Sticky Rice with Passion Fruit Sauce Recipe

Sticky rice with passion fruit sauce is a match made in foodie heaven. This enticing dessert combines the creamy texture of sticky rice with the zingy, tropical flavor of passion fruit. Perfect for impressing your guests at a dinner party or simply treating yourself to a comforting yet exotic sweet fix, this dish is easier to make than you think.

Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a dessert enthusiast exploring new recipes, this guide walks you through everything from preparing the sticky rice to crafting a luscious passion fruit sauce.

Why Sticky Rice with Passion Fruit Sauce Stands Out

This dessert isn’t just delicious—it’s a sensory experience. Here's why it deserves a spot on your dessert repertoire.

Tropical Fusion: The sharp tang of passion fruit balances beautifully with the rich, creamy sticky rice.
Versatile: Serve it as a warm dessert or chilled for a refreshing treat during summer.
Impressive Yet Simple: With just a few ingredients, this dish looks elegant but is surprisingly easy to prepare.

Ingredients You'll Need

Before we get started, gather these ingredients for this indulgent dessert.

For the Sticky Rice:

1 cup of glutinous (sticky) rice
1 1/4 cups water
1 cup coconut milk
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Passion Fruit Sauce:

4-5 ripe passion fruits (you’ll need the pulp)
1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (optional, for thickness)

Note: Glutinous rice is essential for achieving the right sticky texture. You can find it at Asian grocery stores or specialty sections of supermarkets.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Sticky Rice with Passion Fruit Sauce

Step 1: Preparing the Sticky Rice

Rinse and soak the rice: Wash the glutinous rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Then, soak it in water for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best texture.
Steam the rice: Drain the soaked rice and place it in a steamer lined with cheesecloth. Steam over medium heat for about 20–25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and sticky.
Make the coconut mix: While the rice is steaming, heat coconut milk, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, but don’t bring it to a boil.
Combine: Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a mixing bowl. Gradually pour the warm coconut milk mixture over the rice, gently folding it in. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 15–20 minutes to absorb all the flavors.

Step 2: Making the Passion Fruit Sauce

Scoop the pulp: Cut the passion fruits in half and scoop out the pulp into a small saucepan.
Sweeten the sauce: Add sugar and water to the passion fruit pulp. Stir to combine.
Simmer: Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once it starts to thicken slightly (5–7 minutes), remove from heat.
Optional step for thickness: If you'd like a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it into the passion fruit sauce while simmering for an extra minute.

Step 3: Serving the Dessert

Plate the sticky rice: Scoop the sticky rice onto individual plates or bowls.
Drizzle passion fruit sauce: Spoon the warm passion fruit sauce generously over the sticky rice.
Garnish (optional): Add extra flair with a sprig of mint, toasted sesame seeds, or a drizzle of coconut cream.
Serve and enjoy: This dessert can be served warm or chilled based on your preference.

Tips for Perfect Sticky Rice with Passion Fruit Sauce

Taste balance: Adjust the sugar in the sauce depending on how tangy your passion fruits are.
No steamer? No problem: You can cook sticky rice in a rice cooker that has a sticky rice setting or improvise with a large pot and heatproof dish.
Batch Prep: Both the sticky rice and sauce can be made ahead of time. Just reheat before serving.

Why You'll Fall in Love with This Dessert

Not only is sticky rice with passion fruit sauce a flavor-packed dessert, but it's also a conversation starter that showcases your creativity in the kitchen. The combination of textures—the creamy rice paired with the glossy, vibrant passion fruit sauce—delivers consistent “wow” moments with every bite.

Whether you're indulging solo or sharing with friends, this dessert reminds us that the best culinary experiences often come from simple, high-quality ingredients prepared thoughtfully.

Elevate Your Dessert Game

Looking for more inspiration? Explore a world of flavor with more unique recipes on our blog. And if you try this recipe, snap a picture, and share it with us using hashtag #StickyRiceLove.

Happy cooking (and eating)!