical treat.

Add The Whipped Topping:

Fold in the whipped topping with a light hand, maintaining as much air as possible for that perfect fluffy texture. Avoid vigorous stirring, which would deflate the topping and result in a dense dessert rather than the light, cloud-like consistency you're aiming for.

Chill To Perfection:

Transfer the mixture to a serving dish, cover, and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and the dessert to set up properly. The result is a perfectly cool, refreshing treat for hot summer days.

Garnish If Desired:

Just before serving, consider adding a simple garnish of additional coconut, a pineapple slice, or perhaps a sprig of mint for a pop of color. While my grandmother served it unadorned, these simple touches can enhance the presentation for special occasions.

With just days left in the school year, this Hawaiian Rice Pudding offers a taste of vacation even if our actual summer plans are still up in the air. As we wait to see how my son Cam's All Star baseball team performs (which will determine when we can escape to that beachside cottage), this cool, creamy treat provides a momentary tropical getaway right at our dinner table.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve this vintage dessert in a clear glass bowl to showcase its creamy texture and the colorful flecks of pineapple and coconut. For individual servings, spoon into dessert cups or parfait glasses for an elegant presentation. This pudding pairs beautifully with fresh tropical fruits like mango and papaya. For a special occasion, serve in hollowed-out pineapple halves for a show-stopping presentation. This dessert is perfect after grilled dishes, complementing the smoky flavors with its cool sweetness.

Creative Variations

Transform this basic recipe by folding in mini marshmallows for added sweetness and texture—a popular addition in many vintage recipes. Create a more indulgent version by sprinkling toasted macadamia nuts on top for a delightful crunch. Add a splash of rum extract for an adult twist that enhances the tropical flavors. For a modern take, layer the pudding with fresh sliced bananas in a trifle dish. Create a coconut cream variation by using cream of coconut in place of some of the sugar for an even more pronounced coconut flavor.

Make-Ahead Magic

Prepare this dessert up to two days before serving, making it perfect for entertaining. The flavors actually improve as the rice absorbs the sweetness from the other ingredients. Cover tightly with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming. For potlucks or picnics, transport in a cooler with ice packs to maintain the proper temperature. For longer storage, portion into individual containers for grab-and-go treats throughout the week.

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I've found that these treasured family recipes like Grandma Doll's Hawaiian Rice Pudding connect us to our past in a deeply personal way. There's something profoundly satisfying about preparing a dish that has been enjoyed across generations, imagining all the hands that have stirred this same mixture and all the gatherings where it has been served. While we may update ingredients or presentation slightly, the heart of the recipe—and the memories it evokes—remains beautifully preserved, ready to create new food memories for generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of rice works best for this Hawaiian Rice Pudding?

Medium or long-grain white rice works well for this recipe. You can use leftover rice from a previous meal - just warm it slightly before adding the brown sugar so the sugar melts properly. Jasmine rice adds a nice aromatic quality, while sushi rice can create a slightly stickier texture. Brown rice can also work but will give a nuttier flavor and firmer texture.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the rice, brown sugar, and pineapple mixture up to 24 hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. However, for the best texture, add the coconut and whipped topping just before serving. If you mix in the whipped topping too far in advance, it may deflate and lose its fluffy texture.

→ Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Simply use a dairy-free whipped topping, such as coconut whipped cream or any plant-based whipped topping available at your grocery store. Many stores now carry coconut-based or almond-based whipped toppings in the freezer section that work perfectly in this recipe.

→ Can I add other fruits to this Hawaiian Rice Pudding?

Absolutely! Diced mango, sliced bananas, or chopped papaya would be delicious tropical additions. Add firm fruits like mango when you add the pineapple. Softer fruits like banana should be added just before serving along with the whipped topping to prevent browning and maintain their texture.

→ How can I make this dessert a bit more special for a party?

For a more festive presentation, serve the pudding in individual glasses or pineapple boats (hollowed pineapple halves). You could also garnish with toasted coconut flakes, a sprinkle of cinnamon, a fresh mint leaf, or a maraschino cherry on top. For adult gatherings, a splash of rum or coconut rum mixed into the rice and pineapple mixture adds a wonderful flavor.