If you’re craving a comforting, creamy dessert that’s entirely plant-based and surprisingly easy to make, this Vegan Rice Pudding Recipe is just the thing. Imagine tender, soft grains of short-grain rice swimming in a luscious, cinnamon-spiced almond milk bath, sweetened naturally with maple syrup and brightened with vanilla. This dish strikes the perfect balance between nostalgia and fresh flavors, making it a cozy treat that everyone, vegan or not, will adore. Whether served warm on a chilly evening or chilled as a refreshing dessert, this pudding feels like a warm hug from the inside out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this Vegan Rice Pudding Recipe requires just a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a key role in building its wonderfully creamy texture and inviting flavor. You’ll find that the balance of spices and natural sweetness gives this dish its irresistible charm.
- 1 cup short-grain white rice: The star of the show, its starchiness ensures a creamy, pudding-like consistency.
- 4 cups unsweetened almond milk: A smooth, dairy-free base that keeps the pudding light and rich in flavor.
- 1/4 cup maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness with subtle caramel notes—feel free to add more if you like it sweeter.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Warms the dish with a familiar, cozy spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A sprinkle of nutmeg delivers a slightly nutty depth without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Boosts the aroma and softness of the pudding’s flavor profile.
- Pinch of salt: Essential for rounding out the sweetness and enhancing all the flavors.
- Optional toppings (fresh fruit, chopped nuts, raisins, coconut flakes): These add contrasting textures and extra bursts of flavor when you serve.
How to Make Vegan Rice Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Start by pouring the short-grain rice into a medium saucepan along with the almond milk, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Give it a good stir to get everything evenly distributed. This mixture is where the magic begins, as the rice will slowly absorb all those rich flavors during cooking.
Step 2: Bring to a Boil and Simmer
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom. The rice will soften and release its starch, turning the liquid into a creamy pudding.
Step 3: Sweeten and Flavor
When the rice is tender and the texture is velvety, stir in the maple syrup and pure vanilla extract. Taste as you go and add extra maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter pudding. At this stage, the flavors melt together beautifully, transforming the dish into the perfect comfort dessert.
Step 4: Serve Warm or Chill
You can enjoy your Vegan Rice Pudding Recipe straight away, delightfully warm and soothing, or transfer it to the fridge to chill for a refreshing cold treat. Both ways are heavenly, so it’s up to your mood and preference!
How to Serve Vegan Rice Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
Enhancing this Vegan Rice Pudding Recipe with toppings is an easy way to add texture and color. Fresh berries or sliced mango brighten the dish with fruity freshness. Toasted coconut flakes or chopped nuts bring a lovely crunch, while a handful of raisins lends natural chewiness and extra sweetness.
Side Dishes
This pudding shines as a stand-alone dessert, but you can also serve it alongside crisp fruit salad or a light, citrusy sorbet to balance richness. For breakfast, pair it with a cup of hot tea or coffee to create a cozy, nourishing start to your day.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, spoon the pudding into small glass jars or ramekins and layer with fruit compote or a drizzle of berry coulis. You can even pipe lightly whipped coconut cream on top for added elegance. These little touches make it fantastic for dinner parties or when you want to treat yourself to something special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Vegan Rice Pudding Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The pudding thickens as it cools, so give it a gentle stir before serving to revive its creamy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this pudding in individual portions for up to 2 months. To avoid texture changes, freeze it without toppings and thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently afterward for best results.
Reheating
Warm leftover pudding on the stove over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring regularly. If it seems too thick, mix in a splash of plant-based milk to loosen it while reheating—this brings back that signature creaminess perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use other types of rice for this Vegan Rice Pudding Recipe?
Short-grain rice works best because it becomes creamy when cooked, but you can try medium-grain rice if needed. Long-grain rice won’t produce the same creamy texture and may end up more separate and grainy.
What plant-based milk works best for this recipe?
Unsweetened almond milk is ideal for its mild flavor and creaminess, but you can substitute with oat milk, coconut milk, or soy milk depending on your taste preferences or what you have on hand.
How sweet should the pudding be?
Start with 1/4 cup maple syrup, then adjust to your liking. The goal is a gentle sweetness that complements the spices and vanilla without overpowering the natural creaminess.
Can I make this pudding thicker or thinner?
Yes! For thicker pudding, cook it a few minutes longer or use slightly less almond milk. For thinner pudding, add a bit more almond milk during cooking or reheating until you get your desired consistency.
Is this Vegan Rice Pudding Recipe good for kids?
Absolutely! It’s naturally sweet, creamy, and packed with wholesome ingredients, making it a nutritious and delicious dessert option for kids and adults alike.
Final Thoughts
Once you make this Vegan Rice Pudding Recipe, it’s hard not to keep coming back to it. It’s comforting, easy to whip up, and versatile enough to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or simply looking to enjoy a classic dessert without dairy, this recipe is a delightful way to treat yourself and your loved ones. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort food!
Print
Vegan Rice Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This creamy vegan rice pudding is a comforting, dairy-free dessert made with short-grain white rice simmered in almond milk and sweetened naturally with maple syrup. Enhanced with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, it’s perfect served warm or chilled, topped with fresh fruit or nuts for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Rice and Liquid
- 1 cup short-grain white rice (e.g., Arborio)
- 4 cups unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
Sweeteners and Spices
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (or more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional Toppings
- Fresh fruit
- Chopped nuts
- Raisins
- Coconut flakes
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, mix together the short-grain white rice, unsweetened almond milk, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt evenly to prepare the base for your pudding.
- Cook the Rice: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking until the rice is tender and the mixture becomes creamy.
- Add Sweeteners and Flavor: After the rice is cooked and the pudding has thickened, stir in the maple syrup and the pure vanilla extract. Taste the pudding and adjust the sweetness by adding more maple syrup if desired, blending the flavors thoroughly.
- Serve: Spoon the rice pudding into serving dishes. It can be enjoyed warm straight from the pot or chilled in the refrigerator. Before serving, top with your choice of fresh fruit, chopped nuts, raisins, or coconut flakes for extra texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use short-grain white rice like Arborio for the creamiest texture.
- Stir regularly during cooking to prevent rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding more or less maple syrup.
- Alternative plant-based milk such as coconut or oat milk can be used for different flavor variations.
- Serve chilled for a refreshing dessert or warm for a comforting treat.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
