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.

Description

Rice pudding recipe that’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor. Make this easy homemade dessert with simple ingredients for a comforting treat.

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.

Instructions

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.

Notes

You can adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar or honey to taste.
For a creamier pudding, add a bit of heavy cream in place of some of the milk.
Garnishing with pistachios, almonds, or cinnamon adds a nice crunch and extra flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Lunch
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 250
Sugar: 23g
Sodium: 50mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: rice pudding, creamy rice pudding, Middle Eastern dessert, easy rice pudding, comfort food, pudding with cinnamon, pistachio rice pudding, homemade rice pudding