Vegan Risalamande (Coconut Rice Pudding)

This Vegan Rice Pudding recipe will give you a dessert that's not only creamy and delicious but also dairy-free and gluten-free! The combination of Arborio rice, almond milk, and coconut cream gives it a texture that's so creamy and comforting that you won't even miss the dairy. The vanilla extract and sugar add a subtle sweetness, while the chopped almonds provide a delightful crunch. 

Vegan rice pudding is a great dish to make at home because it's a simple yet indulgent dessert that everyone can enjoy. Whether you're a vegan, lactose intolerant, or just a lover of great food, this recipe is a great addition to your collection. Plus, it's made with simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

This vegan rice pudding is also known as Risalamande and is a traditional Danish dessert made at Christmas. This recipe is based on my classic Risalamande recipe, but this version is totally vegan!

Traditionally, a whole almond would be hidden inside one of the serving glasses or bowls of risalamande. The prize for finding the almond is usually something like a marzipan pig (a piece of candy shaped like a pig) or a chocolate heart, but you can make your prize whatever you like!

What sets this vegan rice pudding recipe apart is the coconut cream. While traditional rice pudding recipes use dairy milk and cream, this version uses a combination of almond milk and coconut cream to achieve a similar, if not better, creamy consistency.

Jump to:

• What is Vegan Rice Pudding?
• Why This Is The Best Vegan Rice Pudding Recipe 
• What You Need to Make Vegan Rice Pudding At Home
• How to Make Vegan Rice Pudding Step-by-Step
• Tips For Making the Best Vegan Rice Pudding Every Single Time
• Serving Suggestions
• Recipe Variation Ideas for Vegan Rice Pudding 
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How to Store Leftover Vegan Rice Pudding 
• Similar Recipes
• Recipe

What is Vegan Rice Pudding?

Vegan rice pudding is a delightful, dairy-free version of the traditional rice pudding dish. This recipe is a sweet and creamy dessert made with a combination of long-grain rice, almond milk, and vanilla extract. 

It's a vegan dessert that's also gluten-free, making it a perfect option for those with dietary restrictions or those who simply want to enjoy a healthier dessert option.

This vegan rice pudding recipe is a fantastic dish to prepare at home. It's a great way to use up leftover rice and it's surprisingly easy to make. The end result is a dessert that's not only delicious but also comforting and satisfying. 

The combination of the creamy rice pudding with the sweet and rich flavor of the almond milk and vanilla extract is simply irresistible. This is a dessert that's sure to please vegans and non-vegans alike.

Why This Is The Best Vegan Rice Pudding Recipe 

Family Favorite: The creamy, fluffy texture of this rice pudding combined with the sweet, warm cherry sauce is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Plus, the fun tradition of hiding a whole almond in one of the servings adds a playful twist to the dessert.

Vegan and Gluten-Free: This recipe is perfect for those who are vegans or intolerant to gluten. It uses almond milk, coconut cream, and other non-dairy ingredients to create a creamy, dairy-free rice pudding. Plus, it's gluten-free, making it a suitable dessert for those with dietary restrictions.

Crowd Pleaser: Whether you're serving this at a small family gathering or a large holiday party, this vegan rice pudding recipe is sure to please. Its creamy texture, sweet cherry sauce, and fun almond-finding tradition make it a dessert that everyone will love. Enjoy this crowd-pleasing, dairy-free rice pudding at your next get-together!

What You Need to Make Vegan Rice Pudding At Home

All you need are some incredibly simple, pantry-staple ingredients to make this delicious vegan rice pudding recipe at home.

Here's an overview of the specific ingredients for this recipe. For the exact ingredients and measurements, please scroll to the recipe card below.

For the Rice Pudding:

Arborio Rice: This short-grain rice is known for its creamy texture when cooked, making it perfect for a rice pudding recipe. Its high starch content helps thicken the pudding naturally.

Water: Used to cook the rice, it helps to soften the grains and prepare them for the infusion of flavor from other ingredients.

Almond Milk: This non-dairy milk is a great alternative to regular milk, giving the pudding a subtle nutty flavor while keeping it vegan and dairy-free.

Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla extract enhances the sweetness of the pudding and adds a hint of aromatic flavor.

Sugar: A standard sweetener that balances the flavors and enhances the overall taste of the dessert.

Almonds: Chopped almonds add a delightful crunch to the creamy pudding, while a whole almond is traditionally hidden in the dish as a fun surprise.

Coconut Cream: Extracted from a can of whole fat coconut milk, this cream adds a rich, creamy texture and a subtle tropical flavor to the pudding.

Powdered Sugar: Used to sweeten the coconut cream, it dissolves quickly and smoothly, ensuring a creamy consistency.

Sliced Almonds (optional): These can be sprinkled on top of the pudding for an added crunch and appealing presentation.

Fresh Mint (optional): Fresh mint leaves can be used as a garnish, adding a pop of color and a refreshing aftertaste.

For the Cherry Sauce:

Frozen Cherries: The star ingredient of the cherry sauce, these provide a sweet and tart contrast to the creamy pudding.

Sugar: This enhances the natural sweetness of the cherries.

Water: Used to create a syrupy texture for the sauce, it helps to cook the cherries and dissolve the sugar.

Cornstarch: This thickens the cherry sauce, giving it a glossy, smooth consistency.

Lemon Juice: A squeeze of lemon juice in the cherry sauce adds a refreshing tanginess, balancing out the sweetness. 

How to Make Vegan Rice Pudding Step-by-Step

Making this incredible vegan rice pudding recipe at home is super easy and will give you great results every single time. Here's how to make it step by step:

1. Cook the rice

In a medium saucepan combine the rice and water over medium heat. When the water starts to boil, add the almond milk, vanilla extract and sugar.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook until the rice absorbs all water and is soft, about 30 minutes. Stir it occasionally while it's cooking. Remove rice from the heat and stir in the chopped almonds. Let the rice cool completely.

2. Make the whipped cream

In a large bowl, combine the coconut cream and powdered sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the cream on medium speed until stiff peaks form. Fold the whipped cream into the cooled rice and almond mixture.

3. Make the cherry sauce

In a small saucepan, combine the frozen cherries, sugar, and water. Meanwhile, dissolve the cornstarch in the lemon juice in a small bowl. When the cherries start to boil, add the cornstarch mixture and cook until the sauce slightly thickens, about 3–5 minutes.

4. Serve!

This step is optional, but really fun! Place the whole almond in one of the serving glasses. (Whoever finds the almond wins a small prize—usually it's a marzipan pig.)

Spoon a few tablespoons of vegan Risalamande into each serving glass. Drizzle with cherry sauce, and place a few mint leaves on top. Sprinkle with some chopped or sliced almonds.

Tips For Making the Best Vegan Rice Pudding Every Single Time

Choose the right rice: For the best texture in your vegan rice pudding, use Arborio rice. This short-grain rice becomes beautifully creamy as it cooks, making it perfect for a comforting dessert. 

Don't rush the cooking process: Allow the rice to simmer on medium-low heat until it absorbs all the water. This slow cooking process ensures the rice is cooked perfectly and helps achieve the ideal creamy consistency.

Whip the coconut cream: To make your rice pudding extra creamy, whip the coconut cream until it forms stiff peaks before folding it into the cooled rice and almond mixture. This adds a fluffy texture to your dessert.

Add a fun element: Hide a whole almond in one of the serving glasses. This is a fun tradition that adds a playful element to your dessert experience.

Serving Suggestions

• For a breakfast treat, pair this vegan rice pudding with a sprinkle of cinnamon and fresh blueberries. The tartness of the blueberries perfectly balances the sweetness of the pudding.
• Want a dessert with a twist? Try drizzling a spoonful of maple syrup over your vegan rice pudding and garnish with pistachios. The nutty flavor of the pistachios and the sweetness of the maple syrup will elevate the taste of your pudding.
• For an afternoon snack, serve this vegan rice pudding chilled with a side of fresh-cut apples. The crisp texture of the apples adds a delightful contrast to the creamy rice pudding.
• This vegan rice pudding also makes a great post-dinner dessert. Serve it warm with a dollop of dairy-free cream and a sprinkle of chocolate chips for a decadent treat.

Recipe Variation Ideas for Vegan Rice Pudding 

This delicious vegan rice pudding recipe is so flavorful and easy to make, you'll want to try out some of these delicious variations! Here are some great ideas:

Add other fruits: If you're a fruit lover, try adding some diced apples or blueberries to your rice pudding. The fresh, juicy fruits will add a burst of natural sweetness and a pleasing texture to your dessert, making it a hit with both kids and adults.

Try some chocolate: For chocolate lovers, try adding some vegan chocolate chips to your pudding just before serving. The chocolate chips will melt slightly, adding a rich, creamy texture and a decadent chocolate flavor to your vegan dessert.

Use natural sweeteners: If you're trying to cut down on sugar, try sweetening your vegan rice pudding with maple syrup or agave nectar instead of sugar. Maple syrup not only adds a natural sweetness but also imparts a unique flavor that makes your dessert even more delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Store Leftover Vegan Rice Pudding 

After enjoying a comforting bowl of vegan rice pudding, you might find yourself with some leftovers. Don't worry, storing this creamy, dairy-free dessert is a breeze! Here's how to do it properly to maintain that delicious taste and texture.

For refrigeration, simply transfer the leftover vegan rice pudding into an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. Make sure the pudding is completely cooled before refrigerating to prevent excess moisture from building up in the container. This will help maintain the creamy texture of the pudding.

To reheat the pudding, you can use either the stovetop or the microwave. If using the stovetop, place the pudding in a pot over medium heat and stir continuously until it is heated through. 

For the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish and heat the pudding in increments of one minute, stirring after each minute until it's hot enough for your liking. If the pudding seems too thick after reheating, just stir in a splash of your favorite non-dairy milk, like almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk or cashew milk, to bring back its creamy consistency.

Now, you might be wondering if you can freeze this vegan rice pudding. Unfortunately, freezing is not recommended for this dish. Rice pudding tends to lose its creamy texture when frozen and then thawed, becoming grainy and less enjoyable. Stick to refrigeration for the best results!

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