Indian Spiced Creamy Rice Pudding, Dairy Free

This Indian Spiced Creamy Rice Pudding is the perfect gluten-free dessert or a sweet and satisfying snack…perfect for any time of the day.

This dairy-free rice pudding is super creamy with a hint of cardamom, nutmeg and cinnamon with dried fruit and pistachios throughout.

The thing about rice pudding is you can serve it chilled on a hot summer day as a refreshing summer dessert or warm for cooler nights as a satisfying, comforting dessert.

I can honestly say this is the very best gluten-free creamy spiced rice pudding!

A Comforting Twist on Classic Rice Pudding

In my opinion, rice pudding is the ultimate comfort food. It’s warm, creamy, and nostalgic—something almost everyone enjoys.

But this isn’t just any rice pudding. To elevate the flavor and add delightful texture, I mix in dried fruit and pistachios.

While you can use any dried fruit you like, I prefer cranberries. Their subtle tartness balances the pudding’s sweetness beautifully.

Instead of using regular sugar, I opt for sweetened condensed coconut milk. It not only adds richness but also gives the pudding a luxuriously creamy texture with just the right amount of sweetness. Combined with Indian spices, this version of rice pudding is truly special.

the best rice for creamy rice pudding

You can make rice pudding with any white rice providing the ratio of water to milk is correct. I like to use aromatic basmati rice; other good options are sushi rice (Japanese short-grain rice), arborio, jasmine and regular long-grain white rice.

how to make rice pudding with cooked rice…

A great way to use leftover cooked rice is for rice pudding or Asian style fried rice. For this Indian spiced creamy rice pudding, you will need 1 1/2 cups cooked rice, then start with step two and follow the directions.

how much dry rice makes cooked rice…

The rule of thumb is 1 cup of dry white rice yields 3 cups of cooked rice. However, it depends on the cooking method and type of rice. Therefore, it is best to follow the directions on the package.

should you rinse rice before cooking?

Rinsing rise removes debris and extra starch. Rinsing rice is especially important when making rice pudding. Too much starch may take away from that perfect creamy texture.

Basmati rice gives off the least starch, which is why I used it in this creamy rice pudding recipe. 

Is rice gluten-free?

All rice white, brown, wild and black rice in its natural form is gluten-free. Rice is a naturally gluten-free grain. Did you know that that rice pudding most likely originated in India?

flavoured rice and additional ingredients…

Some flavoured rice varieties may contain gluten-based ingredients. That’s why it is always important to read the label before you buy flavoured or microwavable rice, as some can contain gluten.

cross-contamination…

Sometimes, rice can be cross-contaminated with gluten, meaning that it’s been grown, harvested, or processed near or in the same facilities as wheat, barley, or rye.

Buying rice from bulk bins may also be cross-contaminated with gluten. Therefore, I recommend never buying rice from bulk bins.

Is arsenic in rice? 

Brown rice has 80 percent more inorganic arsenic on average than white rice. The arsenic is in the grain’s outer layers. The outer layers are removed to make white rice.

what to serve with creamy rice pudding…

This Indian spiced creamy rice pudding made on the stovetop does not need anything besides an extra sprinkle of cinnamon. The pudding is creamy with fruit and pistachios throughout and is flavoured with Indian spices to perfection.

But if you want to make it into a spectacular gluten-free dessert, add whipped cream, seeds, nuts, or fresh berries. Sometimes I like to add a splash of cream to make the rice pudding extra creamy.

Whether you are making this Indian spiced creamy rice pudding as one of your gluten-free cold summer desserts or serve warm as a comforting pudding for cooler nights, I know you will love it!