Almond Milk Rice Pudding (Vegan)

This almond milk rice pudding is an easy dessert or breakfast recipe that's healthy, creamy and satisfying using cupboard ingredients. Prepared in just 35 minutes, these puddings happen to be dairy free, gluten free and vegan.

I made this Rice Pudding. It is really good especially with the almond milk. Topped it with Bonne Maman peach compote. Keeper. Thanks Jill. - Marilyn

Can I Use Almond Milk Instead of Milk for Rice Pudding?

You most certainly can substitute almond milk for milk in rice pudding. Not only is it possible but the result is still creamy. It's made healthy using less sugar by relying on raisins to naturally sweeten it.
Plus, as almond milk's shelf life is long, it's an ideal pantry staple.

Although I can't find an alternative to fresh cow's milk for our morning bowl of coffee, as a family, we have completely converted to almond milk with our maple & oat granola and chocolate granola with coconut. We're making progress on the vegan front, albeit slowly but each step helps, I hope.

Is Almond Milk Healthy for Rice Pudding?

Almond milk is good for you, as it naturally contains calcium, is lactose-free and is lower in calories than regular dairy milk. It's also a good source of magnesium and vitamin E.

However, beware of any added sugar. There are far too many supermarket brands that contain unnecessary hidden sugar in the almond milk's content. So read the label and pick a reputable, healthy brand that's unsweetened.

Easy Almond Milk Rice Pudding Ingredients

Your rice pudding's ingredients are important - particularly the choice of almond milk. What if you discover you've bought sweetened almond milk? This is how I created this recipe. So that no food is wasted, I tried out my favourite creamy French rice pudding (riz au lait) recipe, using much less sugar, no egg yolks and came up with this dairy free, creamy almond milk version.

I used half the amount of sugar to this rice pudding: just a couple of tablespoons of raw cane sugar. However, if you are using an organic, unsweetened almond milk, then use the sugar quantities in the recipe below.

What's more, this almond milk rice pudding is made with raisins, a more healthy and natural way to sweeten it.

How to Thicken Pudding with Almond Milk

Making any pudding with almond milk can be a challenge to keep it thick - even with the most liquid of brands. However, this is when the magic starts. The secret to thickening this almond milk pudding is the rice and raisins.

With its natural starches, the rice thickens finally after about 25 minutes while stirring every 5 minutes. You do need patience while stirring, but it's comforting to watch as the pudding gradually becomes more creamy and the raisins expand.

Almond Milk Rice Pudding by Alexandre Dumas

Did you know that almond milk rice pudding isn't new? Alexandre Dumas, famous French author of 'The Three Muskateers' & 'The Count of Monte Cristo', listed Almond Milk Rice Pudding in his impressive Grand Culinary Dictionary in 1873.

Dumas's recipe is similar but instead of raisins or dried fruits, vanilla or rose water, he adds a little lemon zest and a couple of almond leaves. So, if you prefer a more historical almond rice pudding, add some zest of lemons/limes or orange.
It's a lovely idea and one I'd love to add to this traditional French baked rice pudding recipe (la Teurgoule). Just don't tell anyone in Normandy!

Caramelise Naturally with Coconut Flower Sugar

Since making this vegan rice pudding, I've discovered organic coconut flower sugar. It's a great alternative to refined white sugar.

This plant based sugar is so dark that it naturally gives a caramelised flavour - even the brown colour it adds makes it looks like a caramelised rice pudding.

I have even found that coco flower sugar is so flavour intense that the amount can even be reduced further to as little as two tablespoons!

What Can I Use Instead of Almond Milk?

Don't have almond milk? Then a good substitute for almond milk is coconut, rice or soya milk. We have tried this recipe successfully with all versions and they keep the rice pudding creamy, vegan and dairy free.

Almond Milk Rice Pudding - Vegan Topping Ideas

Topping the almond rice puddings just takes it to another level. Here are some vegan topping ideas:

• Chopped fresh fruit (raspberries, pomegranate arils) or dried fruits (figs, apricots, dates).
• Toasted almonds, walnuts, pistachios or pumpkin seeds for crunch and bring out the natural almond flavours. Either toast them for a few minutes under the grill/broiler or dry-fry in a frying pan for 2-3 minutes.
• Good with fig jam, rhubarb jam with rose or spiced plum jam - even better if slightly warmed so that it melts on top..
• Apple compote or rhubarb compote are healthy toppings with less sugar than jam.
• Oat praline topping. Make a batch of it and store in a sealed jar.

Bon appétit !