Creamy and subtly sweet, leftover quinoa pudding is a rich and comforting dish! It’s packed with nutrition and has a hearty, slightly nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with a variety of toppings.
Quick Look at the Recipe
- 🍽️ Flavor: Creamy and slightly sweet and nutty.
- ⏱️ Prep Time: 5 minutes
- 🔥 Cook Time: 35 minutes
- 🕒 Ready In: 40 minutes
- 👥 Servings: 4
- 🥣 Main Ingredients: Cooked quinoa, milk, egg
- 📋 Protein: 9 grams
- 📖 Dietary Info: Gluten-free, refined sugar-free
- ❄️ Freezer Friendly: Yes!
- 👩🍳 Tip: Using pre-cooked quinoa gives this pudding a creamy, custard-like texture perfect for enjoying warm or cold.
Healthy Twist on Classic Comfort
A big part of my cooking philosophy is that there’s a healthy, delicious substitute for almost every comfort food. I’ve always loved rice pudding, and this quinoa pudding has become my wholesome, nourishing twist on the classic.
Now, whenever I make soaked quinoa, I cook a little extra just so I can turn the leftovers into pudding. Not only do adults love it, but my kids go crazy for it too (especially with a spoonful of berry compote on top).
What Makes this Quinoa Pudding Special?
- Hearty, creamy flavor that makes regular rice pudding feel bland.
- Uses simple ingredients you already have in your kitchen.
- No refined sugar so you can feel good about indulging!
Ingredients
Tools Needed
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: First, in a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, egg, maple syrup, vanilla, spices, and salt.
Step 2: Then stir in the cooked quinoa and, over medium heat, bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium-low, and continue to simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the pudding reaches your desired consistency. Enjoy warm or chill for later!
If you’re looking for more healthy snacks ideas, check out my pumpkin banana bread and banana date cookies!
Tips for Success
Use a rich milk – Full-fat dairy milk and canned coconut milk are my favorite options.
Don’t rush – Cooking it slowly is essential to a smooth, creamy texture!
Stir frequently – This helps it cook evenly and avoid sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Customize with your favorite toppings – Choose one of the toppings listed below or get creative with your own ideas!
How to Serve
Quinoa pudding has a creamy, slightly sweet flavor, and it is delicious served with various toppings!
- Fruit compote (berry sauce is a classic, but around the holidays you can’t beat apple compote or cranberry compote)
- Cream
- Dried cranberries or raisins
- Chopped nuts (for a fun treat, top with healthy candied pecans!)
- Whipped cream (this is my favorite method for whipped cream in a food processor)
- A sprinkle of cinnamon
- Drizzled with honey or maple syrup
- Fresh fruit
- Dark chocolate chips or shavings
FAQs
You can store quinoa pudding in the fridge for 3-5 days. Enjoy cold or reheat with a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture.
Yes, quinoa pudding can be frozen in an airtight container for 2-3 months. Make sure to let it cool completely before placing in the freezer. After thawing, you may have to add a splash of milk to bring it back to it’s original texture.
Yes, quinoa makes a delicious dessert when made into quinoa pudding.
Violet’s Tips for Serving
Not only is quinoa pudding a delicious breakfast or snack, but it makes a fantastic healthy dessert! Top it with a sweeter topping (such as fruit or dark chocolate) to satisfy your after dinner sweet tooth.
If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments! Tag me on Instagram @violet_rightathome
Quinoa Pudding
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 1 1/2 cups milk dairy or non-dairy
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together everything but the quinoa.1 1/2 cups milk, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon cloves, 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Stir in the quinoa.2 cups cooked quinoa
- On medium-high heat, bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to medium-low heat and cook for 20-25 minutes or until the pudding reaches your desired consistency. Continue to stir occasionally.
- Enjoy warm or chill for later!
Notes
Store
- Quinoa pudding can be stored in the fridge for 3-5 days or in the freezer 2-3 months. Be sure to let it cool completely before storing.
Topping Ideas
- Fruit compote
- Cream
- Dried cranberries or raisins
- Chopped nuts
- Whipped cream
- A sprinkle of cinnamon
- Drizzled with honey or maple syrup
- Fresh fruit
- Dark chocolate chips or shavings
Nutrition
If you tried this quinoa pudding, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Please make sure to come back and leave a comment and a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating.
I love eating this as a cozy breakfast on cool mornings! Let me know in the comments if you have any questions on making it!