Is There a Dairy Free Rice Pudding? The Creamy Answer is Yes!

January 11, 2026 •

4 min read

Over 68% of the world's population is estimated to have lactose malabsorption, making traditional dairy-based desserts challenging for many. Fortunately, the query "is there a dairy free rice pudding?" has a delicious solution that is just as rich, creamy, and comforting as the classic version, thanks to a variety of plant-based milks.

Quick Summary

Yes, dairy-free rice pudding is easily achievable using alternative milks like coconut, oat, or almond to create a creamy texture. This dessert is perfect for vegans or those with lactose intolerance, offering a comforting and delicious plant-based treat.

Key Points

Yes, there is a dairy free rice pudding: High-quality versions can be made using various plant-based milk alternatives.
Coconut, oat, and almond milks are excellent substitutes: They provide different flavor and texture profiles, from rich and creamy to light and nutty.
Use full-fat coconut or barista-style oat milk for creaminess: These options have a higher fat content that best mimics the texture of dairy milk.
Short-grain rice is ideal: Arborio or pudding rice releases more starch during cooking, which naturally helps thicken the pudding.
Thickening agents can be used if needed: A cornstarch or arrowroot slurry can ensure a perfectly thick and creamy consistency.
Enjoy it warm or chilled: Dairy-free rice pudding can be served in various ways and topped with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.

The Rise of Dairy-Free Desserts

As dietary preferences shift and awareness of food sensitivities increases, the demand for plant-based alternatives to classic comfort foods has skyrocketed. For centuries, rice pudding has been a staple dessert, celebrated for its creamy texture and comforting warmth. Traditionally, this dessert relies heavily on cow's milk and cream for its signature richness. However, modern culinary techniques and the wide availability of plant-based products mean that a truly satisfying dairy-free rice pudding is not only possible but also a delightful reality. The key lies in selecting the right dairy-free milk substitute and understanding how it will interact with the rice during the cooking process to mimic the creamy consistency of a traditional recipe.

Choosing Your Dairy-Free Milk Alternative

Creating the perfect dairy-free rice pudding begins with the right milk. Different plant-based milks offer unique flavors and textures that can completely transform the final dish. The choice depends on personal taste and the desired richness. Here are some of the most popular and effective options:

Coconut Milk: This is a favorite for many dairy-free bakers because of its high-fat content and natural creaminess. Using full-fat canned coconut milk provides a decadently rich and thick pudding with a subtle tropical flavor. This is ideal for those who want a truly indulgent dessert.
Oat Milk: Known for its neutral flavor and inherently creamy texture, oat milk is an excellent all-purpose choice. Barista-style oat milk is particularly good as it has a higher fat content and produces a thick, smooth pudding that closely resembles the dairy version.
Almond Milk: Lighter in texture and with a slightly nutty flavor, almond milk creates a less heavy rice pudding. Using a barista or unsweetened cooking version is recommended to achieve the best results without altering the sweetness or consistency.
Soy Milk: A classic dairy alternative, soy milk offers a smooth texture and is a reliable option for a creamy pudding. It's best to use a plain, unsweetened variety to control the overall sweetness and flavor profile.

How to Achieve a Creamy, Thick Consistency

Traditional rice pudding's thickness comes from the milk fats and proteins that break down during a long, slow simmer. To replicate this without dairy, a few techniques are necessary:

Use a combination of milks: A blend of a rich milk like coconut cream and a milder one like oat or almond milk can yield the perfect balance of flavor and thickness.
Add a thickening agent: For a guaranteed creamy result, a small amount of cornstarch or arrowroot powder can be mixed with a portion of the cold milk to create a slurry before adding it to the warm pudding. This prevents lumps and helps achieve a thick, smooth consistency.
Use the right rice: Short-grain rice, like Arborio or traditional pudding rice, works best. These varieties release more starch as they cook, which naturally contributes to a creamier texture.

A Simple Dairy-Free Rice Pudding Recipe

This recipe provides a delicious and foolproof way to make a rich dairy-free rice pudding.

Ingredients
- 1 cup short-grain rice (Arborio or pudding rice)
- 1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
- 3 cups unflavored oat milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar (or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- Cinnamon or nutmeg for topping
Instructions
1. Combine the rice, coconut milk, oat milk, sugar, and salt in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Stir well.
2. Bring the mixture to a low boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low.
3. Simmer uncovered for 30–45 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Continue until the rice is tender and the pudding has thickened to your desired consistency. The pudding will thicken further as it cools.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Serve warm or chilled, topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.

Comparison of Dairy vs. Dairy-Free Rice Pudding


Feature	Traditional Dairy Rice Pudding	Dairy-Free Rice Pudding
Key Ingredient	Cow's milk and/or cream	Plant-based milk (coconut, oat, almond, soy)
Richness	Inherently creamy and rich due to dairy fat and protein	Achieved through high-fat plant milks (like coconut) and/or thickeners
Flavor Profile	Classic, milky, and comforting	Varies with milk choice; can be nutty (almond), tropical (coconut), or neutral (oat)
Dietary Suitability	Not suitable for lactose intolerant, vegan, or milk-allergic individuals	Suitable for lactose intolerant, vegan, and dairy-allergic diets
Texture	Smooth and creamy, can be baked for a thicker skin	Smooth and creamy, may require specific milk blends or thickeners to prevent thinning

Conclusion

In conclusion, is there a dairy free rice pudding? Absolutely. With the right ingredients and technique, a homemade version can be just as, if not more, delicious and satisfying than its traditional counterpart. The abundance of high-quality plant-based milks on the market allows for extensive experimentation with flavors and textures. Whether you prefer the tropical richness of coconut milk or the neutral creaminess of oat milk, a perfectly comforting bowl of dairy-free rice pudding is within easy reach for everyone, regardless of dietary needs. So, don't let a dairy intolerance stop you from enjoying this beloved dessert. Minute Rice offers several easy dairy-free rice pudding recipes for those looking for quick options.

Frequently Asked Questions

While most non-dairy milks can be used, options like full-fat canned coconut milk and barista-style oat milk provide the richest, creamiest texture that most closely resembles traditional rice pudding. Thinner milks like almond or soy will still work but may result in a less creamy pudding unless a thickening agent is used.

To achieve a thick, creamy texture, use a high-fat milk like full-fat canned coconut milk or barista oat milk. Using short-grain rice (Arborio, pudding rice) helps, as it releases more starch. For extra thickness, a slurry of cornstarch or arrowroot mixed with milk can be added towards the end of the cooking process.

Short-grain varieties such as Arborio rice or traditional pudding rice are best for rice pudding, dairy-free or not. Their higher starch content gives the pudding its signature creamy texture.

Yes, dairy-free rice pudding can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Note that it will thicken as it chills. To thin it out before serving, simply stir in a splash of your preferred plant-based milk.

A well-made dairy-free rice pudding is naturally vegan. It can also be gluten-free, provided you ensure that any flavorings or additions, like vanilla extract or spices, are certified gluten-free. Plain rice itself is gluten-free.

Yes, you can use cooked rice. However, the cooking time and milk ratio will need to be adjusted. You will use less liquid and the cooking time will be significantly shorter. Most recipes for cooked rice pudding call for 1.5 cups of cooked rice to 5 cups of milk and a 30-40 minute cooking time.

Toppings are versatile. Common choices include a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, fresh berries, fruit purees, toasted coconut flakes, raisins, or chopped nuts like pistachios or walnuts.