Vegan Rice Pudding Recipe

If you’re searching for a comforting and crave-worthy dessert that’s totally dairy-free, look no further than this Vegan Rice Pudding. This creamy, cozy classic is both nostalgia-inducing and perfectly plant-based, bursting with vanilla and warm cinnamon in every bite. With only a handful of simple ingredients, it comes together effortlessly on the stovetop, making it just as perfect for a fuss-free breakfast as it is for an after-dinner treat. Whether you love it warm from the pot or chilled straight from the fridge, Vegan Rice Pudding is a sweet staple that’ll win over everyone at your table.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Vegan Rice Pudding is all about letting a few quality ingredients shine. Each one brings its own special touch — a creamy texture, a hint of sweetness, or a comforting aroma. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Uncooked White Rice (short or medium grain): Choose short or medium grain for that classic, slightly sticky pudding texture — arborio rice works wonders for extra creaminess.
• Unsweetened Almond Milk: Offers a neutral, light base that brings the flavors together without overwhelming the dish.
• Canned Coconut Milk: Adds luscious body and a subtle tropical richness, elevating the pudding’s smoothness.
• Maple Syrup or Agave Nectar: Brings natural sweetness and depth, with maple adding a caramel-like note and agave remaining delicate.
• Vanilla Extract: Brightens every spoonful with that essential warm, fragrant vanilla flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon: Lends gentle spice and beautiful warmth that pairs perfectly with creamy rice.
• Salt: Just a pinch sharpens all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Optional Toppings (raisins, chopped nuts, fresh berries, extra cinnamon): Elevate your pudding by adding color, texture, and bursts of flavor just before serving.

How to Make Vegan Rice Pudding

Step 1: Get Cooking with the Basics

Start by grabbing a medium saucepan and combining your rice, 1 ½ cups of the almond milk, rich coconut milk, and a pinch of salt. Bring everything to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once the mixture is bubbling, lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and let the rice cook for 15–20 minutes. Make sure to give it a stir every now and then — this helps prevent sticking and ensures every grain becomes meltingly tender. Most of the liquid should be absorbed, but the rice will still be creamy and not dry.

Step 2: Make It Creamy and Sweet

With the rice perfectly tender, it’s time for the best part: creating that iconic Vegan Rice Pudding flavor and texture. Stir in the remaining ½ cup almond milk, maple syrup (or agave), vanilla extract, and cinnamon. The combination of maple and vanilla fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma! Continue cooking uncovered, stirring often, for another 5–10 minutes. The pudding will thicken and become glossy — if you like it extra creamy, add another splash of coconut milk right at the end.

Step 3: Serve and Savor

Once you’ve reached your ideal pudding consistency, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool a bit. This makes it easier to scoop and brings out the flavors even more. Serve your Vegan Rice Pudding warm and comforting on chilly days, or chill it in the fridge for a few hours if you’d rather enjoy a refreshing treat. Don’t forget your favorite toppings — a handful of raisins, crunchy nuts, fruit, or a sprinkle of cinnamon take it over the top!

How to Serve Vegan Rice Pudding

Garnishes

Half the fun of Vegan Rice Pudding is dressing it up with beautiful, flavorful toppings. Classic golden raisins add little bursts of sweetness, while chopped nuts bring crunch and richness. Fresh berries look gorgeous and balance out the creamy base with tartness. A light dusting of extra cinnamon ties everything together and makes each serving look truly irresistible.

Side Dishes

While Vegan Rice Pudding can easily shine solo as dessert or breakfast, pairing it with the right side can make your meal feel even more special. Serve it alongside a platter of seasonal fruit for freshness, or pair with warm toasted bread if you’re enjoying it for brunch. For something brunch-worthy, try a hot cup of spiced chai or a fruity herbal tea on the side — these flavors enhance the warmth and coziness of the pudding.

Creative Ways to Present

Let your imagination run wild! Layer Vegan Rice Pudding in parfait glasses with fruit compote or berry jam for an eye-catching dessert. Scoop it into tiny jars for adorable and portable treats at picnics or parties. For a holiday-worthy twist, fill baked apples or pears with warm rice pudding and bake until bubbling. However you choose to serve it, half the magic is in how you present it to your lucky guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One of the best things about Vegan Rice Pudding is how well it keeps. Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors deepen as it sits, so sometimes it tastes even better the next day. Give it a good stir before serving to revive its silky, creamy consistency.

Freezing

While best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated, you can freeze Vegan Rice Pudding if you need to. Cool it completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and store for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying — just be aware the texture may become a bit firmer, so stir in a splash of plant milk when reheating to loosen it up.

Reheating

To reheat, simply spoon your chilled pudding into a saucepan and warm over low heat, adding a bit of almond or coconut milk as needed to restore its creamy texture. You can also microwave individual servings in short bursts, stirring between each one. Top with fresh garnishes after heating for the best flavor and presentation.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white, but keep in mind it will take longer to cook and the pudding may end up a bit chewier and less creamy. For the absolute creamiest Vegan Rice Pudding, stick to short or medium grain white rice like arborio.

What other plant-based milks work in this recipe?

Absolutely! Oat milk, soy milk, or cashew milk all create a different flavor profile and creaminess. Just make sure to use unsweetened varieties so you can control the sweetness of your Vegan Rice Pudding.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, Vegan Rice Pudding is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free certified rice and double-check that your plant-based milks and toppings are also gluten-free.

How can I make it even richer?

For an ultra-luxurious Vegan Rice Pudding, try swapping more of the almond milk for full-fat coconut milk, or stir in an extra splash right before serving. This gives the pudding a thick, almost custard-like finish that’s incredibly satisfying.

Can I reduce the sugar for a less sweet version?

Of course! Feel free to reduce the maple syrup or agave nectar to taste, or swap in your favorite low-calorie sweetener. You can also balance out the flavors by serving with extra fruit on top for natural sweetness.

Final Thoughts

The magic of Vegan Rice Pudding lies in its simplicity — humble ingredients transformed into a creamy, comforting bowl that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re new to plant-based treats or a longtime fan, give this recipe a try and make it your own. One batch and you’ll see just how irresistible and versatile Vegan Rice Pudding can be!

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