This vegan 5-ingredient Quinoa Rice Pudding with Cherries is a low sugar, healthier alternative to traditional rice pudding.
This quinoa rice pudding is a rich and creamy dessert/snack, high in healthy protein and low in sugar. It’s super easy to make and absolutely moreish!
My recent healthy dessert using cherries (Chocolate Cherry Coconut Cake) was so popular in my house I decided to use them again. This quinoa pudding with cherries is even healthier!
Why is this a healthy dessert/snack
First of all, I swapped the traditional rice for super nutritious quinoa. I usually like to substitute rice, and even pasta, with quinoa, typically in savoury dishes. But since rice can be used in a sweet pudding I don’t see why quinoa shouldn’t. But instead of cooking it with milk and lots of sugar (as traditional rice pudding inevitably would be), I used sweet cherries. Quite a lot of them too, and only ended up adding 1.5 tablespoons of sugar (you can even add a bit less).
Cherries, however, contribute much more than sweetness to this quinoa rice pudding!
They have a delicious rich flavour and vibrant colour, which add so much character to this fruity quinoa pudding. They are also full of goodness!
How to make easy quinoa pudding
This 5-ingredient pudding is very simple to make. Start by briefly cooking the cherries with the sugar until syrup starts to form. Puree the mixture, combine with the quinoa, coconut milk and water, cover and bring to boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 35-40 minutes stirring often (so the mixture doesn’t stick to the pan). Enjoy hot or cold!
Serving suggestions
You can serve this easy quinoa dessert with lightly crushed pistachios, other nuts or fruit or simply enjoy it on its own. It’s equally delicious chilled or hot. If the pudding thickens (as it will if left to stand) top it up with a bit of water or coconut milk (or any other milk).
If you like this quinoa recipe you may also like this easy cherry crumble recipe with quinoa and almonds. It’s gluten free too!
More unusual ‘sweet’ quinoa recipes
Quinoa Raspberry Smoothie Bowl with Cacao
Overnight Quinoa with Banana (Low Carb)
Quinoa Rice Pudding with Cherries (Low Sugar)
Ingredients
- 350 g frozen cherries
- 1/2 cup quinoa uncooked
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/3 cup water
- 1-1.5 tablespoons sugar
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa and allow to drain. Set aside.
- Place the cherries and sugar in a medium saucepan and cook over a high heat until the cherries have completely thawed and syrup starts to form, stirring often (for about 5 minutes). Puree the mixture and pour back into the saucepan.
- Add the quinoa, coconut milk and water, stir thoroughly, cover and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to a low simmer and cook for 35-40 minutes, until the quinoa has softened and thickened, stirring every few minutes (ensure the mixture doesn't stick to the pan). If the mixture starts to bubble up too much open the lid a little.
- Serve hot or cold with crushed pistachios or simply on its own. The pudding will thicken as it stands (you can add a bit more coconut milk, or any other milk or water).
Pin Quinoa Rice Pudding with Cherries (Low Sugar)
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RECIPE LINK PARTIES
I shared this quinoa pudding recipe with Fiesta Friday (cohosted by Food for the Soul and The Not So Creative Cook) and Saucy Saturdays.
Hi, I am Monika, welcome to Everyday Healthy Recipes! This blog is all about creatively simple recipes with a healthy twist, old classics with a modern take, and an occasional Polish dish thrown into the mix - all easy to make, healthy and delicious, perfect for everyday cooking. 
Looks amazing, healthy and delicious. You made it look so simple 🙂
Thank you! It really is very simple:)
This sounds so tasty! It’s a lovely inventive way of using quinoa too and definitely something I’d like to try!
Thank you Corina! I hope you like it if you do try it:)
The colour of this pudding is so attractive! Lovely combination of flavours, it looks worth a try!
Thank you! Glad you like the recipe:)
This looks heavenly Monika – I just love that colour! #CookBlogShare
Thank you Mandy! Cherries are great for making food look good, aren’t they?
What a delicious and pretty quinoa pudding!
Thank you! It was quite tasty.
I love a traditional rice pudding but wow this looks really interesting. I haven’t cooked with Quinoa much (shamed to say) I shall have to change that.
Thank you! I am a huge fan of quinoa and the more I cook with it the more I like it, much to my children’s despair:) They’d eat pizza instead anytime!
What a lovely dessert idea! I’ve often thought about using quinoa in a pudding but never quite got round to it! And I love how you’ve used frozen cherries – making this easy and economical too!! Eb x
Thank you! I experiment with quinoa all the time, not all my experiments are successful but this one was:)
I love cherries and cant wait til they get back in season (wont be long) Yummy
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Thanks! Feel the same way about cherries:)
I never thought about using quinoa for a dessert, great idea.
Thank you! Glad you like it:)
Love quinoa and cherries! This looks delicious, quinoa is such a versatile ingredient isn’t it. Thank you for sharing with #CookBlogShare x
Thank you! Yes, I agree about quinoa being so versatile, it’s great in so many dishes.