Recipe for Vegan Rice Pudding That’s Creamy and Delicious

Rice pudding is a classic comfort dessert enjoyed worldwide, and the good news is you don’t have to miss out on this creamy delight just because you’re following a vegan lifestyle. Our vegan rice pudding recipe offers all the warmth and sweetness of the traditional dish, made entirely from plant-based ingredients.

With its rich texture and subtly sweet flavor, this pudding is perfect for cozy nights or as a delightful treat any time of the day. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to try something new, this recipe is easy to make, wholesome, and sure to satisfy your dessert cravings without any dairy.

Using coconut milk to achieve that luscious creaminess, combined with fragrant vanilla and a touch of cinnamon, this vegan rice pudding is both nourishing and indulgent. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover rice or create a fresh batch from scratch.

Let’s dive into the recipe so you can enjoy this luscious, dairy-free classic at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan rice pudding is a perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and comforting flavors without any animal products. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just a few simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

The use of coconut milk gives it a natural creaminess and a subtle tropical twist that elevates this dessert beyond the traditional.

Another reason you’ll love this recipe is its versatility — you can enjoy it warm or chilled, add your favorite toppings, or experiment with different spices and fruits. Whether you want a quick, healthy snack or a decadent dessert, this recipe has you covered.

Plus, it’s gluten-free and can be made refined sugar-free if you opt for natural sweeteners, making it friendly for various dietary needs.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Arborio or short-grain rice (washed and drained)
• 4 cups coconut milk (full fat for creaminess)
• 1/2 cup organic cane sugar or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons water (to mix with cornstarch)
• Optional toppings: toasted coconut flakes, chopped nuts, fresh berries, or a sprinkle of nutmeg

Equipment

• Medium-sized heavy-bottomed saucepan
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small bowl (for cornstarch slurry)
• Serving bowls or ramekins

Instructions

1. Rinse the rice: Place the rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the pudding from becoming too gloopy.
2. Combine rice and coconut milk: In the saucepan, add the rinsed rice and 3 1/2 cups of the coconut milk. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
3. Simmer gently: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered. Stir frequently to avoid scorching. Cook for about 30-35 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
4. Sweeten and flavor: Add the sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt to the rice mixture. Stir well to combine and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Thicken the pudding (optional): If you prefer a thicker pudding, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water in the small bowl to create a slurry. Slowly stir this into the simmering pudding and cook for another 2-3 minutes until thickened.
6. Finish with remaining coconut milk: Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup of coconut milk for extra creaminess. Remove the saucepan from heat.
7. Serve or chill: You can enjoy your vegan rice pudding warm, or transfer to serving dishes and chill in the fridge for a couple of hours for a refreshing cold dessert.
8. Add toppings: Before serving, garnish with your choice of toppings like toasted coconut flakes, nuts, or fresh fruit to add texture and extra flavor.

Tips & Variations

“For an even richer pudding, substitute part of the coconut milk with almond or oat milk. You can also swap sugar for maple syrup or agave for a natural sweetness.”

• Use leftover rice: This recipe works beautifully with pre-cooked rice, just reduce the cooking time accordingly.
• Spice it up: Try adding a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg for a unique flavor twist.
• Fruit additions: Stir in raisins, chopped dried apricots, or fresh mango for a fruity burst.
• Nutty crunch: Top with toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts for added texture and nutrition.
• Make it chocolatey: Stir in 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder or vegan dark chocolate chips for a decadent chocolate rice pudding.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Vegan rice pudding is delicious on its own but can be enhanced with a variety of accompaniments. Serve it topped with fresh berries or sliced bananas for a fruity contrast.

A sprinkle of toasted coconut or chopped nuts adds delightful crunch and richness. For a festive touch, drizzle a little vegan caramel or chocolate sauce over the top.

This pudding also pairs wonderfully with warm beverages such as chai tea, coffee, or even a simple glass of plant-based milk. For a light breakfast or snack, consider adding a dollop of vegan yogurt or a spoonful of nut butter for extra protein and creaminess.

Conclusion

Making vegan rice pudding at home is a rewarding and simple way to enjoy a classic dessert without dairy or eggs. This recipe balances creamy coconut milk with sweet vanilla and warm cinnamon, creating a dish that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

Its flexibility with ingredients and toppings means you can customize it to your taste or dietary preferences with ease.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this vegan rice pudding is sure to become a favorite go-to dessert. It’s perfect for cozy evenings or special occasions and can be prepared ahead of time for convenience.

For more delicious vegan recipes, be sure to explore our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious, Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes, and Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.

Happy cooking and enjoy your sweet, plant-based treat!

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