Vegan slow cooker rice pudding is so easy and simple to prepare. It is a sure-fire family favourite dessert. This recipe is based on the rice pudding my mum prepared when I was growing up in Scotland.
A bowl of creamy, milky, sweet and thick rice pudding is just the perfect comfort food that revives and soothes the soul.
Cooking the rice pudding in a slow cooker is the perfect simple method as gone is the fear of the milky pudding sticking to your saucepan or frequent stirring at the stove-top.
However I have provided methods for stove-top and oven-baked rice pudding below in the post FAQ sections.
Rice pudding can be served hot with a dollop of your favourite jam (jelly) or chilled with fresh strawberries. So yummy!
Slow cooker rice pudding is the perfect mid-week supper or dessert and is perfect for hungry kids and busy families.
Just chuck in three key ingredients, rice, sugar and plant-milk, and leave it to do its magic for a few hours. Its that simple. And versatile. As rice pudding can be flavoured with lots of yummy additions, as detailed below.
Origins of Rice Pudding
Rice pudding has been enjoyed in Britain since at least the Tudor era. The first recipe for rice pudding was written by an English writer in 1615 Gervase Markham and was titled whitepot. This early recipe is very similar to modern rice pudding recipes.
Many countries around the world have variations of traditional sweet rice pudding. Sweet rice and milk is obviously a successful culinary combination and will never be outdated. A vegan, plant-based option is the perfect evolution and results in a much kinder dessert to enjoy.
Vegan Slow Cooker Rice Pudding Recipe FAQs And Notes
What kind of rice do I need for rice pudding?
Traditionally in the UK, a type of rice called pudding rice is used to prepare rice pudding.
Pudding rice is a short-grain rice that is extra starchy and chalky, and works amazingly when cooked in milk as it all binds together. Resulting in a pudding that is extra creamy.
However any short-grain rice can be substituted.
Other rice varieties that are a good replacement are Thai jasmine, basmati, Arborio, and risotto. Although cooking times may need to be adjusted.
What can I serve with rice pudding?
Traditional accompaniments include:
- Fruit jam (jelly) such as strawberry, raspberry and blackberry. Although any jam is delicious. For an easy Sugar-Free Chia Seed Jam recipe check this one which is especially tasty with rice pudding and great for those needing to reduce sugar.
- A hot berry coulis is easy to make and tastes amazing drizzled over rice pudding. Simply stew some berries such as raspberries or strawberries (fresh or frozen) in their own juices which will be released as they heat up and simmer. Simmer for about 10 minutes. Add a sweetener if liked, but my family enjoy the tart taste of the berries without added sugar or syrup. I don’t tend to strain the coulis but if your family will be bothered by any berry seeds then strain with a sieve.
- Marmalade.
- Apple sauce.
- Grape jelly.
- Fresh berries.
- Stewed fruit either fresh or dried. Especially stone fruits such as peaches, apricots, plums and nectarines.
- Tinned fruit cocktail or tinned peaches, pears, apricots, etc.
- Fresh fruit zest grated over pudding, such as lemon, lime or grapefruit.
- Grated nutmeg.
- Sprinkle of cinnamon, ginger, mixed spiced or pumpkin spice.
- A dash of cardamom.
- A few drops of rose water.
- Vegan pouring cream.
Can I add anything extra to rice pudding?
Yes of course! There are many traditional additions that can change up the flavours and textures of rice pudding. A few ideas that can be added at the beginning of cooking:
- a tsp or two of vanilla extract/essence.
- a tsp of cinnamon, mixed spice, ginger or pumpkin spice mix.
- a stick of cinnamon.
- a grating of nutmeg.
- a few star anise.
- pinch or two of cardamom.
- zest of a lemon.
- half a cup or small handful of dried raisins, currants or sultanas (my particular childhood favourite addition).
- chopped walnuts, brazil nuts or flaked almonds.
- tbsp of plant butter.
- replace the plain plant-milk with chocolate plant-milk! My son’s absolute favourite way to enjoy rice pudding. Or try strawberry, banana or vanilla plant-milk.
What can I do with leftover rice pudding?
Leftovers can be place in the fridge in a covered container for up to 3 days.
Or place into small yogurt sized individual containers/tubs to prepare homemade rice pots.
These little tasty pots are perfect for packing in lunch boxes, enjoying on picnics or for a tasty snack or supper. Add a little dollop of jam (jelly) to the side and you have a copycat of Mueller rice corners.
How can I reheat rice pudding?
Rice pudding can be reheated by placing back in the slow cooker, turning heat to high and leaving for 20-30 minutes or until piping hot. Or placing in a non-stick pan and gently reheating. A little extra plant-milk may be required to prevent pudding from sticking, if the pudding is very thick.
Can I prepare this rice pudding on the stove-top?
Absolutely. However I was needing a method that was quick and easy and avoiding the need to hang around the stove and stir the pudding frequently to avoid sticking and burning the milk, which is why this slow cooker recipe was developed. But if you have a great non-stick pan rice pudding can be prepared on the stove top. Simply add the ingredients to your saucepan, bring to the boil, lower the heat and simmer gently until the rice is soft. Stir frequently. If the pudding is too thin just take off the heat and place a lid on your pan. Leave to sit for 20-30 minutes and the pudding will thicken up.
Can I prepare this rice pudding in my oven?
Rice pudding is traditionally prepared in the oven and many people love the skin that occurs on the top of the pudding as a result. To prepare in the oven, grease a casserole dish and add the ingredients. Bake at 140 Fan/ 160 Celsius/ 325 Fahrenheit /Gas 3. Place a lid on the pudding and leave for about 2 hours. Remove the lid and check to see if your pudding is thick and creamy. If not place back in the oven with the lid off for another 15-20 minutes. If you don’t like the skin that forms simply remove. My daughter actually shudders at the thought or sight of rice pudding skin! Whilst other family members love it!
Do you have a method for almost instant or quick rice pudding?
Yes!
If you have leftover ready-cooked plain rice it can be prepared into a delicious rice pudding. Simply add the rice to a pan, add enough sugar to taste and pour in enough plant-milk to achieve creamy, thick consistency. Mix everything well and bring to the boil. Lower the heat, stir frequently, until the rice pudding is piping hot throughout.
To make an extra creamy rice pudding add a can of vegan condensed milk and top it up with plant-milk if necessary. And proceed with reheating over a low heat.
Any ready cooked rice can be used for this method including wholegrain or brown varieties although the finished texture will not be exact same as using a shorter grain rice, but the finished pudding will be delicious. And is a perfect way to use up leftover rice.
What kind of plant-milk makes the best rice pudding?
Any plant-milk is suitable. I love using oat milk as it creates a creamy, pale rice pudding.
I also like using soya milk as it copes well with cooking and tastes good but does slightly colour the rice pudding which doesn’t bother me in the slightest. Almond milk is also a good choice for rice pudding.
Coconut milk (not the one in the tin but of course that could be used also) leaves a subtle coconutty taste which may be desired by some.
In all, use any plant-milk you have available and experiment. They are all good!
How To Prepare Slow Cooker Rice Pudding:
Grease the slow cooker pot. Add rice pudding and sugar. Add plant-milk and mix. Cook for 3 hours on high. 
Serve.
Equipment
- slow cooker/crockpot
Ingredients
- 100 g pudding rice
- 800 ml plant-based milk
- 5 tbsp sugar or your choice of sweetener or sugar e.g. maple/date/agave syrup or brown/caster/granulated/coconut sugar. Anything you normally use.
To grease the slow-cooker:
- 1 tbsp plant-based margarine
Instructions
- Grease your slow cooker with plant-based margarine or coconut oil, as sometimes rice pudding can stick to sides.
- Add all the ingredients and stir.
- Set the slow cooker to high. Pop the lid on and leave to cook for 2 hours and 15 minutes.
- Give the rice pudding a stir and check to see if the rice is soft and absorbed the milk to a creamy, thick consistency.
- If the rice is not quite soft and the consistency is not thick enough then leave to finish cooking for another 45 minutes.
- After 3 hours the rice pudding is usually ready.If the pudding looks like it is too thin just turn off the heat, leave the lid off and as the pudding cools slightly it will become thicker.
- If you need to reheat the pudding after leaving it to thicken up, simply place the lid back on and turn the heat to high. After 20-30 minutes the pudding should be heated enough to enjoy.
Notes
- Nutritional data is provided for guidance only and is not an exact calculation as ingredients vary, and data is run through computerized nutrition apps.
- Leftover rice pudding can be cooled and stored in the fridge, in a covered container, for up to 3 days. Enjoy chilled or hot.
- To reheat I generally place the rice pudding back into the slow cooker, and heat on high for 30 minutes or until reheated throughout. Otherwise if you have a non-stick saucepan reheat the pudding until piping hot. A little extra plant milk may be required to thin the pudding if it has become too thick.
- This recipe provides 4 small servings of rice pudding or 3 larger servings. For more servings double the ingredients.
Thanks for sharing. I have not had rice pudding in a long time. I will have to try your recipe.
Hope you enjoy! Traditional puddings are the best!
love a good plantbased recipe, I havent tried my own rice pudding but it is somehow similar to our local dish except the use of milk. looking forward to try this.
Great. Hope you enjoy the rice pudding! Happy Cooking!
We eat rice three times a day at our house. We make rice porridge a lot but not rice pudding. Cooking the rice in the slow cooker is an excellent idea because that will ensure the consistency of the rice pretty well. I’ve never done that before, so I have to give it a try. I can’t wait to try it. Thanks for the tips 😀
Rice porridge sounds amazing! Would love to try it. Hope you try the rice pudding. Happy cooking!
I’m proud to say I’ve perfected my rice pudding recipe when working in the retirement home. Your crockpot version sounds heavenly!
Thanks so much! My family have this rice pudding most weeks its so good.