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

There’s something wonderfully cozy about a bowl of creamy, comforting pudding that feels like a hug in a spoon. This Vegan Rice Pudding Recipe is exactly that—rich, dairy-free, and just the right balance of sweet and spicy with cinnamon. It’s perfect as a soothing dessert or a sweet snack that warms you up from the inside out.

Three clear glass bowls each hold creamy white rice pudding with a soft, smooth texture. On top of each bowl, there are several bright red fresh raspberries clustered together, creating a nice contrast with the white pudding. Scattered around the raspberries and on the pudding are small pieces of chopped greenish-brown pistachios adding texture and color. A silver spoon is placed inside the bowl in the front, resting on the pudding. The bowls sit on a white marbled surface with a white cloth napkin nearby and a small white plate with pistachios visible at the edge. 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 still remember the first time I made this Vegan Rice Pudding Recipe—it hit all my comfort food cravings without any dairy, and it felt like a little win for my plant-based kitchen. The texture is irresistibly creamy, and you’ll find yourself stirring it with a smile, knowing it’s nourishing and naturally gluten-free.

Creamy Texture: Using Arborio rice and a combo of coconut and almond milk gets you that rich, perfectly pudding-like creaminess.
Simple Ingredients: You don’t need anything fancy—just some pantry basics that come together quickly.
Customizable Sweetness: I love letting you decide just how sweet to make it—you can dial it up or down easily.
Warm & Cozy Vibes: It’s a hug-in-a-bowl kind of recipe that’s perfect for any season, served warm or chilled.

The image shows three clear glass cups filled with creamy white rice pudding that has a smooth and slightly chunky texture. Each cup is topped with bright red raspberries and small pieces of green pistachio nuts, adding a pop of color and a bit of crunch. One cup is in the front and centered, with two others behind it slightly blurred. A silver spoon with some rice pudding on it lies at the bottom right on a white marbled surface. There is a small white scalloped dish with crushed pistachios near the top right. The lighting is soft and natural, highlighting the freshness and creaminess of the dessert photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Vegan Rice Pudding Recipe is how these simple ingredients come together to create something soothing and indulgent. The Arborio rice is your secret weapon for creaminess, and combining canned coconut milk with unsweetened almond milk gives you depth and richness without heaviness.

Flat lay of a small mound of pearly white Arborio rice, a small white bowl filled with fine white granulated sugar, a tiny white bowl containing coarse kosher salt crystals, a small white bowl with creamy full-fat coconut milk, a larger white bowl holding smooth unsweetened almond milk, a single whole cinnamon stick with a rich brown bark texture, and a small white bowl with thick vanilla bean paste showing tiny black specks, all arranged symmetrically 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 releases starch as it cooks, giving the pudding its signature creamy texture—stick with it over regular rice!
Granulated sugar: I usually start with ¼ cup but sometimes add a bit more if I want it sweeter; maple syrup works too if you prefer.
Kosher salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
Full-fat canned coconut milk: Adds richness and creaminess that makes this pudding feel truly decadent and dairy-free.
Unsweetened almond milk: This lightens the coconut milk while keeping things creamy and smooth without extra sugar.
Cinnamon stick: Infuses warmth and subtle spice throughout the pudding as it cooks—freshly cracked cinnamon sticks are best.
Vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract: Finishing touch that brightens the flavor and makes your kitchen smell like heaven.

📝

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

I like to play around with this Vegan Rice Pudding Recipe depending on the season or my mood. Some days, a handful of toasted nuts on top is my go-to; other times, I sneak in some fresh berries or chopped dates for natural sweetness and texture.

Variation: Adding orange zest and a dash of ground cardamom gives it a lovely holiday twist I fell in love with last winter.
Lower Sugar: You can swap sugar for maple syrup or agave—and adjust to taste without losing that comforting feel.
Nut-Free: Use oat milk or rice milk instead of almond milk to keep it allergy-friendly while still smooth.

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

Step 1: Combine the Essentials

Start by combining the Arborio rice, sugar, and salt in a large saucepan. Pour in the canned coconut milk and almond milk, then stir everything together gently. This mix forms the pudding's creamy base and ensures the flavors blend from the get-go.

Step 2: Add Your Cinnamon Stick

Tuck your cinnamon stick right into the pot. This little addition infuses a subtle warmth as the rice cooks. I always use a fresh cinnamon stick since the flavor it delivers is unbeatable compared to ground cinnamon here.

Step 3: Stir Constantly for Creaminess

This is where patience pays off! Cook the mixture over medium to medium-low heat for about 45 minutes. Keep stirring almost constantly to prevent sticking or burning. This stirring releases the rice starch, thickening the pudding beautifully. When the rice is tender but still has a bit of a bite and the pudding is thickened but not dry, you’re nailed it. If it looks too thick, add a splash more almond milk.

Step 4: Finish and Flavor

Remove the cinnamon stick and stir in your vanilla—either a teaspoon of vanilla bean paste or extract works great. Taste and adjust sweetness or salt as needed. This final step brightens the pudding and makes it irresistible.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm for a cozy dessert, or chill it for a refreshing treat. Both ways are delicious. You can add your favorite toppings to suit your mood.

Top Tip

From my kitchen experiments, I've learned that a patient hand with stirring truly transforms this pudding. It’s tempting to rush the process, but don’t! The constant attention releases the creaminess that makes this Vegan Rice Pudding Recipe so special.

Steady Stirring: Stir often enough to prevent sticking but gently to avoid breaking the rice grains—this keeps the pudding silky and with wonderful texture.
Don’t Rush the Cook Time: Forty-five minutes might sound long, but it’s exactly what the rice needs to soften just right and to release its starch.
Adjust Liquid as Needed: If it looks dry before the rice is tender, add almond milk a little at a time. This keeps your pudding creamy, never dry.
Remove the Cinnamon Stick: Don’t forget this step or you’ll end up with surprise cinnamon “bark” in your pudding!

How to Serve Vegan Rice Pudding Recipe

Garnishes

I personally love topping mine with a sprinkle of toasted sliced almonds or walnuts for a bit of crunch and contrast. Sometimes, a dot of cinnamon or a drizzle of maple syrup on top also feels just right. Fresh berries or chopped dates are great too if you want some natural sweetness and color.

Side Dishes

This pudding stands beautifully on its own, but if you want to turn it into a more substantial dessert plate, pair it with fresh fruit salad, a scoop of vegan ice cream, or even a crispy biscotti for some texture contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to serve this pudding in individual glass jars layered with compote or jam and topped with edible flowers or cinnamon sticks for a charming touch. It’s a crowd-pleaser and looks beautiful on the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover rice pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Because the rice keeps soaking up liquid, I usually stir in a splash of almond milk before serving again to refresh its creamy texture.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this pudding because the texture changes—rice can get grainy when frozen and thawed. Instead, enjoy fresh or refrigerate.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. I add a splash of almond milk while reheating to loosen it up, stirring often until warm and creamy again—no drying out here!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use another kind of rice for this pudding?

Arborio rice is key to the creamy texture of this Vegan Rice Pudding Recipe because it releases starch as it cooks, thickening the pudding. Using long-grain or basmati rice won’t give you the same silky consistency, so I recommend sticking with Arborio for best results.

Is this rice pudding gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free because it uses gluten-free ingredients. Just be sure to check your sugar and almond milk packaging for any cross-contamination if you have a severe allergy.

Can I make this rice pudding ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can make it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just remember the rice will absorb more liquid as it sits, so stir in a bit of almond milk when reheating or before serving for a creamy texture.

What are the best toppings for vegan rice pudding?

I love toasted nuts, shredded coconut, fresh or dried fruit, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a drizzle of maple syrup. You can get creative with whatever you enjoy and have on hand!

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Rice Pudding Recipe is one of those special finds that never gets old—its creamy warmth and gentle sweetness make it feel like a little self-care in a bowl. Whether you’re new to plant-based cooking or a longtime vegan, it’s a recipe I’m so glad to share because every time I make it, I remember how simple ingredients can create magic. Give it a try—you might just have a new favorite dessert that’s as kind to your body as it is to your soul.