Name: Vegan Rice Pudding Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1/2 cup Arborio rice; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 cup full-fat canned coconut milk; 2 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk; 1 cinnamon stick; 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract

Nothing quite hits the comfort spot like a warm, creamy bowl of rice pudding. This Vegan Rice Pudding Recipe is my go-to when I want something cozy without the dairy, and trust me, it’s unbelievably rich and comforting thanks to coconut milk and a dash of cinnamon.

Three small glass bowls each hold a creamy white pudding as the base layer, topped with several bright red raspberries and scattered greenish-brown chopped pistachios. One bowl in the center has a silver spoon resting inside. The bowls sit on a white marbled surface with a white cloth nearby and a small white plate holding more pistachios in the corner. The colors are soft and fresh, with the red berries providing a bright contrast to the creamy pudding and green nuts. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Rice Pudding Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Vegan Rice Pudding Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Vegan Rice Pudding Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I adore this recipe because it takes such humble ingredients and transforms them into the creamiest, dreamy treat that feels both nostalgic and fresh. It’s a wonderful example of how plant-based baking can be indulgent without feeling heavy or complicated.

Super Creamy Texture: The combination of Arborio rice and coconut milk creates richness that rivals traditional dairy puddings.
Simple Ingredients: You don’t need anything fancy—just pantry staples with a splash of vanilla and cinnamon for warmth.
Gluten & Dairy Free: Perfect if you’re dealing with allergies or prefer plant-based treats.
Customizable & Versatile: Add your favorite toppings or mix in some fresh fruit to make it your own.

Three clear glass cups are filled with creamy white rice pudding that has a slightly lumpy texture. Each cup is topped with bright red raspberries and small pieces of greenish-brown chopped pistachios. The cups are placed on a white marbled surface, and a silver spoon with some rice pudding rests nearby. The light is soft and natural, highlighting the fresh fruit and creamy pudding photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Vegan Rice Pudding Recipe has a role in creating that luscious texture and cozy flavor we love. I like to shop for full-fat canned coconut milk for maximum creaminess and Arborio rice because of how it thickens up. Here’s a peek at what makes each ingredient special:

Flat lay of a small pile of pearly white Arborio rice grains, a small white bowl filled with fine white granulated sugar, a tiny white bowl containing coarse kosher salt crystals, a small white bowl holding creamy white coconut milk, a larger white bowl with smooth pale almond milk, a single warm brown cinnamon stick, and a small white bowl with thick glossy beige vanilla bean paste placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Arborio rice: This short-grain rice is starchy, which lends to that signature creamy pudding texture.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness—you can adjust to your liking or swap for maple syrup if you prefer.
Kosher salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors, making every bite balanced.
Full-fat canned coconut milk: Provides richness and a silky mouthfeel that’s the heart of this pudding.
Unsweetened almond milk: Lightens the pudding and helps with cooking without overpowering the taste.
Cinnamon stick: Infuses warm, comforting spice without any grit from ground cinnamon, which can sometimes feel grainy.
Vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, floral note that rounds out the flavors.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love about this Vegan Rice Pudding Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it to your taste or whatever you have on hand. I often experiment with spices or toppings to make it feel fresh and seasonal.

Variation: I sometimes sprinkle in cardamom or a pinch of nutmeg for a Middle Eastern vibe, which adds depth without changing the creamy sweetness.
Sweetener swaps: You can swap granulated sugar for coconut sugar or maple syrup if you want a different profile or added nutrients.
Milk alternatives: While I love the almond + coconut milk combo, oat milk works well too if you want a lighter pudding.
Add-ins: Stir in raisins, chopped dried apricots, or toasted coconut flakes once it’s cooked for extra texture and flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Rice Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients

Start by placing the Arborio rice, sugar, and salt in a large saucepan. Pour in the coconut milk and almond milk, then give everything a good stir so the rice is evenly distributed. This helps prevent clumping later and sets you up for a smooth cook.

Step 2: Add the Cinnamon Stick

Tuck a cinnamon stick gently into the mixture. Using a stick instead of ground cinnamon means you get a lovely infused warmth without any gritty texture to worry about. It’s a little touch that makes a big difference.

Step 3: Patience with Stirring

Place your saucepan over medium to medium-low heat and stir almost constantly for about 45 minutes. Yes, you heard me right! Stirring is key here—it keeps the pudding from sticking or burning and helps the rice release that natural starch, thickening the pudding beautifully. When the rice is tender but still holds its shape, and the mix is thick but not dry, you’re ready to move on.

Step 4: Final Touches

Remove the cinnamon stick and stir in the vanilla bean paste or extract. Give it a taste and adjust the sweetness or salt if you need to. This last step adds that cozy, fragrant pop that makes the pudding truly irresistible.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

This pudding is fantastic warm right out of the pot or chilled for a few hours for a refreshing treat. Either way, it’s a hug in a bowl you’re going to want again and again.

Top Tip

After making this Vegan Rice Pudding Recipe a dozen times, I’ve learned a few secrets that can really elevate your pudding and prevent those kitchen frustrations.

Stir Constantly: I know it sounds tedious, but stirring keeps the pudding creamy and prevents burning on the bottom. I often multitask nearby with another prep job to make the time fly.
Don’t Rush the Rice Cooking: Try to resist upping the heat to speed things along; Arborio rice needs slow, gentle cooking to release those lovely starches and develop the perfect texture.
Add a Splash of Milk if Needed: If your pudding looks too thick or dry before the rice is tender, quickly whisk in a little extra almond milk to keep it creamy.
Use Vanilla Bean Paste: It’s a bit more expensive but adds such a rich, authentic vanilla flavor compared to extract, making your pudding taste extra luxe.

How to Serve Vegan Rice Pudding Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my vegan rice pudding with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes and a handful of fresh berries for a burst of color and texture. Sometimes a drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of cinnamon does the trick just fine. For a festive touch, chopped pistachios add a nice crunch and earthy flavor.

Side Dishes

Though this pudding stands beautifully on its own, I like pairing it with a simple fruit salad or a light green tea to balance the creamy sweetness. It can also be a decadent yet gentle dessert after a spicy curry or colorful vegetable stir-fry.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to spoon the pudding into pretty glass jars or vintage teacups, layering with fruit compote or a swirl of coconut cream. Adding edible flowers or a sprinkle of crushed nuts on top makes it feel extra festive – a real crowd-pleaser at dinner parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually pop leftovers into an airtight container in the fridge and it keeps well for 2 to 3 days. Just remember the rice keeps soaking up moisture as it chills, so before you dig in again, stir in a little splash of almond milk to loosen it up.

Freezing

Freezing rice pudding isn’t my favorite method because the texture tends to get a bit grainy and watery as it thaws. If you do freeze it, try to consume it within a month and thaw slowly in the fridge to help preserve creaminess.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a little almond milk if it’s become too thick. Using the microwave can work too, but I prefer the stovetop for even warming and preserving that silky texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular long-grain rice instead of Arborio?

Arborio rice is ideal because it’s high in starch, which thickens the pudding and gives it that creamy texture. Using long-grain rice will result in a looser pudding without the same creaminess. If you must substitute, you’ll likely need to add a thickener like cornstarch to mimic the texture.

How do I make this pudding less sweet?

You can easily reduce the sugar to suit your taste. Start with ¼ cup and add more only if needed. Alternatively, natural sweeteners like maple syrup or agave can be used, but keep in mind those might alter the flavor slightly.

Is this recipe suitable for nut allergies?

Yes! You can swap the almond milk for oat milk or rice milk to keep it nut-free. Just make sure to use a plant-based milk that’s unsweetened to avoid altering the flavor and texture too much.

Can I make this Vegan Rice Pudding Recipe ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! You can make the pudding a day ahead and keep it chilled in the refrigerator. Just remember to stir in a little plant milk before serving to restore creaminess. This makes it a great make-ahead dessert option for gatherings.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Rice Pudding Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it transforms simple, wholesome ingredients into a decadent treat that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re new to plant-based cooking or just want a comforting, allergy-friendly dessert, this pudding will delight and satisfy. Give it a try—and trust me, you’ll find yourself coming back for seconds (or thirds) with a smile!