There’s nothing quite as comforting as a creamy bowl of rice pudding — especially when it’s made with wholesome, plant-based ingredients. This Healthy Vegan Rice Pudding delivers all the classic flavor and texture you love, but without any dairy or refined sugar.
Rich, cozy, and ready in minutes, it’s the perfect treat for breakfast, dessert, or a quick afternoon snack.
💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This rice pudding is:
✅ Dairy-free & vegan – no milk or cream, yet incredibly creamy.
✅ Quick & easy – made with pre-cooked rice in just 20 minutes.
✅ Customizable – flavor it with vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, or even cocoa.
✅ Naturally sweetened – no refined sugars, just maple syrup or agave.
✅ Gluten-free & allergy-friendly – perfect for all diets.
You can enjoy it warm for a cozy comfort food moment or chilled for a light, refreshing dessert.
🥣 Ingredients You’ll Need
Base:
- 2 cups cooked white rice (jasmine or basmati work best)
- 2 cups unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, coconut, oat, or soy)
- ½ cup dairy-free cream alternative (like coconut cream or cashew cream)
Flavor & Sweetness:
- ¼ cup maple syrup or agave nectar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Zest of ½ lemon (optional, adds a fresh citrus note)
Optional Add-Ins:
- ¼ cup raisins or chopped dates
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Heat the Liquid Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the plant-based milk, cream, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Warm gently over medium heat — do not boil.
Step 2 – Add the Cooked Rice:
Stir in the cooked rice and reduce the heat to low. Stir frequently as it simmers to prevent sticking.
Step 3 – Simmer Until Creamy:
Let the pudding cook for about 10–12 minutes until thick and creamy. Add a splash more milk if you prefer a looser texture.
Step 4 – Add Flavor & Mix-Ins:
Stir in lemon zest and raisins (if using). Taste and adjust sweetness as desired.
Step 5 – Serve & Enjoy:
Serve warm, or let cool and chill in the fridge. Garnish with cinnamon, nuts, or fresh fruit for an extra touch.
🍚 Tips for Perfect Vegan Rice Pudding
⭐ Use leftover rice – It’s a great way to reduce waste and saves time.
⭐ Choose your milk wisely – Coconut milk adds richness; oat milk adds sweetness.
⭐ For extra creaminess – Blend half the pudding before serving.
⭐ Flavor it your way – Try nutmeg, cardamom, or vanilla bean for depth.
🧁 Flavor Variations
🍫 Chocolate Rice Pudding: Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder + vegan chocolate chips.
🎃 Pumpkin Spice: Stir in ¼ cup pumpkin purée + ½ tsp pumpkin spice.
🥭 Tropical Twist: Add diced mango, shredded coconut, and coconut extract.
☕ Chai-Spiced: Mix in cardamom, cloves, and a pinch of ginger.
🥄 Storage & Reheating
- Store: In an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: On the stove over low heat with a splash of milk, or microwave in short intervals.
- Freeze: Up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight before reheating.
🌿 Why This Vegan Rice Pudding Stands Out
This dairy-free rice pudding is every bit as creamy and indulgent as the traditional version — just lighter and healthier. The blend of plant-based milk and natural sweeteners makes it rich and satisfying, yet nourishing.
Serve it warm on a chilly day or chilled with fresh fruit for a refreshing dessert. Either way, it’s guaranteed to become a staple in your healthy dessert rotation.
✨ Final Thoughts
This Healthy Vegan Rice Pudding proves that comfort food can be both indulgent and wholesome. With its creamy texture, natural sweetness, and endless flavor possibilities, it’s a dessert (or breakfast!) you’ll come back to again and again.