There’s something undeniably comforting about a creamy rice pudding recipe. It’s the kind of dessert that instantly transports you to a cozy kitchen filled with the sweet scent of cinnamon and vanilla. Whether you grew up eating this nostalgic treat or are discovering it for the first time, this rice pudding recipe is sure to become a staple in your dessert rotation.
Perfect as a quick weeknight dessert, a warm brunch dish, or even a chilled snack, rice pudding is as versatile as it is satisfying. It’s a humble dish with luxurious texture, creamy, slightly chewy, and kissed with just the right amount of sweetness. With just a few pantry staples and a little patience, you can whip up a bowl of comfort that feels like a hug in dessert form.
What makes this particular rice pudding recipe so special? It’s all about the technique, slow-simmered milk, a touch of real vanilla, and just the right rice to liquid ratio that gives you a luscious, creamy spoonful every time. If you’ve ever struggled with runny, overly thick, or flavorless rice pudding, stick with me, this is the one you’ve been waiting for.
Table of contents
What Is Rice Pudding?
Rice pudding is a creamy dessert made from rice, milk, sugar, and flavorings like vanilla or cinnamon. It’s a comforting dish that’s been enjoyed for centuries across different cultures. Some variations are served warm, while others are chilled. The texture can range from smooth and creamy to thick and custard-like, depending on the type of rice and cooking method used.
Recipe Card
Rice pudding
Difficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes30
minutes250
kcalThis classic rice pudding recipe is creamy, comforting, and easy to make with simple ingredients. It’s perfect for a cozy dessert or a sweet breakfast treat.
Ingredients
1 cup of rice (short grain or medium grain preferred)
4 cups of whole milk
½ cup of sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cinnamon stick
¼ tsp salt
Optional toppings: ground cinnamon, raisins, or whipped cream
Directions
- Prepare the Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed.
- Add Milk and Flavoring: Stir in the milk, sugar, cinnamon stick, and salt. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking.
- Simmer: Let the mixture cook on low heat for another 25-30 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice is soft and creamy.
- Add Vanilla: Once the pudding reaches your desired creaminess, remove the cinnamon stick and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Serve: Serve warm or chilled, topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon or raisins if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute whole milk with almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar, according to your taste.
- The pudding thickens as it cools, so consider adding more milk for a creamier texture if you plan to chill it.
Tips for the Best Rice Pudding
- Choose the Right Rice: Use short-grain or medium-grain rice for the creamiest texture. Arborio rice also works great for an extra creamy pudding.
- Low and Slow Cooking: Simmer the pudding on low heat and stir frequently to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Customize Your Sweetener: Swap out white sugar for brown sugar or honey for a different flavor profile.
- Toppings Matter: Get creative with your toppings! Fresh berries, toasted coconut, or even a drizzle of caramel can elevate this easy rice pudding recipe.
- Creaminess Level: If you want a thinner pudding, add a little more milk during cooking. For a thicker, richer texture, let it cook a bit longer.
Recipe Variants
- Vanilla Bean Rice Pudding: Add a scraped vanilla bean pod for a more intense vanilla flavor.
- Coconut Rice Pudding: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk for a tropical twist.
- Chocolate Rice Pudding: Stir in ½ cup of cocoa powder or melted chocolate for a chocolatey treat.
- Rice Pudding with Berries: Add fresh or frozen berries during the last few minutes of cooking for a fruity burst.
- Maple Pecan Rice Pudding: Drizzle with maple syrup and top with toasted pecans for a fall-inspired version.
- Baked Rice Pudding: Grease a baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
How to Store Rice Pudding
To store rice pudding, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, you may need to add a little extra milk to loosen the texture, as rice pudding tends to thicken when cold.
Can We Freeze Rice Pudding?
Yes, you can freeze rice pudding! To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to restore its creamy consistency.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but the cooking time will be longer, and the texture will be less creamy compared to white rice.
Absolutely! You can use alternative sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute.
As rice pudding cools, it thickens. To fix this, add a splash of milk while reheating to loosen it up.
This is one of the most common questions home cooks ask about any rice pudding recipe. If your pudding turns out too runny, it likely hasn’t cooked long enough for the starches to be released and the liquid to reduce. Make sure you’re simmering it gently over low heat, uncovered, and stirring occasionally. Letting the pudding rest after cooking also helps it thicken naturally.
Absolutely! This is a great shortcut if you have leftover rice. Just reduce the liquid in the recipe by about one-third, since cooked rice won’t absorb as much. Note that the texture may be slightly different, less creamy, but it’s still a delicious and easy variation of the rice pudding recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s a quiet magic in making a rice pudding recipe from scratch, the kind that simmers gently on the stove, filling your kitchen with the cozy scent of vanilla and cinnamon. This dish is more than just dessert; it’s comfort food at its finest. Whether you enjoy it warm right off the stove or chilled the next day, it always delivers that nostalgic, soul-soothing bite.
If you’re short on time or prefer hands-off cooking, you’ll love our easy baked rice pudding recipe, it captures the same creamy goodness with even less effort.
Looking to explore other rice-based desserts? The mango sticky rice recipe is a Thai classic that brings a beautiful balance of sweet and tropical. For something festive and fall-inspired, the pumpkin tres leches is an indulgent treat with spiced depth and moist richness.
And if old-school comfort food is your thing, you really shouldn’t miss our Indian pudding recipe, it’s another timeless dessert that brings warmth with every spoonful.
No matter how you enjoy it, this rice pudding recipe proves that sometimes the simplest dishes leave the biggest impression. Happy cooking, and even happier eating.
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