Dairy Free Classic Rice Pudding

Total time50 min

Prep time5 min

Cook time45 min

Short-grain rice simmers low and slow until it turns lusciously creamy, with vanilla stirred in at the end for warmth and a touch of sugar and salt to keep every spoonful balanced. The stovetop method here is all about patience — frequent stirring builds that classic thick, custardy texture without any curdling or scorching, and a light dusting of cinnamon on top adds a cozy finish. Serve it warm right off the stove for a soft, spoonable dessert, or chill it fully for a firmer, old-fashioned texture that's just as satisfying cold. It's an easy make-ahead treat that keeps well in the fridge for a few days, so you can portion it out whenever a craving hits. This version is a genuinely solid pick for a dairy free dessert rotation, delivering all that nostalgic rice pudding comfort in every creamy bite.

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Ingredients

6 servings

¾ cup short-grain white rice (such as arborio or sushi rice)
1 ½ cups water
3 cups whole milk
Silk Original Soymilk, Gluten Free Silk Organic Unsweet Soy Milk - 64 fl oz Westsoy Soymilk Unsweetened Original - 64 Fl. Oz.West Life Organic Unsweetened Plain Soymilk, 32 fl oz West Life Organic Soymilk Plain
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Chef's tip
Use plain, unsweetened soy milk, measured 1:1. It's one of the most reliable milk swaps and works in sauces, custards, and baked goods. For hot or acidic drinks, a barista-style soy milk resists curdling.
½ cup heavy cream
Chef's tip
Use unsweetened dairy-free heavy cream in cooked sauces, soups, and ganache. For whipped uses, choose a product labeled whippable.
⅓ cup granulated sugar
¼ tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract

For serving

½ tsp ground cinnamon, for serving (optional)
1 tbsp unsalted butter (optional)
Omit this
This ingredient likely doesn’t work for the diet.

Instructions

1
Combine the rice and water in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the water is almost fully absorbed, about 8–10 minutes.
2
Add the whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, and salt to the saucepan. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent the milk from scorching on the bottom.

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