Description
Creamy Protein Rice Pudding (3 ways) is made with vanilla protein powder, milk, a hint of cinnamon, vanilla, sweetener, and a trio of delicious topping options. You’ll want to make this healthy dessert (or breakfast) again and again. It is packed with protein to help you power through your day or recover after a tough workout.
Ingredients
1 cup uncooked white (rinsed under cold water)
2 1/2 cups milk of choice + 1 cup extra milk
3-4 tablespoons Maple Syrup (or sweetener of choice)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cardamon pod (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 scoop vanilla protein powder (use protein powder that you love with the best taste)
TOPPING IDEAS
🍓 Strawberries and cream
🥭 Fresh or frozen mango chunks and roasted coconut flakes
🥜 Peanut butter and jelly (jam)
Instructions
Cook the Rice:
In a medium-sized pot, combine the rice, 2 ½ cups of milk, cinnamon, cardamom pod (optional) salt, and maple syrup. Bring it to a boil over medium heat while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Simmer:
Once boiling, cover the pot with the lid slightly at an angle to prevent it from boiling over. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Cooking time will vary depending on the type of rice: white rice takes about 10-15 minutes, while brown rice can take longer. Check on the rice occasionally and give it a stir to make sure it doesn’t stick to the bottom.
Add Extra Creaminess:
Once the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stir in the additional cup of milk and vanilla extract. Remove the cardamom pod. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes until the pudding is creamy and rich.
Add Protein Powder:
Remove the pot from heat, stir in your scoop of vanilla protein powder, and mix well. If you want it sweeter, feel free to add more maple syrup or sweetener.
Absorb the Flavors:
Cover the pot with the lid again and let the pudding sit for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavors fully. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add more milk. If you like it thicker, you can let it sit longer.
Top It Off:
Now, it’s time to add your toppings! Choose from one of the three delicious options below, or get creative and make your own combo.
Sweeten to Taste: If you need a little more sweetness, go ahead and drizzle in some extra honey or maple syrup. Scoop into bowls.
3 Protein-Packed Topping Ideas
Now that you’ve got your creamy rice pudding base, it’s time to go wild with toppings. We’ve got three delicious variations that’ll take this pudding from breakfast to dessert, or even a post-workout snack.
Fresh strawberries, halved
A swirl of cream or dairy-free coconut cream
Extra vanilla protein powder (optional, mix it into the cream for extra protein!)
This classic combo is berry delicious. Top your rice pudding with a handful of juicy strawberries and a swirl of cream. Perfect for a sweet morning treat or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Fresh or frozen mango chunks
A dollop of Greek yogurt (or plant-based yogurt)
A sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes
Tropical vibes, anyone? Creamy rice pudding topped with ripe mango, cool yogurt, and crunchy coconut flakes is like Thailand in a bowl. Use coconut yogurt if you’re going vegan for extra creaminess.
A spoonful of peanut butter
A drizzle of your favorite jam or jelly
Crushed peanuts (for crunch!)
Peanut butter lovers, this one’s for you! Mix your PB into the pudding for a creamy, nutty flavor, then top it off with a spoonful of jelly.
Notes
The best part about this Creamy Protein Rice Pudding is that it’s perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. Just follow the recipe, let the pudding cool to room temperature, then portion it into individual containers. Rice pudding lasts up to three to four days in the fridge.
Dairy-Free Option: Sub out the whole milk with almond milk or coconut milk. You’ll still get that rich, creamy texture but with a tropical twist.
Chocolate Protein Rice Pudding: Use chocolate protein powder and 2 teaspoons of good quality cocoa powder to make chocolate rice pudding.
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: American