Lebanese rice pudding is a creamy cold dessert infused with floral orange blossom or rose water.
One of my all-time favorites; Lebanese rice pudding, or riz bi haleeb, brings back sweet memories of my childhood. Iโve taken the traditional version my mother used to make and adapted it into a lighter, dairy-free pudding thatโs still just as creamy and nostalgic.
It reminds me a lot of other Middle Eastern milk-based desserts I love, like muhallabia, sahlab, and haytaliyeh.ย

Ingredients
The complete list of ingredients with measurements, can be found in the full recipe card below.
Medium-grain white rice
Gives the pudding just the right balance of creaminess and bite. Short grain also works for a stickier result.
Milk
Traditional full cream milk is used, my go-to is unsweetened almond milk for keeping it dairy-free. Any type will work for this recipe, just keep in mind the color of the milk (some plant based milks are darker in color) will affect the finished pudding.
Sweetener
Traditionally white sugar is used however I like to use rice malt syrup or maple syrup these days. Any of these will work.
Orange blossom water or rose water
These give riz bi haleeb its signature floral note. I often use both. My family has always trusted the Cortas brand for these.
Corn starch slurry
This thickens the pudding while keeping the texture smooth. You can adjust the amount slightly based on how thick you prefer your pudding.
Janelle's Tips
- Chill before serving: The flavor improves after refrigeration, and the texture firms up beautifully. This pudding is mostly served cold, but hey, sometimes I don't mind warming mine up!
- Cornstarch alternatives: Potato starch works, but the pudding may separate after chilling and the texture may be a little gummier. If possible, stick to cornstarch for best results.
- Toppings: Itโs common for Lebanese rice pudding to be served topped with crushed pistachio, a dusting of cinnamon, or dried rose petals.
Storage
Let the rice pudding cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or portioning into small bowls.
Store in the fridge for up to 5 days. It will firm up as it chills, making it easy to serve straight from the fridge.
Did you make this? I'd love to know! Leave me a comment below with a โ โ โ โ โ star rating or tagย @plantbasedfolkย on social media.
Recipe
Lebanese Rice Pudding
Ingredients
- 1 litre Milk dairy free milk or traditional (see my preference in above article)
- ยฝ cup White rice medium grain
- ยพ cup Maple Syrup (or rice malt syrup or sugar)
- 2 tablespoon Orange blossom water sub rose water
- 2 tablespoon Cornstarch corn flour in AU
- 1ยผ cups Water
Instructions
- Combine ยผ cup water and cornstarch and set aside. In a pot over medium-high heat, add rice and 1 cup of water. Cook rice until parboiled, approximately 6 minutes.
- Stir through the milk and maple syrup into the parboiled rice and bring to a soft boil.
- Once boiling, turn the heat down to medium-low and add corn starch slurry and orange blossom water. Simmer for 15 minutes. Stirring slowly and continuously until the liquid has thickened.
- Pour into individual portions and allow to cool at room temperature. Transfer to the fridge to chill. Serve cold, see garnish suggestions in the notes above.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
N.B., nutrition info is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. This will vary based on the specific ingredients you use.
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Shani
Hello,
Your recipes look wonderful, and I would like to try this pudding. Could you clarify, please, about the rice? After it's parboiled, should it stay in the cooking water, or strained out? And when is the best time to add it to to the thickened milk?
thank you!
Janelle Hama
Hi Shani,
It remains in its water, which would have started to absorb into the rice. Then you add the other ingredients on top. I'll make the instructions in the recipe card clearer. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
J
salmac
hii! do you skip rinsing your rice with this recipe?
Janelle Hama
yes, you want the starches
Robyn
My family will LOVE this rice pudding! It's so pretty topped with the chopped pistachios too!
Rachi
Rice pudding has to be my go to dessert. Love this
plantbasedfolk
Thank you Rachi - it's a crowd pleaser ๐
Gavin Sutherland
I'm old skool when it comes to desserts so this is right up my alley. Brulee, Bread Pudding & Rice Pudding are my top 3. I love the orange blossom idea and that colour of the pistachio - can't wait to give it a go!
plantbasedfolk
Thank Gavin. Old school is so cool!
Sarah
Sounds delicious! I have some orange blossom water I've been wondering what to cook with, now I lnow! This would be great for a dinner party as you could make individual portions ahead of time ๐
plantbasedfolk
Hey Sarah,
It's perfect for a dinner party. Everyone will polish off their own portion of rice pudding.
Enjoy
J x
Sylvie
I love a good rice pudding and this one looks so easy and delicious! I love the addition of orange blossom water, it must bring really add an incredible flavour to the dessert!
plantbasedfolk
It's very fragrant because of the orange blossom. Thank you Sylvie ๐