Dairy-Free Mango Sticky Rice Chia Pudding

Prep: 10 min2 servingsmediumThai
Mango Sticky Rice Chia Pudding with Coconut

A fusion dessert combining traditional Thai mango sticky rice flavors with modern chia pudding convenience. Creamy coconut milk binds chia seeds and cooked basmati rice, creating a pudding-like texture studded with tender rice grains. Fresh mango chunks and toasted coconut provide tropical sweetness and contrasting textures. Perfect for breakfast, healthy dessert, or meal prep since it sets overnight in the refrigerator. The honey adds natural sweetness while coconut milk delivers rich, dairy-free creaminess that mimics traditional sticky rice preparation.

Ingredients

2 servings
  • 1 cup coconut milk
    almond milk1:1lighter

    less rich, not traditional

    Full guide →
  • ¼ cup chia seeds
  • 1 tbsp honey
    maple syrup1:1vegan

    slightly different flavor

    Full guide →
  • cup basmati rice, cooked and cooled
    jasmine rice1:1traditional

    more authentic Thai flavor

    Full guide →
  • ½ mango, diced
  • 2 tbsp shredded coconut
    almond milk1:1lighter

    less rich, not traditional

    Full guide →

Instructions

  1. 1

    Whisk coconut milk, chia seeds, and honey in a bowl until well combined

  2. 2

    Cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight until thickened

  3. 3

    Stir cooked rice into the set chia pudding, breaking up rice grains

  4. 4

    Divide pudding between dessert cups

  5. 5

    Top with diced mango and shredded coconut

  6. 6

    Serve fresh, mixing to incorporate mango

Tips

Tip 1

Cook rice ahead and let it cool completely to prevent melting the set chia pudding when stirring together.

Tip 2

Whisk chia mixture thoroughly initially to prevent clumping, then stir once more after 15 minutes of chilling.

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days. Stir before serving as separation may occur.

Make Ahead

Make chia base up to 3 days ahead. Add rice and toppings just before serving for best texture.

Serve With

Serve chilled in individual cups or bowls. Provide spoons for mixing in toppings.

Common Mistakes

Watch

Cook rice completely ahead to avoid warming the chilled pudding when combining.

Watch

Whisk chia mixture well initially to prevent seeds from clumping together in the pudding.

Substitutions

Vegan Options

honey
maple syrup1:1vegan

slightly different flavor

Full guide →

General Alternatives

basmati rice
jasmine rice1:1traditional

more authentic Thai flavor

Full guide →
coconut milk
almond milk1:1lighter

less rich, not traditional

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I make this without the rice for a simpler chia pudding?

Yes, simply omit the rice for a standard mango chia pudding. The texture will be smoother without the rice grains, but you'll lose the sticky rice element that makes this fusion unique.

What if my chia pudding is too thick or thin after setting?

If too thick, stir in coconut milk 1 tablespoon at a time. If too thin, mix in more chia seeds and chill another 2-3 hours until properly set.

How long will this keep in the refrigerator?

The pudding base keeps up to 3 days refrigerated. Add fresh mango just before serving since it can release juice and make the pudding watery over time.