Creamy quinoa dessert served with fresh pomegranate seeds

I’ve had a bag of quinoa sitting in my kitchen for quite a while and, when I first bought it, I was convinced I was going to make dozens of recipes with it. The reality was a little different. 😅

So, before it had a chance to expire, I finally decided to turn it into something sweet. 😁 And that’s how this creamy quinoa pudding with milk, vanilla and pomegranate came about.

If you like rice pudding, chances are you’ll enjoy this version too. The quinoa gives it a slightly different texture, but the pudding itself is creamy, delicately flavored with vanilla and definitely sweet enough to count as dessert. The pomegranate seeds add a fresh, slightly tart flavor and a nice contrast to the creamy pudding.

Why You’ll Love This Quinoa Pudding

This is one of those simple desserts that doesn’t require much effort but is a little different from the usual options.

I especially like the combination of textures: the quinoa retains a slight bite, the pudding is creamy, and the pomegranate adds a fresh contrast. 😁

Plus:

it’s made in one saucepan;
you only need a handful of easy-to-find ingredients;
it can be served warm or cold;
you can pair it with different fruits depending on the season;
quinoa is a good source of protein, making it an interesting alternative to rice when you want a slightly more nutritious dessert.

Quinoa pudding made with milk and vanilla, topped with pomegranate

What Does Quinoa Pudding Taste Like?

If you’ve never tried quinoa in a dessert before, its flavor is actually quite mild. Combined with milk, heavy cream and vanilla, it turns into a rich and creamy pudding with a delicate vanilla flavor.

The texture isn’t completely smooth like a traditional pudding thickened with cornstarch. The quinoa grains retain some of their texture, so it’s much closer to a very creamy rice pudding.

And that’s exactly what I like about it. 🙂

Tips for Making Creamy Quinoa Pudding

Rinse the quinoa well before cooking. It’s a small but important step. Place the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse thoroughly under cold running water before using it.

Cook the pudding over low heat. Once the liquid comes to a boil, lower the heat and let the quinoa cook slowly. This gives it enough time to absorb the liquid and develop that creamy consistency.

Stir occasionally. This is especially important towards the end, when the pudding starts to thicken. We definitely don’t want to discover a layer of quinoa stuck to the bottom of the saucepan. 😅

Remember that it will thicken as it cools. There’s no need to wait until the pudding becomes very thick on the stove. The consistency will become firmer as it cools.

Add the fruit just before serving. This way, the pomegranate seeds stay fresh and keep their slightly crunchy texture.

What Fruit Goes Well with Quinoa Pudding?

I chose pomegranate because I love the contrast between the sweet, creamy pudding and the fresh, slightly tart pomegranate seeds.

But you definitely don’t have to stick to pomegranate. This quinoa pudding would also be delicious with berries, mango, strawberries, peaches or bananas.

You can also add a little cinnamon, some chopped nuts or coconut flakes if you want extra texture. The pudding itself stays the same, so you can easily change the toppings depending on what you have at home.

How to Serve Quinoa Pudding

Quinoa pudding can be eaten straight away while it’s still slightly warm, but I really like it cold too.

If you prefer to serve it chilled, divide the pudding between glasses or small bowls and keep them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. Add the pomegranate seeds or other fresh fruit just before serving.

Creamy quinoa pudding with milk and pomegranate seeds

Frequently Asked Questions

Do You Have to Rinse Quinoa Before Cooking It?

Yes. Quinoa should be rinsed thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water before cooking. This helps remove the naturally occurring saponins on the outside of the grains, which can give quinoa a bitter taste.

Can You Eat Quinoa Pudding Cold?

Yes. This quinoa pudding is delicious both warm and cold. It will become a little thicker after chilling in the refrigerator, so you can stir in a splash of milk before serving if you prefer a creamier consistency.

Why Did My Quinoa Pudding Get So Thick After Cooling?

Quinoa continues to absorb liquid after it has been removed from the heat, so it’s completely normal for the pudding to become thicker as it cools. Simply add a little milk and stir until you reach your preferred consistency.

More Quinoa Recipes

If you also have a bag of quinoa hiding somewhere in your pantry — hopefully not for a year like mine 😅 — you can also try my puffed quinoa chocolate dessert, made without added sugar.

And if you prefer savory recipes, quinoa is easy to pair with vegetables, avocado, cheese or meat and makes a great addition to salads.