How to Make Blueberry & Lavender Coconut Rice Pudding

There’s something quietly powerful about ending your day with a dessert that doesn’t just taste good but also gives something back. That’s what this pudding does. It’s not just about indulgence. It’s about intention.

This rice pudding brings together antioxidant-rich blueberries and calming lavender with the grounding richness of coconut milk and adaptogenic properties that support your nervous system. It’s dessert, yes, but it’s also herbal nourishment in a bowl.

Lavender might seem like a stretch for some, but a small pinch turns this into more than just a sweet treat. It becomes part of your evening ritual. A gentle, floral note that speaks to your nervous system in a language it understands.

Why This Works

• Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk makes this naturally creamy without the need for dairy. Plus, it’s rich in healthy fats that support brain and skin health.

• Arborio Rice: The same rice used in risotto. It releases starch as it cooks, giving you that velvety texture without needing any thickeners.

• Maple Syrup: A touch of natural sweetness that won’t spike your blood sugar the way refined sugar will. It’s also a source of trace minerals.

• Blueberries: High in antioxidants and vitamin C, they help protect your body against oxidative stress and support skin and brain function.

• Lavender: Used in traditional herbalism to calm the nervous system and improve sleep quality. It’s subtle here, not overpowering.

• Lemon Zest: Brightens the flavor and brings in extra vitamin C to round it out.

What This Recipe Supports

Nervous System Balance:
Lavender has long been used to ease tension and support the parasympathetic nervous system. It’s a gentle ally when you’re looking to soften your stress response, especially at the end of a long day.

Antioxidant Protection:
Blueberries are rich in anthocyanins, which help neutralize oxidative stress and support brain and skin health. Think of them as your daily armor against environmental wear and tear.

Sustained Energy & Satiety:
Coconut milk provides nourishing fats that help you feel satisfied without the blood sugar rollercoaster. It’s also a solid choice for feeding your brain and supporting skin hydration from the inside out.

Blood Sugar Stability:
Maple syrup offers a subtle sweetness without the crash. It’s lower on the glycemic index than refined sugar and brings along trace minerals like manganese and zinc.

Digestive Comfort:
Arborio rice is gentle on digestion and, when cooked slowly like this, becomes easier to absorb. Paired with the calming properties of lavender, it’s a good option when your system needs a little extra care.

What You’ll Need

• 1 cup arborio rice (or any white rice on hand)

• 1 ½ cups water

• 1 (14 oz) can full-fat coconut milk

• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

• ¼ cup maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon dried culinary lavender

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional, but recommended)

• ¼ cup coconut yogurt (for topping)

How to Make It

Step 1: Cook the Rice
Bring water to a boil in a saucepan. Add the rice, reduce the heat, and simmer covered for about 10 minutes, or until most of the water is absorbed.

Step 2: Add the Rest
Stir in coconut milk, blueberries, maple syrup, lavender, vanilla, and salt. Keep the heat low and stir occasionally for 20 to 25 minutes until the rice is soft and the mixture has thickened.

Step 3: Adjust the Texture
If it thickens too much, add a splash more coconut milk to loosen it up. Stir in lemon zest for a pop of brightness.

Step 4: Serve and Top
Spoon into bowls and top with a little coconut yogurt, extra blueberries, or a drizzle of maple syrup. Sprinkle a few lavender petals if you like.

Tips

• Stir every so often to keep it from sticking.

• Taste near the end. If your berries are tart, add a little extra syrup.

• The lemon zest makes a difference. Don’t skip it unless you have to.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. It keeps well for up to 3 days in the fridge. Just add a splash of coconut milk when reheating.

What if I don’t have lavender?
You can skip it. You’ll still get plenty of flavor from the coconut and blueberries.

Can I make this sugar-free?
Yes. Swap the maple syrup for a sugar-free option like monk fruit or stevia.

Is it gluten-free?
It is, as long as your vanilla extract is certified gluten-free.

Can I use another type of rice?
Jasmine or basmati work. You may need to adjust the cook time slightly.

Dessert That Means Something

Dessert doesn’t have to be empty. It can be part of your practice. This one just happens to soothe your system while it satisfies your sweet tooth.

Give it a try and see how it feels. You might just find it becomes part of your regular ritual.