• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Pure and Simple Nourishment
  • About
    • Meet Dr. Erin Carter
    • My Food Philosophy
    • Press and Publications
    • Contact
  • Free Resources
  • Recipes
    • Holidays
      • Fall
      • Thanksgiving
      • Christmas
    • Breakfast
    • Main Course
    • Dessert
    • Sauces and Dips
    • Side Dish
    • Drinks
    • Vegetables
    • Snack
    • Meat and Fish
    • Recipe Wrap-Ups
    • SCD
    • GAPS
    • Whole30
    • AIP
    • Vegan
    • Paleo
    • Dairy-Free
    • Gluten-Free
    • Low FODMAP
    • Refined-Sugar-Free
  • Health
    • Health Information
    • Book Club
  • Nutrition
  • Favorites
    • Books
    • Tools
    • Skincare
  • Work With Me
    • Services
    • Skin Care Quiz
    • Contact
  • Skin Care
  • Weekly Workouts
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Mother's Day
  • Recipes
  • Health Information
  • Meet Dr. Erin Carter
  • Services
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Mother's Day
    • Recipes
    • Health Information
    • Meet Dr. Erin Carter
    • Services
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Dessert

    The Best Dairy Free Rice Pudding (so easy!)

    Modified: Oct 27, 2024 • Published: Apr 13, 2020 by Dr. Erin Carter • This post may contain affiliate links • Leave a Comment

    404 shares
    • Share
    • Yummly
    • Tweet
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This is the best dairy free rice pudding recipe. It's so rich and creamy and can be made on the stovetop, in the Instant Pot, or in a slow cooker. This pudding is also gluten-free and vegan and makes a healthy breakfast or dessert.

    A bowl of dairy free rice pudding with raisins and pecans on top.

    I love making my own pudding recipes like raspberry chia pudding because they taste so good and are so easy to make, which is why I am so excited to share another delicious pudding with you today!

    Table of Contents
    • Why you will love this recipe:
    • Ingredients and substitutions:
    • Recipe variations and add ins:
    • How to make dairy free rice pudding:
    • Alternative cooking methods
    • Top tips:
    • How to serve:
    • How to store:
    • Dairy free rice pudding FAQs:
    • Other dairy free recipes you will love:
    • Recipe

    Why you will love this recipe:

    • The taste! This rice pudding is so rich and creamy and has the perfect sweet flavour with hints of cinnamon.
    • It's so easy to make and is made in just one pot so the clean up is super simple, just like vegan pumpkin risotto!
    • This creamy rice pudding can be made on the stovetop, in a slow cooker or in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker.
    • Besides being dairy free this healthy rice pudding recipe is also gluten-free, lactose free, vegan and refined sugar free.
    • This homemade rice pudding can be eaten for breakfast, as a dessert, or snack. It's a fun alternative to oatmeal for breakfast.
    • It stores well so is a great option for meal prep.  
    • Kids love it!

    If you love rice pudding you will also want to try my dairy free orange chocolate overnight oats, dairy free cherry crisp and dairy free chocolate caramel brownies.

    Ingredients and substitutions:

    The ingredients needed to make rice pudding separated into bowls including white rice, coconut milk, coconut sugar and raisins.
    • Basmati rice – basmati rice is my favourite white rice for making rice pudding. If you don't have basmati rice you can use another medium grain white rice instead.
    • Coconut milk – to give this pudding the most rich and creamy texture. I recommend using full fat coconut milk rather than light coconut milk (it's too watery). You could use another dairy free milk such as cashew milk, almond milk or soy milk. 
    • Coconut sugar – my favourite natural granulated sugar to sweeten this pudding while keeping it refined sugar free.
    • Vanilla extract - this helps enhance all the flavours of this pudding.
    • Raisins – to help give more natural sweetness to this rice pudding recipe. 
    • Cinnamon – ground cinnamon gives this healthy pudding the perfect fall flavour.
    • Sea salt - a pinch is all you need to help contrast the sweet taste of the pudding.

    Recipe variations and add ins:

    • To make this pudding higher in protein add some collagen peptides.
    • If you don't have coconut sugar you can substitute brown sugar instead. Just note that if you do this the pudding will no longer be refined sugar free.
    • If you don't like raisins simply omit them from the recipe.
    • To make it less sweet you can decrease the amount of sugar you use or use fewer raisins.
    • If you like a thinner texture add an extra cup of coconut milk or water to the recipe.
    • You could add other spices such as ground nutmeg or cardamon.
    • For a different flavour add a tablespoon of orange zest.

    How to make dairy free rice pudding:

    A pot with coconut milk, raisins and cinnamon in it.

    Step 1

    First, add the ingredients to a medium sized saucepan or pot and place it on the stove on medium heat. Allow the ingredients to come to a boil.

    A pot with rice cooking in it with raisins in the rice and a spoon stirring the rice.

    Step 2

    Once the ingredients have come to a boil, turn the heat down to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pudding reaches the consistency you prefer.

    A pot with rice in it and the lid on the pot.

    Step 3

    Then turn off the burner and put the lid on the pot and let it sit for about 10 minutes (this will soften the rice even more). Then enjoy!

    Alternative cooking methods

    To make in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker:

    To make this dairy free rice pudding in an Instant pot, instead of using 5 cups of coconut milk use 3 cups instead. In the inner pot of your Instant Pot combine all the ingredients and stir well. Then close the lid and lock it into position. Press Manual (pressure cooking) and adjust the time to 5 minutes. When the cooking cycle is finished, wait 7-8 minutes before releasing the pressure manually. Once the pin has dropped, open the lid and stir well. Depending on what consistency you like, feel free to add more coconut milk. Then serve and enjoy!

    To make in a slow cooker or Crockpot:

    First, add all the ingredients to your slow cooker or Crockpot and stir well to combine. Then cook on low heat for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally (alternatively you can cook it on high heat for ~2 hours). Then enjoy!

    Top tips:

    • I recommend using full fat coconut milk for this pudding - if you use low fat it will not turn out very well (the low fat coconut milk has too much water added).
    • When you re-heat the pudding you may want to add some additional coconut milk or nut milk as it will thicken in the fridge.
    • This rice pudding also tastes really good when it's cold so feel free serve it warm or cold.

    How to serve:

    Rice pudding is delicious served as is, but you could also give it even more flavour and texture by adding toppings such as:

    • Dried fruit such as raisins, apricots or dates.
    • Fresh fruit such as berries, banana slices, apricots, or apple.
    • Any kind of nut butter such as almond butter, cashew butter, macadamia nut butter, peanut butter, pumpkin seed butter etc.
    • Chopped nuts.
    • Chocolate chips or cacao nibs.

    How to store:

    Store this dairy free rice pudding in the fridge for up to 7 days in an airtight container. 

    You can also freeze this pudding in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months.

    A bowl of rice pudding with raisins and chopped pecans on top.

    Dairy free rice pudding FAQs:

    Is this rice pudding vegan?

    Yes! Usually rice pudding is made with cows milk, but this recipe uses coconut milk instead so it is dairy free and safe for vegans and vegetarians. Some rice pudding recipes also call for eggs, but this one is egg-free.

    Does rice pudding contain dairy? 

    Most rice pudding recipes do contain dairy as they are usually made with milk or cream. 

    Can you make rice pudding with brown rice?

    Making rice pudding with brown rice is generally not recommended. Brown rice doesn’t get as soft and creamy as white rice does so it’s not a good fit for making creamy rice or creamed rice. 

    Can I make this rice pudding with cooked rice? 

    I have not tested this recipe with cooked rice and am not sure it would work out. 

    Other dairy free recipes you will love:

    • A bowl of vegan pumpkin risotto with a spoon in it and garnished with fresh parsley.
      The Best Vegan Pumpkin Risotto
    • A stack of paleo waffles with berries on top and syrup being poured on them.
      The Best Paleo Waffles (gluten-free & dairy-free)
    • A pan filled with cooked dairy free scalloped potatoes garnished with fresh thyme.
      Dairy-Free Scalloped Potatoes (gluten-free, vegan & paleo)
    • A bowl of creamy dairy free potato soup topped with bacon bits and chopped green onion.
      Creamy Dairy Free Potato Soup (Whole30)

    Since you made it this far we are basically best friends so be sure to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok and Facebook where I share even more recipes and healthy living tips! And don’t forget to leave this recipe a star review before you go!

    Recipe

    A bowl of dairy free rice pudding with a spoon in it and topped with raisins and chopped pecans.

    Dairy Free Rice Pudding

    This is the best dairy-free rice pudding! So creamy and delicious it's easy to make and is also vegan and gluten free.
    4.59 from 17 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine: American, spanish
    Diet: Diabetic, Gluten Free, Low Lactose, Vegan
    Prep Time: 1 minute minute
    Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 26 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 808kcal
    Author: Dr. Erin Carter

    Equipment

    • Pot or saucepan

    Ingredients

    • 5 cups full fat coconut milk
    • 1 cup white basmati rice
    • 1/3 cup raisins
    • 1/4 cup coconut sugar
    • 1 tablespoon organic vanilla extract
    • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
    • pinch sea salt

    Instructions

    • Add all the ingredients to a medium sized pot and place on the stove on medium heat.
    • Bring the ingredients to a boil and turn down the heat to low. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring frequently, until it reaches the consistency you desire.
    • Turn off the burner and place the lid on the pot and let stand for 10 minutes (this will soften the rice even more).
    • Serve and enjoy!

    Notes

    1. I only recommend using full fat coconut milk for this recipe.
    2. Store this rice pudding in the fridge for up to a week in an airtight container. 
    3. Nutritional values are an estimate and will vary depending on the exact ingredients used and the serving size. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 808kcal | Carbohydrates: 65g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 61g | Saturated Fat: 54g | Sodium: 63mg | Potassium: 774mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 87mg | Iron: 10mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @pureandsimpleno or tag #pureandsimpleno!

    DISCLAIMERS: The statements made on this website have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration or Health Canada. The information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. You assume full responsibility for how you use this information. Always consult with your physician or other health professionals before making any diet or lifestyle changes. This post may contain affiliate links whereby if you purchase these products I receive a small percentage of the sale price. This allows me to keep the blog running and I thank you for allowing me to do that!

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    A photo of Dr. Erin Carter wearing a floral dress in her kitchen.

    Hi everyone!

    My name is Dr. Erin Carter and I am so thrilled you are here. I am a physician with specialties in both internal medicine and rheumatology, and I believe that food and healthy living are forms of medicine. In my spare time I share health information and delicious, healthy recipes here on Pure and Simple Nourishment.

    More about me

    Mother's Day Recipes

    • A lemon lavender cookie on a baking sheet with a bite out of it and surrounded by lemon slices.
      The Best Lemon Lavender Cookies (gluten-free option)
    • A stack of five cassava flour chocolate chip cookies.
      Cassava Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies (egg-free, gluten-free)
    • A jar of raspberry chia pudding topped with fresh raspberries and white chia seeds.
      5 Ingredient Raspberry Chia Pudding
    • A bowl of coconut whipped cream.
      Easy Coconut Whipped Cream (vegan, dairy-free)
    • A glass dish filled with a bacon and vegetable egg casserole.
      The Best Bacon and Vegetable Egg Casserole
    • A healthy apple crumble bar on a plate with a bite taken out of it and a fork beside it.
      The Best Healthy Apple Bars (gluten-free)

    Health Info

    • A collage of many different sunscreen bottles with the title The Best Safe Sunscreens Over them.
      11 Non-Toxic Sunscreens (tried and tested)
    • Four women in their underwear with the title The Best Non Toxic Period Underwear over them.
      10 Non-Toxic Period Underwear Brands - PFAS Free
    • Pots and pans stacked on top of each other in black and white with the title "is ceramic cookware safe?" above them.
      Is Ceramic Cookware Safe? Which Brands Are & Which Brands Aren't
    • A collage of body washes with the title "Non-Toxic Body Washes" over them.
      The 9 Best Non-Toxic Body Washes of 2025 (Tried & Tested)

    Popular Recipes

    • A paleo apple pie bar with a bite out of it and pieces of cooked apples beside it.
      The Best Healthy Apple Pie Bars (gluten-free, vegan & paleo)
    • A gluten free burger in a bun with lettuce, tomato and ketchup.
      The Best Gluten-Free Burgers Recipe (so juicy!)
    • A loaf of gluten free chocolate chip banana bread cut into pieces.
      The Best Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Banana Bread (dairy free & paleo)
    • A paleo chocolate chip zucchini muffin with a bite out of it.
      Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins (dairy-free & paleo)
    • A bowl of Whole30 asian coleslaw with dressing being poured on it.
      The Best Healthy Asian Coleslaw Salad
    • A jar of berry cheesecake overnight oats topped with fresh berries with a spoon in it.
      The Best Berry Cheesecake Overnight Oats

    Footer

    featured on:

    Sign up for emails and updates!

    Sign me up!
    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy
    • Contact
    • Services
    • ↑ back to top

    Some of the links on this website are affiliate links whereby we make a small percentage if you purchase the product through that link. It does not cost you anything extra and helps us keep this website running. As an Amazon associate we earn a small percentage from qualifying Amazon purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 Pure & Simple Nourishment - Powered by Feast+

    404 shares
    404 shares

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required