Italian Rice Pudding (No Dairy)

· · · ·

I found a vegan Italian Rice Pudding recipe that had long been forgotten dessert in ThePlantpower Way: Italia by Julie Piatt and Rich Roll. This was a childhood favorite my Mom often made. Gosh, I remember now how much I loved it.

Post Date: December 27, 2023
Posted by: Donna Spencer

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure here.

It was creamy, decadent, and so amazing served warm.

Feel free to customize the recipe based on your preferences by adding other dried fruits, and spices. You can also use different extracts to switch up the flavor profile. For example, use orange extract then serve with orange sections on the side of the pudding.

Grocery List

Produce

Pantry

almond milk
cooked Arborio rice
cinnamon
date paste
golden raisins
vanilla extract

Misc

Add-Ins and Substitutions

Add dried fruit, such as golden raisins, cranberries, or blueberries to give these muffins another layer of flavor. Feel free to add the walnuts or pecans either in the batter or as a topping.

Storing

Store the rice pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. After five days it tends to dry out. Reheat in the microwave with a bit of plant-based milk to rehydrate and make it creamy once again.

Nutrition 411

Arborio rice is grown only in Italy and is what makes your favorite risotto dish creamy and delicious. The extra creaminess is credited to its high starch content. Although it is starchier than traditional long-grain white rice, the extra starch does not mean it’s higher in carbs. Arborio rice is not a significant source of any vitamins or minerals, but it does contain a small amount of iron. A 1/4-cup uncooked serving meets 1 percent of the daily value for iron. Iron is an essential mineral that helps transport oxygen to all the organs and tissues in your body. Eating arborio rice a food rich in vitamin C, such as cabbage, can improve iron absorption.

Plant-based milk is considered good for several reasons, and its popularity has been growing due to various health, environmental, and ethical considerations. It is naturally lactose-free, making it a suitable alternative for individuals who are lactose intolerant or have difficulty digesting lactose. Many plant-based milk options, such as almond milk, soy milk, and oat milk, tend to be lower in saturated fat compared to cow’s milk. Lower saturated fat intake is often associated with heart health. It is naturally cholesterol-free, while dairy milk contains cholesterol. This can be beneficial for heart health, as high cholesterol levels are a risk factor for heart disease.

The production of plant-based milk typically has a lower environmental impact compared to traditional dairy farming. Plant-based milk options generally require less water, land, and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions. It is often a good option for individuals with allergies to dairy proteins (e.g., lactose or casein) or those with a milk allergy.

There is a wide variety of plant-based milk options available, including almond, soy, rice, oat, coconut, and more. This variety allows consumers to choose a milk alternative that suits their taste preferences and nutritional needs.

Italian Rice Pudding – Dairy Free

Donna Spencer
I found a long-forgotten dessert in The Plantpower Way: Italia by Julie Piatt and Rich Roll. This was a childhood favorite my Mom often made, Rice Pudding. Gosh, I remember now how much I loved it. It was creamy, decadent, and so amazing served warm. I made a few sawps form Julie Piatt and Rich Roll's version and hope you like it!
No ratings yet
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 8 servings
Calories 160 kcal

Equipment

  • Medium sixed bowl
  • Baking dish

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups almond milk or other plant-based milk
  • 1 cup applesauce
  • ¼ cup date paste
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups cooked Arborio rice
  • ½ cup golden raisins
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350F.
  • In a high-speed blender combine 2 cups almond milk, applesauce, extract, and date paste. Blend until smooth.
  • in a bowl, mix blended ingredients together with rice. Fold in raisins. Pour into a baking dish. Sprinkle with cinnamon.
  • Bake for 20- 25 minutes depending on the depth of your baking dish. Shallow dishes will take less time to bake.
  • Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
  • Spoon into the serving dishes, if needed add a splash of almond milk, stir, and enjoy.

Notes

You can use different extracts to switch up the flavor profile. For example, use orange extract then serve with orange sections on the side of the pudding. 

Nutrition

Calories: 160kcal
Keyword rice pudding
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Super Easy Brown Rice and Black Beans (Rice Cooker)

Top of page

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE

I occasionally include affiliate links. I do not recommend products, services, or books I have never used or purchased myself. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Similar Posts

I'd love for you to leave a comment or ask a question about this recipe!! If you like this post, please pass along to friends and family with the social share buttons above.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.