Gluten Free Rice Pudding

Rice pudding, a classic dessert, can be enjoyed by those with gluten allergies or sensitivities. It’s a creamy, delicious dessert with cinnamon and vanilla. With simple pantry ingredients (only six!), and a little time this dessert can be enjoyed all year long. (This recipe is also free of: egg, soy, peanut and tree nuts.)

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Why rice pudding is such a class-simple pleasure

When I eat rice pudding, it instantly takes my mind to older days. It’s a simple dessert, without much fuss. And, because of that the stars of the show: milk, vanilla and cinnamon really shine through. Rice pudding isn’t here to impress, it’s here to get the job done. It gives you a sweet ending to your meal without much work or prepratation. Rice pudding has been around for thousands of years and it’s not going anywhere thanks to it’s tried and true recipe and loyal fan base. Speaking of pudding, my kids also love the jello pudding that I serve them. Perhaps, you might also want to explore this recipe.

Being in the allergy world, this dish also ticks a lot of boxes. It’s an easy way to share a dessert with those who have Celiac disease or are avoiding gluten in their diet. Everything in this dish is naturally gluten-free, so you don’t have to go to a specialty store or try out any new ingredients that you might be uncomfortable with. The only allergen in this dish is milk. Otherwise, it’s free from the other top-8-allergens, making it accessible to many. Hooray for a dish that doesn’t require crazy tweaking to make it gluten-free! No specialty flours or xanthan gums.

How to make rice pudding on the stovetop

I like making rice pudding on the stove top because it can be controlled and is the tried and true way of making it. While some recipes call for cooked rice, I think starting with raw rice yields extra creamy results as the starch that comes off the grain while cooking gets mixed directly into the milk mixture. Plus, by making it on the stove, if it start to boil too much you can control the temperature and lower the heat setting if needed. Plus, it takes less time than the slow cooker (can take 2-3 hours) and when you want rice pudding, you want rice pudding. Making it on the stove takes around 50 minutes. 

What ingredients are needed in this gluten-free rice pudding

Look no further than your fridge and pantry for these basic ingredients:

• Whole milk
• Brown sugar
• Medium grain rice
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Vanilla bean paste
• Optional: raisins

What about substitutions for rice pudding?

• MILK: Some will ask if they have to have whole milk. I know not everyone keeps this type of milk in their fridge. However, whole milk will produce the creamiest rice pudding, therefore I would recommend it. In a pinch, you can use 2%, but I wouldn’t go lower than that.
  • If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, I have a dairy-free rice pudding in my instant pot allergy friendly cookbook.
• SUGAR: If you’re out of brown sugar, you can use granulated/white sugar. Though, I think thanks to the molasses in the brown sugar it gives a deeper flavor.
• RICE: Through my research, it seemed time and again that medium-grain rice is the best variety for rice pudding. This length of rice is able to absorb the liquid without getting too mushy. Long grain can have a tendency to either have too much of a bite to it, or become mushy. I found my medium-grain rice at Walmart. I used the brand Nishiki, feel free to use whatever brand you prefer.
  • I would NOT recommend brown rice at all. 
• CINNAMON: Some people will leave out the cinnamon, but I find it too bland without. You do you!
• VANILLA: While you can use the same amount of vanilla extract, I opted for vanilla bean paste, because it’s thicker (won’t water it down) and it shows off those gorgeous specks which makes it more visually appealing. Some people worry about gluten sneaking into certain vanilla extracts. I have yet to find one with gluten in it, but it’s always good to check every single label of every ingredient you use. If ever in doubt, pure vanilla extract or paste is usually your safest bet. I use LorAnn Oils Pure Vanilla Bean Paste from Walmart or Amazon. This specific product is labeled “gluten-free”.
• RAISINS: And finally, raisins. Love them or hate them, they’re pretty polarizing. If you like more texture and a pop of natural sweetness, then feel free to use them. Regular or golden work just fine.

Does this rice pudding have egg or butter in it?

Some rice pudding recipes choose to add an egg or butter to it. I like to stick as close to the original for several reasons–an egg is a top allergen, so by leaving the egg out it helps make it more allergy friendly. And, it seems unnecessary as the whole milk and rice thicken it already.

Some people enjoy the richness and the taste of butter, but I feel the buttery taste could competes with the light vanilla and cinnamon notes and just adds extra calories and an extra ingredient. By using whole milk, you get plenty of richness without the need for additional ingredients.

Helpful Equipment needed for this gluten-free rice pudding

Thankfully not only are the ingredients basic for this gluten-free rice pudding, but so are the tools! You’ll just need:

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Heat proof spatula for stirring
• Medium to large saucepan
• Ramekins or small bowls for serving

Do you have a video showing how to make gluten-free rice pudding?

I sure do! Once you see how convenient it is to make, truly the hardest step is the patience, you’ll be making this often. The video should auto populate, but if it doesn’t, it is embedded into the bottom of the recipe card. Or, you can always watch it on my YouTube channel.

Do I have other gluten-free desserts?

Yes! Everything on my site is gluten-free. Many desserts are also dairy-free too. If you only need gluten-free, you can always swap back in the dairy ingredients. Here are some of our favorite gluten-free bakes:

• Gluten Free S’mores Bars
• 3 Ingredient Lemon Cupcakes (uses boxed mix!)
• The Best Allergy Friendly Chocolate Cupcakes
• Snickerdoodle Rice Krispies (gluten free dairy free)
• Slow Cooker Lava Chocolate Cake (gluten free dairy free)

 

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