Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Glorified Rice is a unique dessert that’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy gatherings or events. The creamy whipped mixture contrasts beautifully with the crunch of rice and the sweetness of the fruit. It’s a light, but indulgent dish, and the mix of textures—creamy, fruity, and a little chewy from the rice—makes every bite an experience. The vibrant colors of the fruit make it visually appealing too, making it a show-stopping dish that adds a pop of color to any table.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 cup white rice (uncooked)
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2 cups water
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1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained (reserve juice)
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1 cup mini marshmallows
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1 cup whipped cream (or heavy cream, whipped)
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½ cup sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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½ cup maraschino cherries, halved (optional)
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1 cup fruit cocktail or fresh fruit like grapes, peaches, or mandarin oranges (optional)
Directions
Cooking the Rice:
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Cook the rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice and reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Let the rice cool to room temperature.
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Fluff the rice: Once the rice is cool, fluff it with a fork to break up any clumps.
Preparing the Glorified Rice:
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Whip the cream: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with a hand mixer or stand mixer until soft peaks form. Add sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to whip until stiff peaks form.
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Mix in the rice and pineapple: In a large bowl, combine the cooled rice and the whipped cream mixture. Gently fold the two together. Add the drained pineapple and any other fruit or marshmallows you’re using, mixing gently to combine.
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Add marshmallows and fruit: Fold in the mini marshmallows and cherries, if using. If you’re adding other fruits like fresh grapes or peaches, gently stir them in as well.
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Chill: Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, allowing the flavors to blend and the dessert to firm up.
Serving:
Serve chilled and enjoy the creamy, fruity goodness of Glorified Rice. It’s perfect as a sweet side dish or a refreshing dessert!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 8-10
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Chill Time: 2-3 hours
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Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Variations
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Tropical Glorified Rice: Add diced mango, coconut flakes, or papaya for a tropical twist.
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Berry Glorified Rice: Use fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries instead of fruit cocktail for a lighter, berry-filled version.
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Nutty Twist: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture contrast.
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Vegan Version: Use coconut cream or dairy-free whipped topping in place of heavy cream and make sure to use dairy-free marshmallows.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store any leftover Glorified Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: This dessert doesn’t freeze well, as the texture can change once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
While you can use brown rice, keep in mind that the texture will be slightly different, and brown rice takes longer to cook. If you prefer the traditional taste and texture, white rice is recommended.
Can I make Glorified Rice ahead of time?
Yes, this dessert is perfect for making ahead. It can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes! If you’re using fresh pineapple, chop it finely and drain any excess juice before adding it to the mixture. Fresh pineapple will provide a fresher flavor, though canned pineapple is often more convenient.
How can I make this dessert lighter?
For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a lighter whipped topping. You can also reduce the sugar to your preference.
What can I substitute for marshmallows if I don’t like them?
If you don’t enjoy marshmallows, you can skip them entirely or substitute them with mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even toasted coconut for a fun variation.
Can I use other fruit in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can mix and match with fresh fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, or diced apples. Just be sure to use fruit that complements the sweetness of the rice and cream.
Conclusion
Glorified Rice is a creamy, sweet, and refreshing dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its fluffy texture, delicious fruity flavors, and easy preparation, it’s a great treat to share with family and friends. Whether you make it for a summer picnic, a holiday gathering, or simply as a fun dessert, Glorified Rice is sure to be a hit. Plus, with endless variations to choose from, you can customize it to your taste. This dessert is as versatile as it is delicious, making it a must-try!

Glorified Rice
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Glorified Rice is a creamy, sweet, and refreshing dessert that combines fluffy rice with whipped cream, fruit, and marshmallows for a colorful and indulgent treat. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday dinners, this easy-to-make dessert will be a crowd favorite every time!
Ingredients
For the Rice:
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1 cup white rice (uncooked)
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2 cups water
For the Filling:
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1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained (reserve juice)
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1 cup mini marshmallows
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1 cup whipped cream (or heavy cream, whipped)
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½ cup sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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½ cup maraschino cherries, halved (optional)
- 1 cup fruit cocktail or fresh fruit like grapes, peaches, or mandarin oranges (optional)
Instructions
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Cooking the Rice:
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Rinse the rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
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Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for about 15-20 minutes, until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Let the rice cool to room temperature.
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Fluff the rice: Once cooled, fluff the rice with a fork.
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Preparing the Glorified Rice:
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Whip the cream: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with a hand mixer or stand mixer until soft peaks form. Add sugar and vanilla extract, then continue to whip until stiff peaks form.
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Mix rice and pineapple: In a large bowl, combine the cooled rice with the whipped cream mixture. Gently fold the ingredients together.
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Add fruit and marshmallows: Fold in the drained pineapple, mini marshmallows, cherries, and any additional fruit you are using. Gently mix to combine.
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Chill the Dessert:
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Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours to let the flavors meld together and the dessert firm up.
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Serving:
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Serve chilled. Enjoy the creamy, fruity goodness of Glorified Rice as a dessert or side dish!
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Notes
Make-Ahead: This dessert is perfect for making ahead and can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days.Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Variations: Add tropical fruits like diced mango or papaya for a tropical twist, or swap in berries for a lighter version. Nuts can also be added for a crunchy contrast.