How to make an easy cream soda rice pudding – 2-ingredient recipe!
If someone told you that you could make a creamy rice pudding using a can of sugar-free cream soda, you’d probably think they were joking. I certainly did the first time I heard about it! But after trying it for myself, I completely understood why it’s become such a popular recipe.
The cream soda gives the pudding a delicate vanilla flavour while keeping the recipe incredibly simple. With just a couple of ingredients, it’s one of those desserts that feels almost too easy to work, yet somehow it always does.
Whether you’re looking for a lighter twist on traditional rice pudding, a comforting dessert for a chilly evening or something different to satisfy a sweet craving, this recipe is well worth a try. It might sound unusual, but don’t let that put you off – sometimes the strangest recipe ideas become the family favourites.
Why you’ll love this cream soda rice pudding
Rice pudding is one of those desserts that instantly feels comforting, but this version has a fun little twist.
Instead of using milk, this recipe uses sugar-free cream soda to create a surprisingly creamy dessert with a delicate vanilla flavour. It might sound unusual if you’ve never tried it before, but it’s one of those recipes that often leaves people asking for seconds.
I love it because it’s incredibly simple to make. There are only a couple of ingredients, very little preparation and it’s just as delicious served warm on a cold evening as it is chilled straight from the fridge in summer.
You’ll love this recipe because it’s:
- Made with just two main ingredients.
- Budget-friendly.
- Easy to cook on the hob or in a slow cooker.
- Suitable for meal prep.
- Great served hot or cold.
- Easy to customise with your favourite toppings.
- A lighter alternative to traditional rice pudding.
Why make cream soda rice pudding?
This suitable for Slimming World cream soda rice pudding recipe is a great way of using sugar-free cream soda and pudding rice to make a super easy and really tasty rice pudding!
It can be made on the hob or in a slow cooker and will be just as tasty as a rice pudding Slimming World followers and their families will love it!
Is cream soda rice pudding healthy?
Traditional rice pudding is usually made with whole milk, cream and sugar, making it a comforting dessert but often quite high in calories.
This version is a little different.
Using sugar-free cream soda gives the pudding its sweet vanilla flavour without adding lots of extra sugar, making it a lighter alternative that still feels like a proper dessert.
Pudding rice is also a source of carbohydrates, providing slow-release energy, while keeping the ingredient list incredibly simple.
If you’d like to make it a little creamier without adding lots of calories, stirring through a spoonful of fat-free Greek yoghurt once it’s cooled slightly works really well. It also adds a little extra protein to help make the dessert more satisfying.
Like any dessert, it’s all about balance, but this recipe can easily fit into a healthy lifestyle when enjoyed as part of an overall balanced diet.
Is cream soda rice pudding creamy?
Yes, whilst it may sound like it isn’t as creamy as the recipe does not use cream or milk, it actually is quite creamy in taste and you can add something at the end to increase this if you prefer.
A good healthy option is to add a spoonful of yoghurt to make it a little creamier. Fat-free natural or Greek yoghurt is usually syn free on Slimming World, which would keep this rice pudding Slimming World friendly.
How can you enjoy it as Slimming World rice pudding?
This is suitable for Slimming World cream soda rice pudding recipe, meaning it is suitable for the Slimming World diet, but the recipe has not come directly from the brand.
Slimming World says that using cream soda to make rice pudding is a tweak as it uses foods or drinks in different ways than the way they are intended. That said, it is your weight loss journey, so it is up to you if you count it as syns.
When eaten in moderation, I consider it as syn-free as sugar-free cream soda and pudding rice are syn-free! The choice, of course, however, is yours.
Do you count this as a Slimming World rice pudding and as syn-free or do you prefer to count it as syns? Let me know in the comments below!
Alternatives to pudding rice
If you are looking to make a suitable for Slimming World cream soda rice pudding recipe but cannot find pudding rice in your local shop or they have sold out, then there are some alternatives you can consider.
Pudding rice is essentially short-grain rice; these are sticky when cooked. Other short-grain rice varieties are arborio, calrose, sushi rice, carnaroli rice. Alternatively, you may find them called risotto rice, paella rice, or short-grain rice.
The best toppings for cream soda rice pudding
One of my favourite things about rice pudding is that you can change the flavour every time simply by changing the topping.
Some delicious ideas include:
- Fresh raspberries
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Mango chunks
- Sliced banana
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Sweet Freedom chocolate sauce
- Caramel syrup
- Sugar-free jam
- Chopped toasted almonds
- Crushed pistachios
Fresh fruit is my favourite because it adds natural sweetness and a lovely contrast to the creamy pudding.
Step-by-step instructions to make cream soda rice pudding on the hob
To make cream soda rice pudding using just pudding rice and cream soda, you can follow this simplified recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of pudding rice
- 4 cups of cream soda
Instructions:
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the pudding rice and cream soda.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Cook the rice until it absorbs most of the cream soda and reaches a creamy consistency. This will take approximately 25-30 minutes. Adjust the cooking time as needed, as different rice brands may vary.
Once the rice reaches your desired consistency, remove the saucepan from heat and let the pudding cool slightly.
Serve the cream soda rice pudding warm, at room temperature, or chilled, depending on your preference.
Making cream soda rice pudding in the slow cooker
Making Slimming World slow cooker rice pudding using cream soda is even easier! Put the ingredients in, pop it on low and cook it for around 4 hours.
It is easy to see why this is considered the easiest Slimming World rice pudding recipe around, isn’t it?
Easy adaptations to this recipe
Since this simplified suitable for Slimming World cream soda rice pudding recipe only uses two ingredients, the resulting pudding may have a stronger cream soda flavour than a traditional rice pudding recipe.
If you prefer a milder cream soda taste, you can add a touch of sugar and a pinch of salt to balance the flavours.
You can also top the pudding with whipped cream, cinnamon, or fruit for added flavour and presentation.
A few toppings you might like to consider are:
- Jam, remember to swip it if you follow Slimming World
- Chocolate sauce, Sweet Freedom choc shot, is a great choice and very low in calories and syns.
- Caramel syrup, again, the Sweet Freedom one is perfect.
How do you enjoy Slimming World rice pudding?
I love rice pudding cold and plain on a hot day, or on a cooler day, I love it warm with syrup or caramel sauce. I am not as keen on it with jam, though I know many others prefer this!
Top tips for perfect rice pudding
This recipe is wonderfully straightforward, but a few little tips will help you get the best results every time.
Stir the pudding regularly while it’s cooking, particularly towards the end, to stop the rice sticking to the bottom of the pan.
If the pudding becomes thicker than you’d like, simply add a splash more cream soda and stir well until you reach your preferred consistency.
Remember that rice pudding naturally thickens as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a little runnier when it’s still hot.
Finally, don’t throw away leftovers. I actually think this pudding tastes even better the following day once the vanilla flavour has had time to develop.
Easy variations
Once you’ve made the basic recipe, there are plenty of ways to make it your own.
Try:
- Stirring through vanilla extract for an even richer flavour.
- Adding lemon zest for freshness.
- Mixing in frozen berries as the pudding cools.
- Swapping some of the cream soda for a little skimmed milk if you prefer a milder flavour.
- Serving with fat-free Greek yoghurt.
- Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or mixed spice.
You could even divide the pudding into portions and give each one a different topping so everyone gets their favourite.
Can you make cream soda rice pudding in advance?
Absolutely.
In fact, this is one of those desserts that’s ideal for making ahead.
Once it’s cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to three days. It’s delicious eaten cold straight from the fridge or gently reheated in the microwave with a splash of cream soda or milk if it’s become too thick.
It’s perfect for preparing at the beginning of the week if you like having healthier desserts ready to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does cream soda really work in rice pudding?
Yes! Although it sounds unusual, sugar-free cream soda gives the rice pudding a lovely subtle vanilla flavour and creates a surprisingly creamy dessert without needing milk or cream.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Simply add the ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on low for around four hours, stirring occasionally if possible.
Can I eat cream soda rice pudding cold?
Definitely. I actually love it straight from the fridge on a warm day, topped with fresh berries or mango.
Can I freeze rice pudding?
Yes. Allow it to cool completely before freezing in airtight containers for up to three months. When reheating, you may need to stir in a little extra liquid to restore its creamy consistency, as rice pudding naturally thickens during storage.
Can I use a different type of rice?
Pudding rice gives the creamiest texture, but if you can’t find it, other short-grain varieties such as arborio or risotto rice can work well too.
How about you? Let me know in the comments below. Do you make cream soda rice pudding Slimming World friendly or prefer to top it with whipped cream, jam or sugar, adding a few syns or calories?
