Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe

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

  • Comfort in a Bowl: Indulge in a classic dessert that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia, perfect for soothing your soul on any day.
  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: Create a delightful treat with just a few simple pantry staples, making it incredibly budget-friendly and accessible.
  • Customize with Creativity: Personalize your pudding with endless topping options like fresh fruits, nuts, or a sprinkle of spices to match your mood and taste preferences.
  • Gentle Cooking Experience: Enjoy a relaxing cooking process that requires minimal effort, allowing you to slowly develop rich, creamy flavors while casually stirring the pot.

Ingredients for Creamy Rice Pudding

For the Base:
  • Long-Grain White Rice: A classic choice that provides a smooth and creamy texture to the pudding.
  • Whole Milk: Creates a rich and luxurious base for the traditional dessert.
For the Sweeteners and Seasonings:
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to balance the creamy flavors.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall taste and balances the sweetness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the creamy pudding.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Offers a warm, comforting spice that adds depth to the dessert.
For the Optional Toppings:
  • Ground Cinnamon, Raisins, Whipped Cream: Add extra flavor, texture, and visual appeal to the finished rice pudding.

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:
  • Extra ground cinnamon
  • Plump raisins
  • Fluffy whipped cream

Each spoonful will be a creamy, dreamy delight that’ll transport you to dessert heaven!

Tips to Achieve Perfect Creamy Rice Pudding

  • Stir the rice mixture frequently, especially during the last 30 minutes, to avoid scorching and ensure even cooking.
  • Use short-grain or medium-grain rice for the creamiest and most authentic rice pudding texture.
  • Adjust milk quantity if the pudding becomes too thick; add a splash of milk to reach desired creaminess.
  • Experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique taste profile.
  • Refrigerate leftover pudding in an airtight container for up to 4 days, and gently reheat with a splash of milk to restore its creamy consistency.

Flavor Variations on Classic Rice Pudding

  • Tropical Paradise Pudding: Swap vanilla with coconut extract, add shredded coconut, and mix in diced mango or pineapple chunks for a Caribbean-inspired dessert.
  • Chocolate Lovers' Dream: Incorporate cocoa powder during cooking and stir in dark chocolate chips at the end, creating a rich chocolate rice pudding.
  • Autumn Spice Blend: Replace cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice, mix in roasted pecans, and drizzle with maple syrup for a cozy seasonal version.
  • Berry Burst Edition: Fold fresh mixed berries into the pudding after cooking and top with a raspberry coulis for a fruity, vibrant variation.

Best Pairings with Creamy Rice Pudding

  • Pair Spiced Cinnamon Tea: Enhance the creamy rice pudding's warmth with a fragrant cinnamon tea that complements the dessert's spicy notes and creates a comforting flavor harmony.
  • Serve Caramel Drizzle Delight: Add a luxurious caramel sauce over the pudding to introduce a rich, buttery sweetness that elevates the classic dessert's simple charm.
  • Match Fresh Berry Contrast: Top the pudding with fresh raspberries or strawberries to provide a tangy, bright counterpoint to the creamy, sweet rice base, creating a delightful flavor balance.
  • Choose Sweet Dessert Wine: Select a light moscato or sweet riesling to accompany the pudding, allowing the wine's subtle sweetness to echo the dessert's delicate flavors without overwhelming it.

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

  • Is rice pudding a healthy dessert?

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.

  • Can I use different types of rice for this recipe?

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.

  • How do I prevent my rice pudding from burning?

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.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe

Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 17 reviews

  • 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

Scale

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

  1. Prepare a medium saucepan and combine rice with milk, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
  2. Activate medium heat, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer while occasionally stirring to prevent rice from adhering to the pan’s bottom.
  3. Lower heat to minimal temperature, gently incorporating sugar and salt into the liquid mixture.
  4. 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.
  5. Once rice reaches ultimate tenderness and liquid transforms into a luxurious, velvety consistency, remove from heat source.
  6. Infuse the pudding with vanilla extract and ground cinnamon, stirring thoroughly to distribute aromatic flavors evenly throughout the mixture.
  7. permit the pudding to cool slightly, enabling it to settle and thicken naturally.
  8. 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

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.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star