If you’re craving a dessert that’s rich, comforting, and full of vibrant flavors, this Easy Black Rice Pudding with Mango, Coconut, and Peanuts Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining the chewy texture of black glutinous rice with the tropical sweetness of ripe mangoes, creamy coconut milk, and a delightful crunch from peanuts, this dish feels like a warm hug in bowl form. It’s simple, naturally sweetened, and visually stunning, making it a perfect treat whether you’re winding down after dinner or sharing a special moment with friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two close-up photos side by side. On the left side, there is a close-up of many small, long grains of dark purple-black rice with a shiny texture, arranged tightly across the whole frame. On the right side, there is a white plate on a white marbled surface. The plate holds a small round cup filled with white uncooked rice grains and several dark brown vanilla pods lying beside it, their wrinkled texture visible and slightly twisted. The lighting highlights the textures clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe relies on a handful of simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients, each bringing its own magic to the table. From the nutty richness of black glutinous rice to the fresh pop of mango and crunchy peanuts, every component plays a crucial role in making this pudding irresistible.

Black glutinous rice (1 cup): This sticky, dark rice creates the pudding’s signature chewy texture and beautiful deep purple color.
White glutinous rice (4 tablespoons): Adds extra creaminess and body to balance the black rice’s firmness.
Water (4 cups): Essential for cooking the rice to tender perfection.
Coconut sugar (2 tablespoons): A natural sweetener that imparts a subtle caramel flavor without overpowering the dish.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Just a pinch to elevate all the flavors and balance the sweetness.
Unsweetened coconut flakes (1/3 cup): Toasted for a nutty crunch and tropical aroma.
Crushed peanuts (for topping, optional): Adds satisfying texture and savory contrast with every bite.
Fresh mangoes (2 small, cubed): Bright, juicy mango pieces to lighten and freshen every spoonful.
Organic coconut milk (1 can): Simmered warm and poured over the pudding for luscious creaminess and depth.
Fresh mint leaves (a few pieces): A green garnish that adds a refreshing touch and lovely color contrast.

How to Make Easy Black Rice Pudding with Mango, Coconut, and Peanuts Recipe

Step 1: Rinse the Rice

Begin by rinsing both the black glutinous rice and white glutinous rice under cold water until the liquid runs mostly clear. This simple step is key to washing away excess starch, which helps keep your pudding from becoming overly sticky or gummy, resulting in a perfect chewy consistency.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

Place the rinsed rice and 4 cups of water into a rice cooker. As the rice cooks, it will slowly absorb the water and release its natural starches, transforming into a thick, porridge-like pudding. The black glutinous rice especially will turn a lovely deep purple color, making the dish not only delicious but visually stunning.

Step 3: Sweeten the Pudding

Once the rice is tender and most of the water has evaporated, immediately stir in the coconut sugar and salt. Doing this while the rice is still hot prevents sticking and helps the sugar dissolve evenly, giving your pudding a glossy, smooth finish.

Step 4: Add Coconut Flakes and Peanuts

Sprinkle the unsweetened coconut flakes and crushed roasted peanuts over the pudding. The contrast of the toasted coconut’s nutty flavor and the peanuts’ crunch adds another delightful layer of texture that will keep every bite interesting.

Step 5: Warm the Coconut Milk

Gently simmer the can of organic coconut milk on the stove until it’s warm but not boiling. Pour this fragrant milk over the black rice pudding just before serving to introduce richness and a soothing creaminess that ties all the flavors together.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Top the pudding with fresh mango cubes and a few mint leaves for a vibrant finish. Serve it warm to enjoy all the comforting textures and tropical notes bursting in every bite. This Easy Black Rice Pudding with Mango, Coconut, and Peanuts Recipe feels like a dessert and a snack all in one.

How to Serve Easy Black Rice Pudding with Mango, Coconut, and Peanuts Recipe

A white plate holds a mound of shiny black rice shaped into a dome in the center. Cubes of bright yellow mango sit on top of the rice, with a sprig of fresh green mint leaves in the middle. To the side of the rice, there are thin slices of yellow mango fanned out. The dish is sprinkled with small white coconut flakes and tiny bits of crushed nuts over both the rice and mango. The background and surface have a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The toppings are where this dish becomes truly special. Fresh mango cubes bring juicy brightness, fresh mint adds a surprising herbal freshness, and crunchy roasted peanuts alongside toasted coconut flakes offer a satisfying contrast to the soft pudding. Don’t be shy to pile them on generously for that wow factor.

Side Dishes

This pudding works beautifully as a standalone dessert or can be paired with light snacks such as sesame biscuits or tropical fruit salads. For an adventurous twist, serve alongside chilled jasmine tea or a refreshing iced lemongrass drink to complement the creamy coconut and sweet mango flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this pudding in individual glass cups to highlight the vivid colors and layers. You can also layer some mango chunks inside the pudding before topping with coconut flakes for a surprise burst of fruit. For parties, use edible flowers or dust a little toasted coconut powder on top as an elegant finishing touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Easy Black Rice Pudding with Mango, Coconut, and Peanuts Recipe, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, and the flavors even deepen over time. Just be sure to add fresh mango before serving again to avoid it becoming mushy.

Freezing

This pudding doesn’t freeze very well because the texture of the rice and coconut milk can become grainy or separate after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated if you want to keep leftovers.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pudding gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, simply stir in a bit of warm coconut milk or water to restore that luscious creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use regular rice instead of black glutinous rice?

While you can substitute other types of sticky rice, black glutinous rice gives the pudding its unique chewy texture and beautiful color. Regular white rice won’t yield the same richness or visual appeal, but it can work in a pinch.

Is coconut sugar necessary, or can I use another sweetener?

Coconut sugar adds a subtle caramel note that pairs wonderfully with the coconut and mango, but you can use brown sugar, maple syrup, or even honey. Just adjust sweetness to your taste.

Can I make this pudding vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan, using coconut milk instead of dairy, and all other ingredients are plant-based, making it a perfect dessert for vegan friends.

What if I don’t have a rice cooker? Can I cook the pudding on the stove?

Yes, you can cook the rice in a heavy-bottomed pot over low heat. Stir frequently to prevent sticking, and add hot water if it gets too thick before the rice is fully cooked.

How ripe should the mangoes be for this recipe?

Use ripe but firm mangoes. They should be sweet and juicy but still hold their shape when diced so they don’t turn mushy in the pudding.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Black Rice Pudding with Mango, Coconut, and Peanuts Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorite go-to desserts. It’s wonderfully simple yet delivers layers of flavor and texture that make each spoonful a joy. If you’re looking to treat yourself or impress guests with something a little different but easy to prepare, give this recipe a try—you might just fall in love.