There's something comforting about a bowl of warm rice pudding, especially when it's creamy, coconutty, and dairy-free. This Vegan Slow Cooker Rice Pudding is an easy dessert for cosy weekends, family puddings, or when you want something sweet that's fuss-free.

Creamy vegan coconut rice pudding served in a glass bowl.

Vegan Slow Cooker Coconut Rice Pudding

Name: Vegan Slow Cooker Coconut Rice Pudding
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 5 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: British, Slow Cooker
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon vegan butter (or margarine) to grease the slow cooker pan; 150g (1 cup) rice pudding; 400g (14oz) tin coconut milk; 700ml (3 ⅓ cups) oat milk or your regular milk; 6 tablespoons caster sugar; 5 tablespoons desiccated coconut; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 pinch salt

Made with simple ingredients including pudding rice, creamy coconut milk and desiccated coconut (shredded coconut or coconut flakes), it has a lovely rich texture with the flavour of coconut. Because it's made in a slow cooker, there's no standing over a pot stirring.

If you love coconut, also try this Easy Vegan Coconut Cake or these Scottish Coconut Macaroons with a secret ingredient.

At-A-Glance - Vegan Slow Cooker Coconut Rice

⏲️ Ready in: slow cook on low for 3 to 3 ½ hours

👪 Serves: 5-6

🍽 Calories: 404 for 5 servings or 485 for 6 servings

🧾Main Ingredients: pudding rice, coconut milk, desiccated coconut (shredded coconut or coconut flakes), oat milk, sugar, vanilla extract

👩🏻‍🍳 Suitable for: dairy-free, plant-based, vegetarian, vegan & gluten-free

🍱 When to serve: weekend pudding, dessert for a family gathering, a comforting treat anytime

⭐ Why make this recipe: It's the best coconut rice pudding because it's simple, indulgent, and packed with delicious coconut flavour.

Make it when you want an easy, creamy, and comforting dessert with minimal effort - the slow cooker does all the work for you. You must try it!

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Key Ingredients

This creamy slow cooker rice pudding is made with just a few simple ingredients. The recipe card has the full ingredient list and method.

Ingredients for coconut rice pudding including pudding rice, coconut milk, sugar and vanilla extract,

Pudding rice - doesn't need to be washed before you add it, as you want to keep the starch, which helps it have a creamy finish
Coconut milk - you can use a can of standard or light coconut milk
Oat milk - I use oat milk, but you can use your regular milk

Added Extras

You can serve this rice pudding as it is; it has a nice subtle coconut flavour that isn't too overpowering.

However, you could add a few extras to the cooking rice or when you are serving it, here are some ideas:

Rum-soaked raisins - soak raisins or sultanas in rum while the rice cooks, then spoon some over the rice as you serve it.
Raspberry jam - a good old dollop of raspberry jam added to your rice pudding before you tuck in, just like your mum or gran used to do when you were wee. Try this Easy Homemade Raspberry Jam.
Chocolate chips - stir some through the rice pudding when it's ready and they will start to melt as you serve it.
Mango - either fresh or tinned mango is good served with this coconut rice.
Cinnamon or nutmeg - can be added to the initial mixture you add to the slow cooker at the start of the recipe.

Why Make Rice Pudding in a Slow Cooker?

A slow cooker is particularly good for cooking rice pudding because it allows the rice to cook gently in the liquid until it is soft and creamy.

It also means you don't have to keep stirring the pot to stop it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. The result is a wonderfully comforting pudding which requires very little effort.

Slow cooker rice pudding flavoured with coconut.

How to Make Vegan Slow Cooker Coconut Rice Pudding

These step-by-step photos will show you how easy it is to make this comforting coconut pudding.

The recipe card has the full ingredient list and method.

Step 1

Rub vegan butter or margarine on your slow cooker pan; this will prevent the rice from sticking.
Next, add the pudding rice. Don't rinse it first, as you need that starch to help it become creamy.

Step 2

Add the coconut milk and milk, and mix.
Then add the desiccated coconut, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.

Step 3

Mix well, add the lid, and set the slow cooker to cook.
Cook on low in your slow cooker until cooked through and creamy.

💭 Jac's Top Tip

Stretch a clean tea towel over the rice pudding mixture before adding the lid. This will stop moisture dripping into the rice and making it watery.

Vegan Slow Cooker Coconut Rice Pudding - step 4 - serve the rice pudding.

How to serve rice pudding

This dairy-free pudding is delicious served warm on a cold day, but to make it a bit more special, try serving it topped with toasted desiccated coconut and some fresh berries or berry compote.

You could also dust some ground cinnamon over the rice before serving it.

If you like rice pudding cold (I really don't get that, but you do you!), ladle it into an airtight container and allow it to cool before popping it in the fridge to chill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this rice pudding ahead?

Yes, ladle it into a large airtight container to cool, then add the lid and store it in the fridge. It may need some milk added before serving (hot or cold), as it will thicken in the fridge.

How long does the rice pudding take to cook in the slow cooker?

The rice cooks on low for 3 - 3½ hours; check it after 3 hours and give it a stir.

What should I do if my rice is too thick?

To thin the rice, just add some more milk.

More Easy Vegan Slow Cooker Recipes to Try Next

Here are a few of my favourite slow cooker recipes for you to try:

Slow Cooker Pizza Potatoes - these are mind-blowingly good
Ratatouille Made in the Slow Cooker - sometimes I add corn to it too, it's very tasty
Stuffed Pasta Shells - get the timing right and pasta is perfect and fuss-free in a slow cooker
Scottish Stovies - a comforting potato based stew
Sweet Potato, Squash & Bean Chilli - my son gives this one ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Bookmark my slow cooker page for more Vegan Slow Cooker Recipes, I update it with new recipes as I publish them.