Vegan Rice Pudding Recipe

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ByJi-hyun

Rice pudding is a comforting, creamy dessert that has been enjoyed across cultures for centuries. Whether served warm or chilled, it can be a delightful treat to indulge in at any time of day. For those following a vegan or dairy-free lifestyle, you don’t have to miss out on this creamy classic. With a few substitutions, you can create a delicious, dairy-free recipe of rice pudding that satisfies both your taste buds and dietary preferences.

In this recipe article, we will explore how to make this recipe using coconut milk, almond milk, maple syrup, and other wholesome ingredients. We’ll also provide helpful tips, substitutions, and variations to perfect your vegan rice pudding recipe.

Why Choose Vegan Rice Pudding?

Rice pudding recipes often call for dairy milk, sugar, and sometimes eggs to achieve a rich, creamy consistency. However, for those who are lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply seeking to avoid dairy, there are plenty of recipe alternatives that can replicate the creamy texture of rice pudding without compromising flavor.

This creamy vegan rice pudding is a guilt-free indulgence, made with plant-based milk like coconut milk, almond milk, or rice milk. By using natural sweeteners like maple syrup, it’s not only a dairy-free recipe but also refined sugar-free, making it a healthier option for dessert or breakfast.

Vegan Rice Pudding Recipe Ingredients

These ingredients will ensure you achieve the creamy texture and subtle sweetness rice pudding is known for, without the need for dairy. Absolutely no condensed milk, no heavy cream, or any of the sort in this recipe. Check it out!

  • 1 cup leftover rice (white or brown rice)
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 cup almond milk (or other plant-based milk like rice milk)
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup (or any sweetener of choice)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt

How to Make Vegan Rice Pudding

Rice pudding can be made in several ways, and all methods involve easy steps. Here’s how you can make this delicious dairy-free rice pudding recipe at home! 

Stove Top Rice Pudding

  1. In a medium saucepan, stir together the leftover cooked rice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and cardamom.
  2. Pour in the almond milk and canned coconut milk, then bring to a simmer on medium heat.
  3. Bring the rice pudding mixture to a boil. 
  4. From medium heat, change to low heat and allow the mixture to cook at a low simmer, stirring occasionally and scraping the bottom of the pot with a spoon to remove any rice that sticks.
  5. Allow the pudding mixture to cook for about 20 minutes or until it reaches your desired thickness.
  6. Remove the pot from the heat.
  7. Taste test and add salt if desired. Also, add more maple syrup if desired.
  8. Let the vegan rice pudding cool for a bit.
  9. Chill for later or serve warm.

Oven Rice Pudding

If you’re making gluten-free Vegan Rice Pudding using an oven, it’s best to use dry rice grains. Additionally, use refined sugar instead of maple syrup. Here are the recipe steps:

  1. Preheat the oven to 150 degrees C.
  2. Pour in the cooked rice, vanilla extract, sugar, and salt in a baking dish.
  3. Cover with your choice of plant milk.
  4. Stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. 
  5. Bake for 1/2 hours until the rice pudding is tender and super creamy.
  6. Sprinkle more cinnamon powder on top if you prefer.
  7. Serve.

Instant Pot Rice Pudding

You can also make delicious gluten-free Vegan Rice Pudding using an Instant Pot! Here’s an easy recipe to follow:

  1. Put coconut or almond milk, water, leftover rice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt in the Instant Pot. Stir to combine.
  2. Put the lid on and close it. Close the vent. Turn on the porridge setting and cook the rice pudding for 20 minutes. 
  3. Let it depressurize for 10 more minutes, then press Cancel and open the vent.
  4. Once the floating valve drops down, open the lid. Add maple syrup to taste. Sprinkle with your favorite toppings.
  5. Serve.

Vegan Baked Rice Pudding Recipe Tips

  • Use any kind of dairy-free milk for this rice pudding recipe! Aside from coconut milk and almond milk, you can also use oat milk, cashew milk, almond milk, or any other plant milk that you like. 
  • Leftover rice is the best thing to use for any rice pudding recipe.
  • Most leftover rice pudding recipes are made with medium-grain rice or short-grain rice. A lot use Arborio rice for its creaminess but you may also use sticky rice, sushi rice, or jasmine rice. If you can’t find any of those rice varieties, long-grain rice will work in a pinch. 
  • White rice was used in this recipe. You may use brown rice but be aware that the texture may seem different and that the cooking time may also be longer than usual. You may also need more milk if you’re using brown rice with this recipe.
  • Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness to the rice pudding without the need for any sugar.
  • Make this creamy rice pudding recipe even more delicious by adding various toppings! Add some fresh fruit like sliced bananas, sprinkle some cacao nibs, garnish with cinnamon sticks, add some toasted nuts, or simply drizzle on some more maple syrup to complete your Vegan Rice Pudding bowl.
  • Make this recipe into Chocolate Rice Pudding by simply adding a teaspoon of cocoa powder. 
  • If you’re making Vegan Rice Pudding via the oven, check your rice pudding after about half an hour. If it seems a little dry, add in more milk. If a skin has formed, prick a few holes in the skin then pour extra milk over the top. 
  • Store the Vegan Rice Pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or microwave. Add a splash of milk to maintain the creaminess.

Final Note

Rice puddings are timeless and loved for their creaminess and the comfort they bring. This vegan recipe of the classic treat is a perfect option for those seeking a dairy-free, gluten-free indulgence without sacrificing taste. Using simple, wholesome ingredients such as leftover rice, cinnamon, and non-dairy milk, this delicious Vegan Rice Pudding recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you’re catering to a sweet tooth or searching for a healthy snack, this recipe has you covered.

For more yummy rice desserts and dishes, feel free to browse through the recipes on our website.

Hailing from California, USA. Ji-hyun is a Korean American 🇰🇷🇺🇸 with two growing boys who eat their weight in rice each week. After graduating UCLA & becoming a mom she started We Know Rice as a guide for all the students and moms out there looking to cook healthy and filling meals.