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Oat Milk Rice Pudding

Learn how to make creamy Rice Pudding with Oat Milk from scratch! This simple and satisfying dairy-free rice pudding recipe uses leftover cooked rice, non-dairy milk, dried fruit, maple syrup, and coconut sugar to make a delicious lactose-free rice pudding the whole family will love! The optional addition of chia seeds gives this pudding an added fiber boost.

parfait dishes of rice pudding topped with whipped cream and cinnamon with spoons for serving

One of my all-time favorite sweet treats is rice pudding, especially when it’s super creamy with hints of warming flavor. This creamy rice pudding recipe is just that -and it’s made entirely dairy-free with plant-based, lactose-free ingredients!

This healthier variation of classic rice pudding has oat milk instead of cream, maple syrup, and coconut sugar instead of refined sugar. It’s easy, delicious, and a dessert (or snack) the whole family will love.

-full of tasty goodness! 

Made with the perfect balance of carbs, healthy fats, and natural sweeteners, this dairy-free rice pudding even makes a great post-workout snack! Ready to make homemade creamy rice pudding with oat milk? Let’s do it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • It’s the best dairy-free and vegan-friendly adaptation of classic rice pudding.
  • It’s super quick and easy. Make yourself restaurant-quality rice pudding in minutes.
  • This is a great way to use leftover rice!
  • The flexibility; customizing your pudding with different flavors and mix-ins is simple.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making dairy-free rice pudding from scratch only takes a handful of healthy ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

ingredients for rice pudding measured out into dishes
  • Cooked Rice: Jasmine rice is my go-to for rice pudding. You can also use arborio rice, short-grain sushi rice, or brown rice (for a fiber-rich option).
  • Oat Milk: I love using oat milk to make rich and creamy vegan rice pudding. Feel free to replace oat milk with other plant-based milk like almond, cashew, or coconut. Regular milk is great here, too. Fairlife milk is lactose-free and adds a nice protein boost.
  • Golden Raisins: Raisins add a pleasant pop of sweet flavor. You can also use regular raisins or chopped dates here for a slightly different taste but delicious nonetheless.
  • Shredded Coconut: Be sure to use unsweetened coconut here.
  • Real Maple Syrup: Maple syrup sweetens and thickens the pudding. You can also use agave nectar and honey (although not vegan if you need a vegan option).
  • Coconut Sugar: Coconut sugar enhances the sugary, sweet flavors. You can use maple sugar or date sugar instead. Light brown sugar also works (although not refined sugar-free).
  • Spices: Cinnamon + nutmeg match for adding warm, cozy flavor.
  • Vanilla: For the best tasting rice pudding, use a high-quality pure vanilla extract.
  • Chia Seeds: Chia seeds at some contrasting crunch to the soft and creamy rice pudding while adding a boost of fiber and protein. These are optional, of course.

How To Make Oat Milk Rice Pudding

Step 1: Combine and heat ingredients: In a medium-sized saucepan, add cooked rice, oat milk, raisins, maple syrup, coconut sugar, shredded coconut, vanilla, and spices. Warm over medium-low heat while continuously stirring until the mixture begins to thicken.

rice pudding cooking in a sauce pan

Step 2: Add chia (if using), and toppings, and serve: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the chia seeds. Transfer to a serving dish, add your favorite toppings, and serve immediately. Enjoy!

stirring chia seeds into rice pudding

Recipe Tips

  • You can add more cooked rice to the mixture for a thicker pudding. If you prefer a thinner pudding, use about a 1/4 cup less.
  • I love enjoying rice pudding hot off the stove, but it’s also yummy served chilled. It’s perfect for breakfast the next day. It will thicken as it chills, so you may need to stir in more oat milk.
  • Sprinkle with flaked sea salt! This is optional, but a few sea salt flakes will enhance every flavor.
rice pudding in a saucepan with a serving spoon

Variations and Topping Ideas

Add mouthwatering flavor to your dairy-free rice pudding with one of these delicious variations:

  • Chocolate Rice Pudding – The easiest way to make chocolate-flavored rice pudding is with chocolate milk. Whisk chocolate syrup or dutch-processed cocoa powder into the oat milk before adding it to the saucepan with the remaining ingredients.
  • Strawberry Rice Pudding – Whisk strawberry syrup into the milk before adding it to the saucepan with the remaining ingredients. Top with fresh-sliced strawberries and coconut whipped cream.
  • Pumpkin Spice Rice Pudding – Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of pureed pumpkin and plenty of pumpkin pie spice! Top with a dollop of dairy-free whipped cream.
  • High Fiber Rice Pudding – To increase the fiber content of the rice putting, try using brown rice or sprinkling in some ground flaxseed. You can also use quinoa!

You can also upgrade your rice pudding with a variety of healthy toppings. Check out some of my favorites below!

Storing and Freezing

Storing: Store your homemade rice pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Just know that the rice will continue to absorb moisture, so you will likely need to add more oat milk to thin it out.

Freezing: You can also freeze it in a freezer-safe container for 2 to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Keep in mind the texture won’t be the same once frozen.
Reheating: In a small saucepan, heat over medium-low heat until warmed to your liking. If it’s too thick, add more oat milk.

rice pudding in dishes with flaked salt on top

Recipe FAQ

How do you thicken rice pudding without eggs?

One option is to add more cooked rice to the pudding mixture (about a 1/4 cup). You can also try whisking in 1 to 2 teaspoons of cornstarch or arrowroot starch with the other ingredients. This pudding recipe does not need a thickener added, it thickens as it cools and the chia seeds absorb moisture as it sits.

Is this rice pudding a healthy dessert?

This rice pudding is lower in calories, fat, and refined sugar than traditional rice pudding recipes. It’s also gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan. In my opinion, it’s a healthier dessert option than regular rice pudding, but keep in mind that it’s not a low-carb recipe.

Is rice pudding supposed to be served hot or cold?

That’s totally up to you! It’s delicious both ways.

If you love this recipe I would be so grateful if you could leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below. I love reading your comments and feedback!

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a photo of oat milk rice pudding in a glass parfait dish with whipped cream and cinnamon on top
a photo of oat milk rice pudding in a glass parfait dish with whipped cream and cinnamon on top

Oat Milk Rice Pudding

An easy and healthier rice pudding dessert naturally sweetened with maple syrup and coconut sugar.
5 from 3 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 186kcal
Author: Amee

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked rice brown rice, Jasmine, and Basmati are my favorites here
  • 2 cups unsweetened oat milk
  • 1/4 cup real maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup golden raisins
  • 2 tsp good quality vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp chia seeds *optional

Instructions

  • In a saucepan, over medium-low heat, combine cooked rice, oat milk, raisins, maple syrup, coconut sugar, shredded coconut, vanilla and spices.
  • Heat through while constantly stirring, until pudding begins to thicken, about 5-10 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and stir in chia seeds, if using.
  • Serve immediately and top with your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • I love enjoying rice pudding hot off the stove, but it’s also yummy served chilled. It’s perfect for breakfast the next day. It will thicken as it chills, so you may need to stir in more oat milk.
  • Sprinkle with flaked sea salt! This is optional, but a few sea salt flakes will enhance every flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 186kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 42mg | Potassium: 181mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 125IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 118mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @ameecooks or tag #ameecooks!

 

Amee Livingston
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4 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    It won’t let me leave a 5 star lol. I omitted the coconut sugar and shredded coconut. Added a little more rice as suggested for thicker pudding. It was delicious!

  2. 5 stars
    I really liked the flavor of this pudding. I will need to play with the rice portion to have it come out a little thicker. I was afraid to cook it too long so after 15 minutes I took it off the heat. What a great way to use the left over rice I had! Thank you!

5 from 3 votes (1 rating without comment)

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