There’s something about Comforting Creamy Rice Pudding with Cinnamon that feels like a gentle hug in a bowl. Nostalgic, warming, and infinitely cozy, this classic dessert brings together simple pantry ingredients into a luscious, silky pudding that simultaneously soothes and delights. It’s the kind of treat you crave on a chilly night or when you want to surprise your family, and the swirl of cinnamon adds just the right hint of spice to make every bite memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this pudding lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient plays a starring role—from the tender rice to the comforting aroma of cinnamon—and together, they create a dessert with the perfect texture and balanced sweetness.
- Uncooked medium-grain white rice: This variety gives your pudding its signature creamy texture; short or long-grain rice won’t yield quite the same results.
- Whole milk: Adds body and richness, ensuring your pudding is velvety and indulgent, not thin.
- Heavy cream: The secret to achieving that ultra-creamy finish that makes every spoonful extra decadent.
- Granulated sugar: Just enough to sweeten the pudding without overpowering its delicate flavors.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and keeps the sweetness in check; don’t skip it!
- Cinnamon stick: Gently infuses every bite with warmth, giving Comforting Creamy Rice Pudding with Cinnamon its signature soul-soothing taste.
- Vanilla extract: A splash at the end rounds out the flavor and adds an irresistible bakery-fresh aroma.
- Ground cinnamon: Stirred in for extra fragrance and a beautiful marbled effect.
- Ground nutmeg (optional): For an extra note of spice and complexity—just a pinch goes a long way.
- Whipped cream and extra cinnamon (for garnish): These simple toppings make your pudding look and taste absolutely irresistible.
How to Make Comforting Creamy Rice Pudding with Cinnamon
Step 1: Start with the Base
In a medium saucepan, mix together the uncooked rice, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, salt, and the all-important cinnamon stick. Combining everything from the get-go lets each flavor infuse right from the start. Bring it all to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently so nothing sticks or scorches on the bottom.
Step 2: Slow and Steady Cooking
As soon as you’ve reached that first gentle bubble, reduce the heat to low. Now let the pudding cook uncovered, giving it a good stir every few minutes. This is where all the magic happens! Over about 30 to 35 minutes, the rice softens, the mixture thickens, and your kitchen starts smelling like pure comfort. Watch for that creamy consistency—it’s ready when the rice is perfectly tender.
Step 3: Finishing Touches for Comforting Creamy Rice Pudding with Cinnamon
Time for flavor! Remove the cinnamon stick, then stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg if you’re using it. This is where the pudding truly comes to life, boosted with sweet, aromatic notes that bring out the best in creamy rice. A final stir ties everything together.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the pudding into bowls while it’s still warm if you love that just-cooked comfort, or let it cool for a chillier, thicker treat. Either way, finish with a billowy dollop of whipped cream and an extra sprinkle of cinnamon—you deserve it! Each serving is its own little celebration.
How to Serve Comforting Creamy Rice Pudding with Cinnamon
Garnishes
A cloud of freshly whipped cream and a dusting of ground cinnamon transform each serving of Comforting Creamy Rice Pudding with Cinnamon into a picture-perfect treat. For even more flair, try a few curls of chocolate or a scattering of toasted chopped nuts—they bring crunch and elegance to this homey dessert.
Side Dishes
This pudding shines as a solo dessert, but it also pairs beautifully with fresh fruit like berries or poached pears for a refreshing contrast. If you’re serving it as part of a bigger spread, try pairing with a strong cup of coffee, herbal tea, or even a crisp biscotti for some wonderful textural play.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, spoon your pudding into individual ramekins or pretty glasses and layer with stewed fruit or a swirl of jam. You can also fill parfait glasses with alternating layers of rice pudding and fruit preserves for an eye-catching twist on the classic. Don’t be afraid to go all out—a caramel drizzle or a bit of citrus zest makes it irresistible.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any of your Comforting Creamy Rice Pudding with Cinnamon left, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The texture remains lovely, and it’s an ideal make-ahead dessert for busy weeks or last-minute cravings.
Freezing
This pudding can be frozen for up to one month, though its texture may be a bit less silky once thawed. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. To serve again, thaw overnight in the fridge and stir well before heating or eating cold.
Reheating
To reheat refrigerated or thawed pudding, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat or give it a quick zap in the microwave. Add a splash of milk if it seems too thick, stirring until it reaches your perfect creamy consistency again. Don’t forget to freshen up the garnishes for that just-made feel!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert, Comfort Food
Medium-grain white rice is the gold standard for a creamy pudding, but you can experiment with short-grain if that’s what you have. Long-grain tends to be less creamy, while arborio rice leads to an extra decadently thick texture—it’s all about what you love!
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the milk and cream for coconut milk or your favorite unsweetened non-dairy milk and cream substitutes. The coconut milk option adds a lovely, subtle tropical note that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon.
How can I adjust the sweetness?
The recipe is written for a balanced, not-too-sweet flavor, but feel free to add a couple extra tablespoons of sugar if you like things sweeter, or cut back slightly for a more subdued dessert. Just taste as you go!
What can I add for extra flavor or crunch?
Golden raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking introduce wonderful texture and fruity-floral notes. For a festive twist, try folding in a bit of orange zest or swapping in ground cardamom with the cinnamon and nutmeg!
Can I serve it chilled instead of warm?
Definitely! Comforting Creamy Rice Pudding with Cinnamon is delicious both warm and cold. When chilled, it thickens up even more and becomes irresistibly rich—just give it a quick stir and top with fresh garnishes before serving.
Final Thoughts
Few things rival the simple satisfaction of sharing a bowl of Comforting Creamy Rice Pudding with Cinnamon. Its creamy texture and inviting cinnamon notes make it a dessert that always feels right, whether it’s a quiet night at home or a gathering with loved ones. Give this recipe a try and see why it’s sure to become a new favorite in your comfort food rotation!
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Comforting Creamy Rice Pudding with Cinnamon Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort dessert with this creamy rice pudding infused with warm cinnamon flavors. Perfect for cozy nights or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup uncooked medium-grain white rice
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cinnamon stick
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- whipped cream and extra cinnamon for garnish
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine rice, milk, cream, sugar, salt, and cinnamon stick. Simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently.
- Cook Rice: Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered, stirring often, until rice is tender and mixture is thick and creamy, about 30-35 minutes.
- Flavor and Serve: Remove cinnamon stick, stir in vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Spoon into bowls, cool slightly, and serve warm or chilled, topped with whipped cream and cinnamon.
Notes
- For extra richness, replace half of the milk with coconut milk.
- Stir in golden raisins or dried cranberries for added flavor.
- The pudding will thicken as it cools—add extra milk for a looser texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, European-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 115 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
