Cozy Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe: A Sweet Hug in a Bowl
Comfort swirls through every spoonful of this creamy rice pudding, promising a delightful escape from ordinary desserts.
Soft grains nestle in a silky embrace of sweet milk and gentle spices.
Classic ingredients dance together, creating a nostalgic treat that whispers memories of grandmother’s kitchen.
Cinnamon and vanilla subtly enhance the pudding’s rich, smooth texture, inviting you to savor each delectable bite.
Mediterranean traditions inspire this simple yet luxurious dessert that feels like a warm hug.
Simplicity meets indulgence in a recipe that transforms humble ingredients into something magical.
Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe Everyone Loves
Ingredients for Creamy Rice Pudding
For the Base:For the Sweeteners and Seasonings:For the Optional Toppings:Step-by-Step Creamy Rice Pudding Instructions
Step 1: Create the Rice and Milk Base
Grab a medium saucepan and pour in your rice and milk. This is where the magic begins!
The combination will slowly transform into a luscious, comforting dessert that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Step 2: Bring to a Gentle Simmer
Turn your heat to medium and let the rice and milk start to bubble softly.
Keep an eye on the pot and stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom. This is your chance to prevent any burnt surprises.
Step 3: Sweeten the Deal
Lower the heat and sprinkle in your sugar and salt. These ingredients will help balance the flavors and create a smooth, delectable texture that screams pure comfort.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Creamy Wonderland
Let the mixture simmer uncovered for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This is where patience pays off!
As time passes, the rice will become super tender and the liquid will transform into a luxurious, thick pudding. During the last 30 minutes, stir more frequently to ensure everything cooks evenly and doesn’t stick.
Step 5: Boost the Flavor
Pull the pan off the heat and stir in vanilla extract and ground cinnamon. These magical ingredients will elevate your pudding from good to absolutely irresistible.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Let the pudding cool for a few minutes. Feel free to jazz it up with fun toppings like:Each spoonful will be a creamy, dreamy delight that’ll transport you to dessert heaven!
Tips to Achieve Perfect Creamy Rice Pudding
Flavor Variations on Classic Rice Pudding
Best Pairings with Creamy Rice Pudding
Storing Creamy Rice Pudding Safely
Store leftover rice pudding in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
Pour cooled pudding into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
Transfer desired portion to a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of milk if pudding seems dry.
Warm pudding in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly. Add milk or cream gradually to restore creamy consistency. Stop heating once warmed through to prevent scorching.
FAQs
Rice pudding can be nutritious when made with whole milk and minimal sugar. It provides calcium, protein, and some carbohydrates, making it a relatively balanced sweet treat.
Short-grain or medium-grain rice works best for creamy rice pudding. Arborio or jasmine rice are excellent choices that create a rich, smooth texture.
Stir frequently, especially during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Use low heat and keep the mixture moving to prevent sticking and burning at the bottom of the pan.
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Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Comfort meets sweetness in this classic creamy rice pudding recipe that whispers nostalgic memories of grandma’s kitchen. Silky smooth textures and delicate vanilla notes promise a delightful dessert you’ll savor with pure contentment.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) short-grain rice
- 4 cups (950 ml) whole milk
Sweeteners:
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) salt
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare a medium saucepan and combine rice with milk, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
- Activate medium heat, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer while occasionally stirring to prevent rice from adhering to the pan’s bottom.
- Lower heat to minimal temperature, gently incorporating sugar and salt into the liquid mixture.
- Allow the pudding to slowly transform, maintaining an uncovered state for approximately 90-120 minutes. During this period, continuously monitor and stir frequently, especially in the final half-hour to guarantee uniform texture and prevent scorching.
- Once rice reaches ultimate tenderness and liquid transforms into a luxurious, velvety consistency, remove from heat source.
- Infuse the pudding with vanilla extract and ground cinnamon, stirring thoroughly to distribute aromatic flavors evenly throughout the mixture.
- permit the pudding to cool slightly, enabling it to settle and thicken naturally.
- Serve warm or chilled, embellishing with optional garnishes like additional ground cinnamon, plump raisins, or delicate whipped cream for enhanced sensory experience.
Notes
- Choose short-grain rice for the creamiest, most luxurious texture that absorbs milk perfectly.
- Swap dairy milk with coconut milk or almond milk to create a delightful vegan version with rich, smooth consistency.
- Control the pudding’s thickness by adjusting milk quantity – less milk creates a denser pudding, while more milk results in a lighter, more delicate dessert.
- Prevent scorching by using a heavy-bottomed saucepan and stirring consistently, especially during the final cooking stage when mixture thickens quickly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 295 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 92 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 51 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Nate Harper
Founder & Recipe Curator
Expertise
Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation
Education
Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.
Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.
Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.