rice pudding recipe

Name: rice pudding recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: Whole milk & half-and-half – This combination keeps the pudding creamy and rich without being overly heavy.; Heavy cream (optional) – If you prefer a more indulgent texture, swap half-and-half for heavy cream.; Unsweetened nut-based milk – Almond, coconut, or cashew milk can be used for a dairy-free version, but they will add a unique flavor.; Vanilla extract – This gives the pudding its signature warmth and depth of flavor.; Arborio rice or medium-grain rice – These starchy rice varieties create a thick and creamy texture. Do not rinse the rice, as the starch is essential for consistency.; Cinnamon sticks & whole cloves – Infuse the pudding with a subtle, spiced flavor for a cozy feel.; Granulated sugar – Provides the perfect level of sweetness without overpowering the dish.; Evaporated milk – Contributes to the pudding’s richness while adding a touch of sweetness.; Unsalted butter – Enhances the overall creaminess and adds a silky texture.; Toppings – A sprinkle of ground cinnamon, a drizzle of honey, and crushed nuts bring extra flavor and crunch. You can also switch things up with fresh fruit, coconut flakes, or citrus zest.

Posted on 02/08/2025

Posted by Ava

Creamy rice pudding topped with chopped pistachios and almonds, sprinkled with cinnamon.

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Rice pudding recipe is a timeless dessert that never goes out of style. When warm, it feels like home and contains layers of creamy goodness. Whether it is a childhood favorite or it has only been discovered during adulthood, there is something magical about a bowl of homemade rice pudding. This recipe makes a truly delicious combination of richness, sweetness, and creaminess, And it’s simple to make, requiring just a few basic ingredients. You can serve it warm for a nice cozy treat on a cold night or take it cold on a hot summer day.

Creamy rice pudding recipe topped with chopped pistachios and almonds, sprinkled with cinnamon.

Most people have their own methods to prepare rice pudding, and almost certainly every family recipe has a story attached to it. Some like theirs thick. Others prefer it a little looser. Some use raisins, while others leave them out. However you take rice pudding, this recipe is a good starting point for customizing it to your final tastes.

Why Rice Pudding is the Ultimate Comfort Dessert

A spoonful of creamy rice pudding topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon, ready to be enjoyed.

Rice pudding has been around for centuries, with different cultures putting their own spin on it. In Latin America, there’s arroz con leche. In India, kheer is a beloved version with cardamom and nuts. The British have a baked version, while Middle Eastern recipes often include rose water and pistachios.

This version is the American-style stovetop rice pudding that many grew up eating. It’s thick, creamy, and has that perfect vanilla-cinnamon flavor that makes it irresistible. The best part is that it’s made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A great rice pudding recipe starts with simple, everyday ingredients that create a creamy, flavorful dessert. While the basics remain the same—rice, milk, sugar, and spices—you can tweak the ingredients to suit your taste. Here’s what you’ll need:

Whole milk & half-and-half – This combination keeps the pudding creamy and rich without being overly heavy.
Heavy cream (optional) – If you prefer a more indulgent texture, swap half-and-half for heavy cream.
Unsweetened nut-based milk – Almond, coconut, or cashew milk can be used for a dairy-free version, but they will add a unique flavor.
Vanilla extract – This gives the pudding its signature warmth and depth of flavor.
Arborio rice or medium-grain rice – These starchy rice varieties create a thick and creamy texture. Do not rinse the rice, as the starch is essential for consistency.
Cinnamon sticks & whole cloves – Infuse the pudding with a subtle, spiced flavor for a cozy feel.
Granulated sugar – Provides the perfect level of sweetness without overpowering the dish.
Evaporated milk – Contributes to the pudding’s richness while adding a touch of sweetness.
Unsalted butter – Enhances the overall creaminess and adds a silky texture.
Toppings – A sprinkle of ground cinnamon, a drizzle of honey, and crushed nuts bring extra flavor and crunch. You can also switch things up with fresh fruit, coconut flakes, or citrus zest.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This easy rice pudding recipe comes together in just a few steps, but allowing it to chill properly makes all the difference. Plan for at least two hours of refrigeration so the flavors can fully develop.

1: Infuse the Milk with Flavor

A saucepan of milk flavored with cinnamon sticks and cloves, ready to be used for making rice pudding.

Mix whole milk, half-and-half, vanilla extract, cinnamon sticks and cloves in a saucepan. Heat on high until just about to boil, but then remove from heat. Allow to cool and refrigerate for no less than two hours for flavor enhancement. Chilling can also be avoided when short on time, but the taste will not be as deep.

2: Cook the Rice

Take the infused milk from the fridge and return it to the stovetop. Stir in Arborio rice, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking as the rice absorbs the liquid.

3: Simmer Until Creamy

A saucepan of rice pudding being stirred with a wooden spoon, showing the creamy texture as it simmers.

Allow the cooking to take place for half an hour to three-fourths of an hour with constant stirring. If it gets too thick, add water to keep it creamy. Rice should be tender but not mushy.

4: Finish and Chill

Four bowls of chilled rice pudding, ready to be served.

Remove from heat, adding in butter and evaporated milk. Toss away the cinnamon sticks and cloves. Serve the pudding into serving bowls. Place in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

5: Serve and Enjoy

A bowl of rice pudding garnished with pistachios, cinnamon, and chopped walnuts, ready to be served.

Always check texture before serving. If it has thickened, add a tablespoon of evaporated milk to thin it out. Serve either warm or cold; top with cinnamon, honey, crushed nuts or cream.

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Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Rice pudding thickens as it sits, When reheating, stir in a little milk to restore its creamy texture. You can warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat.

How to Get the Perfect Rice Pudding Texture

Rice pudding should be thick and creamy, but not overly stiff. Here are a few tips to get the perfect texture:

Use the right rice – Short or medium grain rice has more starch, which helps thicken the pudding naturally.
Stir often – This prevents the rice from clumping together and sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Simmer over low heat – Cooking slowly allows the rice to absorb the milk properly without burning.
Adjust the thickness – If the pudding is too thick, add more milk. If it’s too runny, simmer for a bit longer to thicken.

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Serving Ideas

– A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg

– A drizzle of caramel or honey

– A handful of toasted coconut flakes

– Fresh fruit like sliced bananas or strawberries

– Finish with a scoop of vanilla for a creamy, flavorful touch.

Ways to Customize Your Rice Pudding

One of the best things about rice pudding is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ways to change things up:

Swap the milk – Use coconut milk for a tropical twist or almond milk for a dairy-free version.
Try a different sweetener – Brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup can add unique flavors.
Add fruit – Dried cranberries, chopped dates, or fresh berries can make it even more interesting.
Top with nuts – Toasted almonds, pecans, or pistachios add crunch and flavor.

Rice Pudding with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon

Browning white sugar in a rice pudding recipe achieves a richer, caramel-like flavor. It invites a little molasses into brown sugar that makes the pudding even more luscious-a development that pairs great with cinnamon and nutmeg. If your fave desserts have a little bit of warmth and a toasty taste, give this a try.

To use brown sugar, take the normal sugar out and put a ⅓ cup of light or dark brown sugar into the mixture. Dark brown sugar will lend a more pronounced molasses flavor to the pudding, which means a sweeter taste. Wonderful, warm days in fall and winter when the pudding is enjoyed after baking with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.

Why This Rice Pudding Recipe Stands Out

There are many ways to make rice pudding, but this version is simple, creamy, and always turns out just right. Unlike some recipes that require egg yolks or cornstarch to thicken the pudding, this one relies on slow cooking and the natural starches from the rice. The result is a rich and satisfying dessert that feels like home in every bite.

Many people associate rice pudding with childhood memories, family gatherings, or comforting moments on a cold day. Whether you’re making it for the first time or have been eating it for years, there’s something special about cooking up a batch from scratch.

Baked Rice Pudding for a Golden Crust

As an alternative, this baked rice pudding gives you a more set pudding with a caramelized top. The mixture is usually cooked completely on the stovetop; however, you can transfer it to an oven-safe dish after it has boiled and bake until the top has browned. The creaminess of the base and the slight crispness of the top make a great contrast and adds a whole new dimension to the dish.
To bake rice pudding, make it in the usual way, but use one extra egg for a custard-like texture.

Transfer the rice pudding mixture into a greased baking dish, then dust the top with cinnamon, and cook at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes. For an extra comforting, rustic dessert with a golden crust that enhances the flavor of every bite, serve warm with powdered sugar or fresh berries sprinkled over the top.

FAQS

What kind of rice is used for rice pudding?

The ideal rice for rice pudding is typically that which is of the medium or short-grain category, for example, Arborio or risotto rice. Such rice grains release larger volumes of starch during cooking process and therefore give a typical creamy texture of the pudding. However, one can also use long grains, but the pudding will lack the thickness. Do not rinse with water for making pudding, as the starch is very important for getting the ideal texture.

How do I make a simple rice pudding?

Making a simple rice pudding requires just a few basic steps. Start by cooking rice in milk, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add sugar, spices, and any flavor enhancers like vanilla extract or cinnamon. Let it simmer until the rice is tender and the mixture thickens. Stir in butter or evaporated milk for extra richness, then chill or serve warm, depending on your preference.

What are the 5 ingredients in rice pudding?

The five key ingredients in rice pudding are rice, milk, sugar, vanilla, and butter. These basics create a rich and comforting dessert, though many variations exist. Some recipes include spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, and others add dried fruit or nuts for extra texture. The beauty of rice pudding is its versatility—You can effortlessly tweak the ingredients to match your preference.

Which country eats rice pudding on Christmas?

For many nations in Europe, rice pudding is the most popular festive dessert. In such countries as Denmark, it is considered special during Christmas. Risalamande is the variant of rice pudding that is to be enjoyed during the Christmas Eve celebrations, often adorned with cherry sauce. It also features chopped almonds and hides a whole one inside. Whoever finds it wins a small award for this fun and celebratory dish during the holiday season.

Final Thoughts

Rice pudding is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly delicious. It’s an old-fashioned dessert that never goes out of style, and once you try making it at home, you’ll see why so many people love it.

Whether you enjoy it warm or cold, plain or with all the toppings, this homemade rice pudding is the kind of dish that brings comfort with every spoonful. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always satisfying.

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