Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe

Rice pudding is a comforting, creamy dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries. This version is rich and velvety, with a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth from cinnamon. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dessert to end a meal or a comforting breakfast, creamy rice pudding is a perfect choice. Its smooth texture and subtle sweetness make it a treat for all ages. The addition of raisins (optional) adds a lovely chewy texture that complements the soft, tender rice.

This rice pudding recipe is easy to make with just a few simple ingredients, and it doesn’t require much hands-on time. The result is a deliciously smooth pudding that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. With the option of adding raisins, this dessert can be customized to your preference. For a decadent touch, drizzle a little extra cream on top before serving, and you’ll have a comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served warm or chilled, this creamy rice pudding is a treat you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Comforting and Creamy Texture

The rich, smooth texture of the pudding is created by slowly cooking the rice in milk, resulting in a creamy and luxurious dessert.

2. Simple Ingredients

With only a handful of ingredients, this rice pudding is easy to make and doesn’t require any special tools or equipment.

3. Versatile Flavor

Cinnamon and vanilla provide a comforting and warm flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the pudding, but you can also adjust the spices to your liking.

4. Customizable

Feel free to add raisins for extra sweetness and chewiness, or swap them out for other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped dates.

5. Perfect for Any Time of Day

While perfect as a dessert, this rice pudding can also be enjoyed as a hearty breakfast or afternoon snack.

Ingredients

• Milk (plus more, if needed)
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Uncooked white rice
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Pure vanilla extract
• Raisins (optional)
• Heavy cream

Variations

• Add Fruit: In addition to or instead of raisins, you can add fresh fruit such as diced apples or berries for a twist.
• Coconut Rice Pudding: Substitute half of the milk with coconut milk for a tropical flavor.
• Spices: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom to add depth to the flavor.
• Vegan Version: Use non-dairy milk (such as almond, soy, or oat milk) and replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

In a medium-sized saucepan, combine 3½ cups of milk, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, rice, and salt. Stir everything together to combine.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the rice cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the milk has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Step 3: Add Flavorings

Once the rice is tender and the pudding has thickened, stir in the ground cinnamon and vanilla extract. If you’re using raisins, add them at this point so they have time to plump up in the warm pudding.

Step 4: Finish the Pudding

Once the pudding reaches a thick, creamy consistency, stir in the heavy cream to add richness. Taste and adjust the sweetness if necessary, adding more sugar if desired.

Step 5: Serve

Serve the rice pudding warm, or transfer it to a bowl and let it cool to room temperature. For a chilled version, refrigerate for a couple of hours before serving. You can top it with additional cinnamon or a drizzle of cream before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Stir Regularly: Stir the pudding regularly while cooking to prevent the rice from sticking and to ensure the milk doesn’t burn.
• Use Full-Fat Milk: For the creamiest texture, use whole milk. You can use lower-fat milk, but the pudding will be less rich.
• Add More Milk: If the pudding thickens too much while cooking, simply add more milk a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Chill Before Serving: Rice pudding can be enjoyed both warm and cold. If you prefer it chilled, allow it to cool completely and refrigerate for a few hours before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this creamy rice pudding as a dessert, breakfast, or snack. It’s delicious on its own, or you can garnish it with extra cinnamon, a dollop of whipped cream, or fresh berries for added flavor and texture. For a more indulgent touch, drizzle with a bit of caramel or maple syrup.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover rice pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pudding may thicken further as it cools, so you may need to add a little milk to loosen it up before serving again.

Freezing

Rice pudding can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, let the pudding cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and stir in a bit of milk to rehydrate it.

Reheating

To reheat rice pudding, gently warm it over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the pudding has thickened too much, add a small amount of milk to reach your desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it will take longer to cook, and the texture will be a bit chewier.

2. Can I make this recipe without raisins?

Yes, raisins are optional. You can omit them or substitute them with other dried fruits or even fresh fruit.

3. Is it necessary to use heavy cream?

The heavy cream is optional, but it does add extra richness to the pudding. If you prefer a lighter version, you can omit it or replace it with more milk.

4. Can I make this rice pudding dairy-free?

Yes, you can use non-dairy milk (like almond, soy, or oat milk) and replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative to make this recipe dairy-free.

5. How can I make my rice pudding sweeter?

If you prefer a sweeter pudding, you can add more sugar or sweeten it with honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute like stevia.

6. Can I use different spices?

Yes, feel free to experiment with other spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to give your rice pudding a unique flavor.

7. Can I make this rice pudding ahead of time?

Yes, this rice pudding can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator. It actually tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld together.

8. Can I serve rice pudding cold?

Yes, rice pudding can be enjoyed both warm and cold. It’s a versatile dessert that’s delicious at any temperature.

9. How do I make my rice pudding creamier?

To make your rice pudding extra creamy, use full-fat milk and stir in heavy cream at the end for a luscious texture.

10. How can I prevent my rice pudding from becoming too thick?

If your rice pudding becomes too thick while cooking, simply add more milk, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

Conclusion

This creamy rice pudding recipe is the perfect dessert for those who love a rich, comforting treat. It’s simple to make, incredibly versatile, and perfect for any occasion. With the option to include raisins, the warmth of cinnamon, and the smoothness of heavy cream, every spoonful is a delightful experience. Whether you enjoy it warm or chilled, this rice pudding is sure to be a favorite in your recipe collection.

Print