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
Scale
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.
