Vegan Plain Rice Pudding
A creamy, dreamy rice pudding made entirely from plants. Short-grain rice simmers in coconut milk with a touch of vanilla and cinnamon until thick and velvety. This classic comfort dessert proves you don't need dairy for a rich, satisfying bowl of nostalgia.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~1 min
Rinse the rice.
Place the rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch for a creamier pudding.
- mix · ~1 min
Combine ingredients in the saucepan.
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, sugar, cinnamon stick, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
- boil · ~5 min
Bring the pudding to a boil.
Set the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
TIPDon't walk away — coconut milk can boil over quickly. - simmer · ~30 min
Simmer until rice is tender and pudding is thick.
1.Reduce the heat to low as soon as the mixture reaches a boil.2.Cover the saucepan partially with a lid, leaving a small gap for steam to escape.3.Simmer gently, stirring every 5 minutes to release starch and prevent sticking.4.Cook for 25-30 minutes, until the rice is very tender and the pudding has thickened to a creamy, porridge-like consistency.TIPThe pudding will thicken further as it cools, so pull it off the heat while it's still a little looser than your ideal final texture. - mix · ~1 min
Finish with vanilla and remove cinnamon stick.
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Fish out the cinnamon stick and discard it. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
- rest · ~10 min
Rest the pudding before serving.
Let the rice pudding sit in the saucepan for 5 to 10 minutes. It will continue to thicken and the flavors will settle as it cools slightly.
TIPRice pudding can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled. If serving chilled, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. - serve · ~1 min
Serve in bowls with a dusting of cinnamon.
Spoon the warm pudding into individual serving bowls and dust the tops with a pinch of ground cinnamon. Serve immediately or refrigerate for a cold treat.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Rinse the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear to prevent a gummy texture.
- 2Use full-fat coconut milk for the creamiest, richest dairy-free pudding.
- 3Stir every 5 minutes during simmering to release starch and prevent scorching.
- 4Pull the pudding off the heat while still slightly loose — it thickens significantly as it cools.
- 5For a skin-free chilled pudding, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface before refrigerating.
- 6Toast a pinch of cinnamon in a dry pan before garnishing for a deeper, warmer aroma.
Adapt it for your goals.
Chocolate-almond
Stir in 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder and swap 1/4 cup of coconut milk with almond milk for a subtle nutty chocolate twist.
cardamom roseCardamom-rose
Replace the cinnamon stick with 3 crushed green cardamom pods and add 1 teaspoon of rose water at the end for an aromatic Indian-inspired variation.
mango limeMango-lime
Fold in 1 cup of diced ripe mango and a squeeze of lime juice after cooking for a tropical, refreshing version perfect for summer.
high proteinHigh-protein
Stir 2 tablespoons of hemp seeds or a scoop of plant-based protein powder into the warm pudding for a protein boost without compromising creaminess.
low sugarLow-sugar
Replace the sugar with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup or 3-4 pitted Medjool dates (blended into the coconut milk) for a naturally sweetened version.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Dairy-Free Comfort
Made entirely from plant ingredients, this pudding is suitable for those who are lactose intolerant or following a vegan diet, without sacrificing creaminess.
Energy from Coconut
Coconut milk provides medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of fat that can be quickly converted into energy by the body.
Mineral Boost from Rice
Short-grain rice offers small amounts of essential minerals like selenium and manganese, which support antioxidant function and bone health.
Cinnamon's Gentle Warmth
Cinnamon is traditionally used to support healthy blood sugar levels and adds anti-inflammatory polyphenols to the dish.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but the pudding will be less creamy since long-grain rice contains less starch; you may need to cook it a few minutes longer and stir more to release starch.
