The Grinch Rice Pudding

The Grinch Rice Pudding is about to become your new favorite holiday tradition! Last December, I was sitting with Isabella, Emma, and Noah watching “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” for probably the hundredth time when Emma said, “Mama, can we make something that looks like the Grinch?”

Challenge accepted.

I started experimenting with my classic rice pudding recipe, adding a touch of natural green color and keeping it wholesome enough that Henry wouldn’t give me the side-eye about dessert before dinner. The result? A creamy, naturally sweetened Christmas rice pudding that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

This Grinch dessert recipe combines the comfort of traditional rice pudding with a festive twist. It’s made with Arborio rice, vanilla bean ghee, and just a hint of matcha for that signature green color. Trust me, your kids will go wild for the vibrant hue, and you’ll love that it’s made with real ingredients.

The best part? It’s incredibly versatile. Serve it warm on a cold winter evening or chilled as a make ahead dessert for your holiday gathering. Either way, those strawberry hearts on top seal the deal. If you’re looking for more festive treats, check out my easy pumpkin chili recipe for a cozy holiday dinner to serve before this adorable dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Grinch Rice Pudding Recipe

• Naturally sweetened with monkfruit, so you can feel good about serving it to your family
• Ready in 35 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy holiday schedules
• Kid-approved thanks to the fun green color and creamy texture
• Customizable make it dairy free or adjust the sweetness to your liking
• Festive and fun with that iconic Grinch green color and strawberry heart topping
• Great for meal prep since it keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days

Ingredients You’ll Need for The Grinch Rice Pudding

For the pudding:

• 4 cups whole milk (or your favorite non-dairy alternative)
• 1 cup Arborio rice (this short-grain rice creates the creamiest texture)
• 2 tbsp vanilla bean ghee (adds richness and depth)
• 1/3 cup granular monkfruit sweetener or granular sweetener of choice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of sea salt
• Pinch of all natural green colorant dissolved in water totaling about 1 tbsp liquid (matcha powder or dye-free brand)

For topping:

• Greek yogurt
• Fresh strawberries (cut into heart shapes)

The magic ingredient here is definitely the green rice pudding recipe component – that natural colorant. I prefer using matcha powder because it adds a subtle earthy flavor, but if your kids are sensitive to that taste, go with a clean, dye-free green colorant instead.

How to Make The Grinch Rice Pudding

Step 1: Grab a medium saucepan and combine your Arborio rice, monkfruit sweetener, and sea salt. Give it a quick stir to mix everything together.

Step 2: Pour in the milk, then add your vanilla bean ghee, green colorant (or matcha), and vanilla extract. The kitchen is going to smell amazing right about now.

Step 3: Cover the pot with a lid and bring everything to a boil over medium-high heat. Keep an eye on it milk can boil over faster than you’d think!

Step 4: Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low-medium and remove that lid. Let it simmer uncovered for 25 to 35 minutes, stirring frequently. I usually set a timer to remind myself to stir every 5 minutes or so. This prevents the rice from sticking to the bottom and creates that signature creamy texture.

Step 5: You’ll know it’s done when the rice is fully cooked and the pudding has thickened nicely. It should coat the back of a spoon.

Step 6: Scoop your vibrant green rice pudding into individual ramekins or bowls. Let it cool at room temperature for about 15 minutes. The pudding will continue to thicken as it sits (it’s like magic, honestly).

Step 7: You can enjoy it warm right away, or pop it in the fridge for a thicker, denser texture. I personally love it chilled!

Step 8: Before serving, top each portion with a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt and a strawberry cut into a heart shape. Noah insists on doing this part himself, and I’m not complaining.

If the pudding gets too thick after refrigerating, simply stir in a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.

How to Store The Grinch Rice Pudding

Store your festive Christmas pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pudding will thicken considerably as it sits, so keep a little extra milk on hand for thinning it out.

I don’t recommend freezing rice pudding as it can become grainy when thawed. This dessert is best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it.

When reheating, add a tablespoon or two of milk and warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring frequently.

Creative Variations for Your Grinch Dessert Recipe

Make it dairy-free: Swap the whole milk for coconut milk or almond milk, and use coconut oil instead of ghee. The coconut milk version is particularly creamy and delicious.

Adjust the sweetness: Feel free to use regular sugar, maple syrup, or your preferred sweetener. Start with less and taste as you go – you can always add more.

Add mix-ins: Stir in some white chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, or even a handful of dried cranberries for extra holiday flair.

Change the color: You could make this red for a Santa version or keep it classic white if the green isn’t your thing.

Top it differently: Try whipped cream, toasted coconut flakes, or crushed graham crackers instead of Greek yogurt.

I’ve experimented with adding a touch of peppermint extract too, which gives it a fun candy cane vibe that the kids absolutely love.

FAQs About The Grinch Rice Pudding

Final Thoughts on This Festive Green Dessert

The Grinch Rice Pudding has officially joined our family’s holiday rotation, right up there with gingerbread cookies and hot cocoa. It’s one of those healthy holiday dessert options that doesn’t feel like a compromise it’s genuinely delicious and fun to make with kids.

The natural sweetness, creamy texture, and that pop of festive green make it perfect for Christmas gatherings, Grinch-themed parties, or just a cozy night in watching holiday movies. Plus, you can make it ahead of time, which is pretty much essential during the busy holiday season.

I promise this matcha rice pudding will steal hearts (just like the Grinch himself). Give it a try and let me know what you think! Be sure to tag me on Instagram with your Grinch creations I love seeing your festive kitchen adventures.

More Holiday Recipes You’ll Love

• Best Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe
• Easy Monster Cupcakes Recipe
• Lemon Cheesecake Overnight Oats Recipe

Happy holidays, and happy cooking

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