Chai-Spiced Protein Rice Pudding (Vegan, Cozy & High-Protein)

Chai has quietly become one of the strongest comfort-flavor trends this season—and not just in drinks. People are craving that warm, spiced, calming flavor profile in foods that feel grounding and nourishing, especially during winter and early Q1 resets. This chai-spiced protein rice pudding taps directly into that craving while still fitting into a health-focused lifestyle.

Unlike traditional rice pudding that relies heavily on cream and sugar, this version builds creaminess through slow simmering and plant-based protein support. The result is a dessert (or breakfast, honestly) that feels cozy and indulgent but still leaves you feeling satisfied instead of sluggish.

This is also the kind of recipe that keeps readers scrolling. It tells a story, delivers comfort, and introduces a flavor people already recognize and search for—while offering a fresh format they haven’t seen a hundred times. Recipes like this are a core part of The Dream Life Cookbook, where cozy, nostalgic flavors are reworked into lighter, more balanced meals you can actually make on repeat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe hits that rare balance between nostalgic comfort and modern nutrition. It’s warming, gently spiced, and incredibly satisfying, while still being simple enough to make without overthinking. It works equally well as a dessert or a make-ahead breakfast, which makes it perfect for busy weeks.

The chai spices do the heavy lifting on flavor, meaning you don’t need excessive sugar or fat to make this taste rich.

What Makes This Chai Rice Pudding Different

Instead of relying on pre-made chai concentrates or syrups, this recipe builds flavor directly from spices. That gives you more control over sweetness, intensity, and balance. The protein addition blends seamlessly into the pudding, enhancing creaminess without overpowering the chai flavor.

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Chai-Spiced Protein Rice Pudding (Vegan, Cozy & High-Protein)

Courses: Breakfast, Dessert

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 30 mins

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Ingredients

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• ¾ cup cooked white rice (or jasmine rice)
• 1½ cups unsweetened almond milk
• ¼ cup vanilla plant-based protein powder
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground ginger
• ⅛ tsp ground cardamom
• Pinch of ground cloves
• Pinch of nutmeg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Warm the Base

1. Add the cooked rice and almond milk to a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently and let it warm until the mixture begins to steam but not boil.
   

Step 2: Add Chai Spices

1. Stir in the cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Reduce the heat slightly and let the spices bloom in the warm milk for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
   

Step 3: Incorporate Protein & Sweetener

1. Whisk the protein powder with a few tablespoons of warm pudding liquid in a separate bowl to avoid clumping. Slowly stir it back into the saucepan along with the maple syrup and vanilla extract.
   
2. Continue cooking on low heat for another 5–7 minutes until the pudding thickens.

Step 4: Rest & Serve

1. Remove from heat and let the pudding rest for 5 minutes to thicken further. Spoon into bowls and serve warm, or chill for a thicker, meal-prep-friendly texture.
   

Note

This chai-spiced protein rice pudding is comforting, familiar, and quietly impressive. It taps into a trending flavor people already love while offering a format that feels fresh, nourishing, and repeat-worthy.