Creamy Coconut Milk Rice Pudding with Cinnamon 🥥🍚✨
This Creamy Coconut Milk Rice Pudding is pure comfort in a bowl—rich, silky, and warmly spiced with cinnamon. Naturally dairy-free and gently sweetened, it’s a beautiful dessert or breakfast treat that feels indulgent but is surprisingly wholesome. 💚
Why You’ll Love This Dairy-Free Rice Pudding 💚
- ✅ Dairy-Free & Vegan: Made with coconut milk for creamy richness.
- ✅ Cozy & Comforting: Cinnamon and vanilla bring warm, nostalgic flavor.
- ✅ Simple Pantry Ingredients: No fancy tools or hard-to-find items.
- ✅ Great Warm or Cold: Delicious freshly made or chilled from the fridge.
🥥 Coconut Rice Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
- ¾ cup uncooked short-grain or Arborio rice 🍚
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk 🥥
- 1½ cups water or unsweetened almond milk 💧
- ¼ cup maple syrup or coconut sugar 🍁
- 1 tsp vanilla extract 🌿
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon + more for garnish 🌰
- Pinch of salt 🧂
- Optional toppings: toasted coconut flakes, raisins, chopped nuts, or fresh fruit 🍓🥥
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions (Expanded)
- Rinse the rice:
Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer under cool water until the water runs mostly clear. This removes excess starch and prevents clumping. - Combine liquids and rice:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, coconut milk, water (or almond milk), cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- Stir to mix and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Simmer gently:
- Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low.
- Cover partially and cook for 30–35 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- The pudding will gradually thicken as the rice becomes soft and creamy.
- Sweeten and finish:
- Once the rice is tender and the pudding is thickened to your liking, stir in the maple syrup and vanilla extract.
- Cook uncovered for another 2–3 minutes, stirring to blend the flavors.
- Serve and garnish:
Spoon into bowls and serve warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon—or let cool and chill for a refreshing cold dessert. Top with toasted coconut, raisins, or fruit as desired. 🍓🥥
💡 Flavor Boosts & Customizations
- ✨ Chai spice: Add a pinch of cardamom, nutmeg, or ground cloves for extra warmth.
- ✨ Citrus note: Stir in a little orange or lemon zest near the end for a bright twist.
- ✨ Protein boost: Add a scoop of vanilla plant-based protein once cooled slightly.
- ✨ Make it extra creamy: Stir in an extra splash of coconut milk just before serving.
🍚 Nutritional Benefits
This dairy-free pudding is rich in healthy fats from coconut milk and offers steady energy from slow-digesting rice. Cinnamon adds antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, while maple syrup provides natural sweetness without refined sugar.
🧊 Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- ✅ Make-ahead: Great for batch cooking! Let cool and refrigerate up to 4 days.
- ✅ Reheat: Add a splash of plant milk and warm gently on the stove or microwave.
- ✅ Freezer tip: Freeze in portions and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use jasmine or basmati rice?
Short-grain or Arborio rice works best for that creamy, classic texture. Long-grain rice won’t be as soft or pudding-like.
Can I make this sugar-free?
Yes! Skip the maple syrup and stir in mashed banana, dates, or your favorite sugar-free sweetener instead.
Why is my pudding too thick?
It thickens more as it cools. Add a splash of plant-based milk when reheating to loosen it back up.
Simple, Creamy & Naturally Sweet 💚
If you make this comforting coconut rice pudding, 💬 drop your twist in the comments or tag your bowl on Pinterest! Whether warm or chilled, it’s a hug in dessert form. 🥥🍚✨
