Polynesian Rice Dessert

This velvety dessert is made with a few simple pantry ingredients like coconut, pineapple, yogurt and marshmallows!

(5 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5)

Polynesian Rice Dessert

Cooking time
PREP TIME 5 mins
Cooking time
COOK TIME 10 mins
Servings
SERVES 4- 6
Ready in
TOTAL TIME 15 mins (+ 1 hour chill time)

Ingredients

  • 1 bag Success® White Rice
  • 1 cup flaked coconut
  • 1 can (8 oz) pineapple tidbits, drained
  • 1 cup miniature marshmallows
  • 2 cups vanilla yogurt

Instructions

  • With just 5 ingredients, you can get a taste of the tropics with this easy Polynesian Rice Dessert.

    Step 1

  • Prepare rice according to package directions. Allow to cool.

    Step 2

  • Place rice in a large bowl. Add coconut, pineapple and marshmallows; toss lightly. Add yogurt; mix gently, to coat.

    Step 3

  • Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.

What are Coconut Flakes?

Rather than being grated like shredded coconut, flaked coconut is cut boiled coconut meat. Though both varieties taste the same, shredded coconut will thicken your pudding while flakes will give your dessert texture.

Yogurt Substitution

No yogurt? Don’t let that stop you from preparing this dessert. Simply swap in buttermilk! While buttermilk isn’t necessarily a kitchen staple, it’s a cinch to make it yourself! Take a measuring cup, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, and fill up to the 1 cup line. When you use milk as a substitute, you’ll want to take the measurement for yogurt and reduce it by ¼. So for this recipe, you’ll only need a cup and a half of buttermilk – don’t forget to add a splash of vanilla!

Tropical Treats

Whether you’re trying to stay cool during the dog days of summer or want to channel the tropics during the dead of the winter, these tasty refreshing flavors will hit the spot! Make an irresistible pineapple coconut syrup and drizzle it on Hawaiian Rice Pudding. Or, why not use coconut milk when preparing the rice? Our take on the Thai street food favorite, Sweet Jasmine and Mango Rice never ceases to please. For a lighter dessert, this creamy Banana Kiwi Rice Pudding is a frozen yogurt tangy treat! Looking for a new dinner idea? Take a look at our:  Best Spanish Rice Recipe.