Sticky Rice Ice Cream, or Kem Xoi, is a unique Vietnamese dessert. I love its perfect blend of creamy ice cream and chewy sticky rice. This treat offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
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Vietnamese sticky rice dessert recipe
Kem Xoi, or Sticky Rice Ice Cream, is a beloved Vietnamese sticky rice dessert. It combines the unique texture and flavor of sticky rice with creamy ice cream.

The dish features a base of sticky rice and a scoop of fresh, creamy ice cream on top. It is often garnished with shredded coconut, roasted peanuts, or sometimes even mung beans for added texture and flavor
The creaminess of the ice cream melded seamlessly with the chewiness of the sticky rice. The dried coconut added a hint of sweetness and a satisfying crunch. The dessert is often enjoyed during the hot summer.
This Vietnamese glutinous rice dessert is much easier than other sticky rice recipes I used to make before. Here’s how to make Kem Xoi – Vietnamese Sticky Rice with Ice Cream:

Kem Xoi – Vietnamese Sticky Rice Ice Cream
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 4 scoops vanilla ice cream
- 300 g glutinous rice
- 100 ml coconut milk
- 100 g spinach
- 5 g roasted peanuts
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 5 g shredded coconut
Instructions
- Puree spinach with 150ml of water and extract the juice. Strain the juice through a sieve to ensure a smooth consistency.
- Rinse the glutinous rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In the rice cooker, combine glutinous rice with spinach juice and coconut milk (make sure it's about 1cm above the rice surface). Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Cook the rice for about 30 minutes.
- In a bowl, layer sticky rice, top it with a scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream, and sprinkle a generous mix of roasted peanuts, shredded coconut, or coconut flakes.
Variations
There are numerous variations and regional twists to make this glutinous rice ice cream:
- Ice Cream Flavors
- Coconut Ice Cream is the most popular and traditional choice. It provides a dairy-free, tropical flavor.
- Vanilla Ice Cream is a common substitute.
- Innovative versions include avocado, coffee, black sesame, salted caramel, and even mango ice cream.
- Toppings
- Toasted Coconut Flakes add crunch and a nutty aroma, elevating the dessert’s complexity.
- Roasted Peanuts are sprinkled on top for extra texture and a savory contrast.
- Shredded Coconut is sometimes used for additional sweetness and chewiness.
- Other Nuts may include other roasted nuts for a different crunch.