If you’re searching for a dessert that perfectly balances creamy, tropical indulgence with a playful, modern twist, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite Mango Sticky Rice Parfaits. Imagine plush, coconut-infused sticky rice layered with sun-ripened mango chunks, all drizzled with sweet coconut cream and finished with your favorite toppings. It’s a classic Thai treat—reimagined for spoonable, showstopping parfaits you’ll want to make on repeat! Whether you’re a longtime fan of Southeast Asian sweets or simply looking to elevate your at-home dessert game, Mango Sticky Rice Parfaits are sure to deliver a vibrant burst of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of the charm of Mango Sticky Rice Parfaits is how a handful of simple, honest ingredients come together to create something truly unforgettable. Each one plays a key role—the sticky rice becomes your fluffy base, coconut milk lends its signature richness, and fresh mango brings a pop of color and tangy sweetness. Here’s what you need, plus a quick tip for each.
- Sticky rice (or sushi rice): The heart of the parfait! Its chewy texture soaks up coconut milk, creating a luscious foundation.
- Coconut milk: Go full-fat if you can; it brings creamy decadence that binds everything together.
- Sugar: Just enough to sweeten the rice and coconut without overpowering the mango’s natural brightness.
- Salt: Don’t skip this! A tiny touch balances the sweetness and brings out every flavor.
- Ripe mango, diced: Find the juiciest, most fragrant mango possible—the centerpiece of your tropical layers.
- Optional toppings (toasted sesame seeds, shredded coconut, mint leaves): These finishing touches add crunch, aroma, and visual flair you’ll love.
How to Make Mango Sticky Rice Parfaits
Step 1: Prepare the Coconut Mixture
Start by whisking together coconut milk, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan. Heat gently over medium-low, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is silky and fragrant. This little coconut potion will soak into your rice, infusing every grain with sweet, aromatic richness. Let it cool for a few minutes so it doesn’t melt the parfait layers later on.
Step 2: Layer the Parfaits
Now comes the fun part—building those gorgeous Mango Sticky Rice Parfaits! In clear serving glasses or cute jars, add a scoop of sticky rice as your first layer. Top with juicy diced mango and a generous drizzle of your sweetened coconut milk. Feel free to repeat for more layers—the stripes look beautiful, and you’ll get a bit of everything in every spoonful.
Step 3: Add Toppings
With the base layers ready, sprinkle on your favorite toppings. Toasted sesame seeds lend deep, nutty notes, shredded coconut adds more chew and texture, and a few fresh mint leaves bring pop-of-color freshness that feels extra special. Choose one, two, or all three depending on your mood!
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
You can serve your Mango Sticky Rice Parfaits right away if you love them at room temperature, or chill for 15–30 minutes for an ultra-refreshing treat. The flavors meld together even more as they sit! When you’re ready, dig in and enjoy every tropical bite.
How to Serve Mango Sticky Rice Parfaits
Garnishes
The magic is in the toppings! Just before serving, sprinkle your Mango Sticky Rice Parfaits with toasted sesame seeds, a handful of shredded coconut, or a little bouquet of fresh mint leaves. Not only do these garnishes add wonderful crunch and contrasting color, they also fill every spoonful with extra layers of flavor and aroma that make these parfaits feel truly special.
Side Dishes
If you’re making a full Thai-inspired spread, these parfaits are the perfect sweet finale! They pair beautifully with light herbal teas or a simple fruit salad. For a fun brunch, serve alongside other small tropical desserts, or enjoy as a refreshing counterpoint after spicy mains.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation makes all the difference! Try serving Mango Sticky Rice Parfaits in individual mason jars for picnics, miniature cups for parties, or elegant stemless wine glasses for a fancier feel. Layering the parfaits in clear containers really lets those vibrant mango and white coconut stripes shine—they’re guaranteed to bring some wow factor to your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), simply cover the glasses or transfer the parfaits to airtight containers. Store them in the fridge for up to two days. The rice might absorb some extra coconut milk, but the flavors will stay wonderfully vibrant.
Freezing
Freezing Mango Sticky Rice Parfaits isn’t usually recommended, since mangoes and coconut rice tend to lose their best texture after thawing. However, you can freeze the plain sticky rice separately and assemble fresh parfaits with new mango and coconut milk when ready to serve.
Reheating
If you refrigerated your parfaits and want to bring them back closer to room temperature, just let them sit on the counter for 20 to 30 minutes before enjoying. For a slightly warmer version, reheat the sticky rice (without mango) gently in the microwave, then assemble the parfaits fresh.
FAQs
What type of rice works best for Mango Sticky Rice Parfaits?
Traditional Thai sweet rice (also called glutinous rice) gives the classics its signature stickiness, but sushi rice is a wonderful, easy-to-find substitute and yields a similarly satisfying texture.
Can I use canned mango instead of fresh?
Fresh mango is always best for bold color and juicy texture, but in a pinch, well-drained canned mango slices can be used. Just be sure they’re packed in juice and not syrup, and pat them dry before layering.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan and dairy-free?
Absolutely! Mango Sticky Rice Parfaits are naturally vegan and dairy-free, thanks to the coconut milk. Just check your toppings to be sure—they should be plant-based as well.
How far ahead can I assemble the parfaits?
You can make Mango Sticky Rice Parfaits a few hours in advance; simply store them covered in the refrigerator. For the freshest appearance and texture, add garnishes just before serving.
Do I need any special equipment?
No fancy gadgets required! Just a saucepan for the coconut milk and whatever glasses or jars you’d like for serving. A spoon for layering and a sharp knife for the mango are all you need to get beautiful results.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Mango Sticky Rice Parfaits before, I truly hope you’ll give them a go. Each layer is full of tropical goodness and pure happiness—perfect for sharing with friends, family, or just as a treat to yourself. Go ahead, grab a mango and let your dessert imagination run wild!