This velvety, vegan rice pudding is seriously the creamiest rice pudding you’ll ever taste. Rice pudding is the ultimate, nostalgic, comfort food that brings back all those warm and fuzzy childhood memories. Honestly, it had been ages since I last had rice pudding, until I whipped up this recipe. One taste and I was instantly reminded why I used to go love it as a child.
When it comes to creating the perfect rice pudding, using the right kind of rice is absolutely crucial! Be sure to opt for a short grain variety like Arborio or sushi rice. Short grain rice is starchier and stickier than long grain rice (such as Basmati, Jasmine, and regular white and brown rice). These tiny little grains are bursting with starchiness and stickiness, and are the ultimate choice for achieving that incredibly luscious and creamy texture that a truly exceptional rice pudding should possess!
½cupsshort grain rice such as Arborio or sushi rice
3 ½cupsunsweetened plant based milk I use full fat Oatly oat milk
¼cupdark maple syrup
¼teaspoonsalt
1cinnamon stick
1teaspoonvanilla extract
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, combine the plant based milk, maple syrup, salt and cinnamon stick. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Stirring occasionally, to keep the rice from sticking and a skin from forming, allow the rice pudding to simmer for 30 minutes, until the rice is tender, and the liquid has thickened but is not fully absorbed.
To avoid the milk bubbling over, don't cover the pot while it's on the heat.
Remove from heat, and remove the cinnamon stick. If the rice pudding seems to dry at this point, add another ¼ milk.
Add the vanilla extract. Cover the pudding and allow it to cool.
The rice pudding will continue to thicken as it cools.
Can be served warm, or cold.
Reheat in a saucepan, over low heat. Loosen with additional milk as needed, to get the desired consistency.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 5 days.