Rice pudding is a classic comfort dessert—and with a few simple swaps, it’s easy to make dairy free. Traditionally made by simmering rice with sweetened milk, rice pudding is known for its rich, creamy texture and versatility. But with plant-based alternatives widely available, it’s just as simple to prepare a non-dairy version at home.
Whether you’re avoiding milk or simply exploring new dairy-free dessert alternatives, these rice pudding recipes deliver indulgent flavor without the dairy. All you need is Minute Rice, your favorite non-dairy milk, and a few pantry staples.
Though there are many rice pudding variations, the major ingredients to any rice pudding dessert are rice, milk or cream, sugar or another sweetener, and salt. While it can be savory, rice pudding is commonly prepared as a dessert, with ingredients like vanilla, fruit, cinnamon and chocolate as popular additions.
Of course, rice is the key part of any rice pudding, so make sure you always have Minute Rice on hand to easily prepare rice pudding for dessert. Ready in just 5 to 10 minutes, Minute Instant Rice can save you plenty of time when preparing this dish. Another great option, Minute Rice Cups are ready in just one minute, and are perfectly pre-portioned—ideal for whipping up a rice pudding for one or two people.
Rice pudding almost always contains milk or cream, but it’s easy enough to make this dish dairy-free by using plant-based milk alternatives. These dairy-free alternatives have increased in popularity over the years and are easy to find at the grocery store, so it’s simple to make a few swaps to enjoy this delicious dessert without any dairy.
Tips for Making the Best Dairy Free Rice Pudding
Rice pudding is beloved for its richness and creamy texture, so you may be worried that removing dairy from the recipe will make for a disappointing dish. However, substituting the right dairy-free milk will still result in a decadent and satisfying dessert. You may be surprised just how much flavor and richness you can get out of plant-based dairy alternatives.
Some common dairy-free substitutions include:
- Coconut milk: Coconut milk is naturally rich and smooth, making it a great option to cook with. With its sweet, tropical taste, it can be especially tasty in desserts like rice pudding. Coconut cream or coconut condensed milk are also sometimes used in rice pudding to add an even richer element to your dish.
- Soy milk: Soy milk is a classic plant-based alternative to cow’s milk that’s made by soaking and grinding soybeans, boiling, then straining the mixture. It has a mild taste and slightly thinner texture that is similar to low-fat cow’s milk.
- Almond milk: Almond milk is made by blending almonds with water, then straining the mixture to separate the milk from the almond pulp. It has a light, slightly sweet taste that makes it a good choice for dessert recipes.
- Oat milk: Oat milk is made from oats that have been soaked in water, blended and then strained. The texture is creamy with a mild oatmeal flavor, which can enhance the flavors of your rice pudding.
Once you’ve chosen your dairy-free milk alternative, keep these tips in mind to make a delicious non-dairy rice pudding:
- Use unflavored, unsweetened non-dairy milk. Unless the recipe specifies otherwise, use non-dairy milk that’s unflavored and has no added sweeteners. Using a pre-sweetened non-dairy milk will result in the dish being sweeter than intended.
- Find the right consistency. If you’re using a dairy-free milk with a low fat content, your rice pudding may be a little thin compared to one made with cow’s milk. Adding in a thickener like corn starch can help thicken the mixture to make it taste more like a classic full-dairy rice pudding. Conversely, if your dairy-free milk is making your rice pudding too thick, simply add some water to the mixture to thin it out.
- Limit your substitutions. The fewer adjustments you make, the more likely your dairy-free dish will turn out as you intended. Choose recipes that are already dairy-free—like the rice pudding recipes below—or that only require one or two substitutions.
Easy & Delicious Dairy-Free Rice Pudding Recipes You’ll Love
Whether you’re committed to being dairy-free or simply want to try something new for dessert, these recipes prove you don’t need dairy to make a rich, creamy rice pudding. Plus, thanks to the speed and convenience of Minute Rice, all of these recipes are easy and quick to make at home, so you can satisfy your sweet tooth whenever it strikes.
Coconut Rice Pudding
This Coconut Rice Pudding recipe is a simple, straightforward and delicious way to get started with dairy-free rice pudding. Simply combine coconut milk, sugar and salt in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Then, add in a Minute Jasmine Rice Cup and let it sit for five minutes to absorb the sweet, creamy mixture before simmering for another five minutes. Finally, stir in vanilla extract and top with whatever garnish you’re in the mood for, from fresh strawberries to shredded coconut.
Triple Coconut Lime Rice Pudding
Perfect for coconut lovers, this Triple Coconut Lime Rice Pudding is a great choice for a simple dessert you can make at home. Minute Instant Jasmine Rice is cooked in a mixture of coconut milk, coconut water and sugar to infuse plenty of delicious coconut flavor into this rice pudding. Add in some tangy lime juice and zest along with toasted coconut flakes and you’re ready to enjoy this tropical dessert in no time.
Rainbow Matcha Rice Pudding
Another rice pudding packed with plenty of coconut is this Rainbow Matcha Rice Pudding from recipe creator Purely Healthy Living. It’s as fun as it is easy to make: A mixture of coconut milk and matcha is combined with vanilla extract, shredded coconut, coconut condensed milk and aromatic Minute Basmati Rice Cups. Once the mixture is cooled down, it’s served layered with whipped cream and topped with rainbow sprinkles for a uniquely colorful and delicious dessert.
Coffee and Creamy Oat Milk Rice Pudding
If you enjoy a cup of coffee for an after dinner pick-me-up, this Coffee and Creamy Oat Milk Rice Pudding is for you. Made with creamy oat milk, this rich rice pudding has two layers—one with vanilla and one flavored with instant coffee—to add some tasty variety to the dish. It can also be served warm or chilled, so it’s a great dessert to make ahead of time when you’re having dinner guests.
Oat Milk Banana Rice Pudding
Another non-dairy rice pudding recipe that uses oat milk as a dairy-free alternative is this simple Oat Milk Banana Rice Pudding. This recipe comes together in just 10 minutes using Minute Instant White Rice and other ingredients you likely already have on hand, so it’s a great easy weeknight treat. After preparing Minute Instant White Rice, blend oat milk, banana, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt in a blender or food processor until smooth. Then, simply mix this mixture together with rice, divide evenly into cups, and enjoy! Try making this recipe your own by adding your favorite topping like chopped nuts, chocolate chips or sliced bananas.
Berry Rice Pudding
This Berry Rice Pudding from recipe creator Tati Vegan Cooking can be made using any kind of plant-based milk, so you can enjoy it with whatever dairy-free milk you have on hand. The recipe recommends combining the dairy-free milk with corn starch, which helps make the mixture extra thick and creamy before combining it with Minute White Rice Cups. Fresh berries are a great complement when layered with the richness of the rice pudding.
Apple Cinnamon Rice Pudding
Enjoy the classic flavor combination of apples and cinnamon in rice pudding form! This Apple Cinnamon Rice Pudding is a warm, comforting recipe ready in just 12 minutes. Combine apples and cinnamon with coconut milk, sugar and salt and bring the mixture to a boil before adding in a Minute Basmati Rice Cup. As the mixture simmers, the rice absorbs all of those delicious flavors. Finish the dish by mixing in some vanilla extract, and you’re ready to enjoy!
Non-Dairy Rice Pudding for Every Palate
With so many dairy-free milk alternatives easily available in today’s grocery stores, creating non-dairy desserts can be as simple as swapping out an ingredient or two with a tasty plant-based alternative.
These dairy-free rice pudding recipes are just the start of the rice pudding dishes you can make at home. Rice pudding is such a versatile dessert, you can have fun trying out new combinations to suit your tastes and the ingredients you have on hand. Plus, thanks to Minute Rice, creating a delicious rice pudding at home has never been faster or easier. Explore even more rice pudding recipes and get inspired for your next delicious dessert on our website.
Dairy-Free Rice Pudding FAQs
Q: Can you make rice pudding without dairy?
A: Yes! Swap traditional milk or cream with oat milk, almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk for a delicious non-dairy rice pudding.
Q: What milk is best for vegan rice pudding?
A: Coconut milk adds rich flavor and creaminess, while oat and almond milk create a light, smooth texture.
Q: How do you thicken dairy-free rice pudding?
A: Add cornstarch or use thicker plant-based milks like coconut cream to achieve a creamy consistency.
