Easy Rice Pudding Recipe

Easy Rice Pudding Recipe: Creamy Comfort in Every Spoonful

Creamy homemade rice pudding could become your ultimate comfort dessert.

Memories of childhood sweetness flood back with each spoonful.

Simple ingredients dance together, creating magic in a humble kitchen.

Warm, soft grains mingle with rich milk and delicate spices.

Cinnamon whispers stories of cozy afternoons and gentle indulgence.

Sitting down to a bowl that feels like a warm embrace.

This recipe promises pure, uncomplicated joy in every delightful bite.

How To Store Easy Rice Pudding And Keep It Creamy

  • Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftover rice pudding to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal the container tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.
  • Microwave Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of milk if the pudding seems too thick or dry.
  • Stovetop Method: Gently reheat the pudding in a saucepan over low heat, stirring continuously and adding a little milk to restore creamy consistency. Watch carefully to prevent scorching.
  • Serving Suggestion: Enjoy chilled or warm, topping with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey for extra flavor when serving leftovers.

Best Pairings With Easy Rice Pudding

  • Pair with Warm Spiced Tea: Complement the creamy rice pudding with a fragrant chai or cinnamon-infused black tea, enhancing the dessert's subtle warmth and sweetness.
  • Match with Fresh Berry Garnish: Top the pudding with a handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries to add a bright, tangy contrast to the rich, smooth texture.
  • Combine with Caramel Drizzle: Elevate the dessert by drizzling a light caramel sauce over the top, creating a luxurious depth of flavor that highlights the pudding's natural sweetness.
  • Serve alongside Toasted Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped toasted almonds or pistachios on top to introduce a delightful crunch and nutty complexity to the creamy dessert.

Tasty Twists On Easy Rice Pudding

  • Berry Bliss Pudding: Fold in fresh mixed berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries during the final cooking stage for a fruity burst of flavor.
  • Tropical Paradise Remix: Replace some milk with coconut milk and top with toasted coconut flakes and diced mango for a vacation-inspired dessert.
  • Chocolate Chip Comfort: Mix in semi-sweet chocolate chips and a dash of cocoa powder near the end of cooking, creating a rich and indulgent version of the classic rice pudding.
  • Nutty Caramel Dream: Sprinkle chopped roasted almonds and drizzle caramel sauce on top, adding a crunchy texture and sweet caramel notes to the creamy pudding.

Easy Rice Pudding FAQs

  • What type of rice works best for this pudding?

Short-grain or medium-grain white rice is ideal because they have more starch, creating a creamier texture compared to long-grain rice.

  • Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute regular milk with coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk for a dairy-free version that still maintains a creamy consistency.

  • Is rice pudding healthy?

Rice pudding can be a nutritious dessert when made with whole milk and minimal sugar. It provides calcium, protein, and some carbohydrates, making it a relatively balanced sweet treat.

  • How can I prevent the milk from burning while cooking?

Stir the mixture frequently and use medium-low heat. Keep your attention on the pot and stir consistently to prevent the milk from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Why Easy Rice Pudding Is A Comforting Classic

  • Savor Creamy Comfort: This rice pudding delivers a silky, smooth texture that wraps you in pure comfort, making every spoonful feel like a warm hug from grandma's kitchen.
  • Master Simple Cooking: With basic ingredients and straightforward steps, home cooks of all skill levels can easily create this delightful dessert without complex techniques or fancy equipment.
  • Customize Your Delight: The recipe offers flexible options like adding raisins, adjusting cinnamon, or enjoying it warm or chilled, allowing personal taste preferences to shine through each delicious serving.
  • Quick Family Treat: Ready in under 40 minutes, this dessert becomes an effortless sweet solution for satisfying cravings, pleasing kids, and creating instant smiles around the dinner table.

Everything Needed For Easy Rice Pudding

Base Ingredients:
  • Rice: Soft, fluffy grain provides creamy texture and main body of pudding. Long-grain white rice works best for smooth consistency.
  • Milk: Creamy liquid creates rich, smooth pudding base. Whole milk recommended for best flavor and texture.
Sweetening and Flavoring Ingredients:
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and balances overall flavor. White granulated sugar provides clean, pure sweetness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Brings warm, complex flavor depth. Pure vanilla extract offers better taste than artificial varieties.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Optional spice that provides warm, aromatic notes. Fresh ground cinnamon offers more robust flavor.
Optional Add-In Ingredients:
  • Raisins, Dried Fruits: Adds natural sweetness and chewy texture. Golden or dark raisins work equally well for extra interest.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness. Small pinch helps round out pudding's taste profile.

Steps To Make Easy Rice Pudding Smooth And Creamy

Step 1: Cook Fluffy White Rice

Grab a medium pot and pour in water. Bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Gently add rice, then lower the temperature. Cover the pot with a tight lid and let the rice simmer quietly. Wait patiently until water vanishes and rice turns soft and pillowy, which usually takes around 20 minutes.

Step 2: Transform Rice Into Creamy Delight

In a separate large pot, combine:
  • Cooked rice
  • Milk
  • Sugar
  • Pinch of salt

Stir the mixture over medium heat. Keep stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Watch the magic happen as the ingredients meld together, creating a thick and luxurious texture. This process takes roughly 15-20 minutes.

Step 3: Enhance With Flavor Boosters

Pour in additional milk and sprinkle in:
  • Vanilla extract
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Optional raisins or dried fruits

Stir everything continuously for about 2 minutes, allowing flavors to dance and blend perfectly.

Step 4: Serve And Enjoy

Remove from heat and let the pudding rest briefly. You can serve it warm and comforting or chill it in the refrigerator for a refreshing dessert. Each spoonful promises pure creamy happiness.

Helpful Tips For Easy Rice Pudding

  • Customize Your Creaminess: Adjust milk quantities to achieve your desired pudding consistency, from lighter to ultra-rich textures.
  • Boost Flavor Varieties: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or add orange zest for unique taste profiles.
  • Dietary Swap Options: Replace whole milk with almond, coconut, or oat milk for dairy-free alternatives that maintain delicious creaminess.
  • Prevent Rice Sticking: Stir frequently during cooking and use a heavy-bottomed pan to ensure smooth, evenly cooked pudding without burning.
  • Storage Secret: Refrigerate pudding in an airtight container for up to 4 days, and gently reheat with a splash of milk to restore original creamy texture.
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Easy Rice Pudding Recipe

Easy Rice Pudding Recipe


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4.6 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy Rice Pudding whispers comfort from grandma’s kitchen, blending simple ingredients into a nostalgic dessert. Warm spices and sweet milk embrace tender rice, inviting you to savor each delightful spoonful of pure culinary happiness.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup uncooked white rice (short or long grain)
  • 4 cups whole milk, divided
  • ½ cup granulated sugar

Liquid Components:

  • 2 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Spices and Optional Add-ins:

  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • ½ cup raisins or other dried fruits (optional)

Instructions

  1. Gently simmer rice in water until grains become tender and liquid is fully absorbed, creating a soft, fluffy base for the pudding.
  2. Transfer cooked rice into a spacious saucepan, introducing milk, sweetener, and a pinch of salt to develop a rich, creamy foundation.
  3. Maintain medium heat while continuously stirring the mixture, allowing the ingredients to meld and transform into a luxurious, thickening consistency.
  4. Incorporate additional milk to enhance the pudding’s silky texture, followed by aromatic vanilla and warm cinnamon for depth of flavor.
  5. Elevate the dessert by folding in plump raisins or your preferred dried fruits, ensuring even distribution throughout the creamy mixture.
  6. Remove from heat and let the pudding rest momentarily, allowing the flavors to harmonize and the temperature to cool slightly.
  7. Enjoy immediately while warm for a comforting treat, or chill in the refrigerator to create a refreshing dessert with a firmer texture.

Notes

  • Opt for short-grain or medium-grain rice to achieve a creamier, more luxurious texture in your pudding.
  • Choose whole milk for a richer flavor, but you can substitute with low-fat or non-dairy alternatives like almond or coconut milk for dietary preferences.
  • Control the thickness by adjusting milk quantities; add more milk for a looser consistency or cook longer for a thicker pudding.
  • Prevent rice from sticking by stirring frequently and using a heavy-bottomed pan to distribute heat evenly.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 272
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 0.2 g
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 24 mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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