This Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe is one of those timeless comfort desserts that warms you from the inside out. Picture tender rice slowly simmered in a dreamy mix of whole milk and cream, sweetened just right, and finished with a gentle kiss of vanilla and cinnamon. Whether you enjoy it warm on a chilly night or chilled as a summer treat, this luscious pudding is silky smooth, delightfully aromatic, and always a crowd-pleaser. One spoonful, and you’ll see why this classic is a favorite from childhood through adulthood!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of this recipe is how it transforms simple, everyday ingredients into a bowl of pure comfort! Each element plays a role in creating that creamy, velvety texture and signature flavor profile, so don’t skip the basics—every scoop counts.
- Uncooked white rice (¾ cup): Short or medium-grain rice yields the creamiest result because of its natural starch, but long grain works in a pinch.
- Water (1 ½ cups): Used for the initial simmer, it helps the rice cook evenly before the dairy comes in.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Brings richness and foundational creaminess to the pudding.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): The secret to an extra-silky, indulgent texture that sets this Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe apart.
- Granulated sugar (⅓ cup): Adds just the right sweetness, balancing the dairy’s richness.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): A little salt brightens all the flavors and keeps the taste balanced.
- Large egg (1): Tempered and stirred in for a lush, custardy finish.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Infuses the pudding with warm, familiar aroma and delightful flavor.
- Ground cinnamon (¼ teaspoon): Brings gentle spice and a lovely color contrast.
- Raisins (¼ cup, optional): For added pops of sweetness and nostalgic texture (totally optional, but highly recommended!).
- Additional ground cinnamon (for garnish): The finishing touch for visual appeal and extra warmth.
How to Make Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Start by bringing the rice and water to a boil in a medium saucepan. As soon as it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low, pop on the lid, and let the rice gently simmer until it’s perfectly tender and all the water has been absorbed. This usually takes about 15 minutes—don’t rush it! Tender, fully-cooked rice is the secret to a luxurious pudding texture later on.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Base
Now comes the magic! Stir in the whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, and salt. You’ll want to cook this mixture uncovered over medium heat, stirring frequently. As the rice soaks up the dairy, everything thickens and the grains become irresistibly creamy and coated—give this step about 15 to 20 minutes. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
Step 3: Temper and Add the Egg
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat the egg. To prevent scrambling, it’s important to slowly temper the egg: Gradually whisk in a few spoonfuls of the hot pudding mixture, raising the egg’s temperature gently. Then, pour this tempered egg back into the pot, stirring well. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly—this enriches your Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe with a silky custard finish.
Step 4: Flavor and Finish
Take the pudding off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and raisins if you like a burst of fruity sweetness. The vanilla and spice swirl through every bite, making things extra aromatic and delicious. Let the pudding cool just slightly—it’ll thicken further—before serving.
Step 5: Serve It Up
Enjoy your pudding warm for ultimate coziness, or chill it in the fridge for a cool, refreshing dessert. Don’t forget to garnish with a light dusting of cinnamon right before serving—the extra pop of spice and color is both pretty and delicious!
How to Serve Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
A good garnish takes this homestyle dessert into “wow” territory. A sprinkle of extra cinnamon is classic, but grated nutmeg, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of toasted coconut can also take the Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe to new heights. Even a few extra raisins or chopped nuts sprinkled over the top can elevate each serving.
Side Dishes
Rice pudding is wonderfully rich, so it pairs well with a light, fresh side. Serve it after a bright salad, citrusy main, or even with fresh berries on the side. For a true comfort food moment, pair it with strong coffee or black tea—especially if you’re serving it as a cozy afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe into a special occasion dessert by serving it in individual ramekins or small glass jars. Layer fresh berries, fruit compote, or crunchy granola between creamy layers for a fun parfait presentation. Or make it part of a larger dessert bar with a selection of toppings for everyone to customize their bowl—think chopped pistachios, chocolate chips, or honey for drizzling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (though that’s never a guarantee!), just let the pudding cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate it. Stored properly, your Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe will keep beautifully for up to 4 days. The flavors tend to deepen and meld overnight, making that second serving even more irresistible!
Freezing
Love to plan ahead? Rice pudding freezes surprisingly well. Spoon cooled pudding into an airtight container, pressing a piece of parchment directly on top if you like, to prevent crystallization. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to a month. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating or enjoying chilled.
Reheating
When you’re ready for another bowl, gently reheat the pudding over low heat on the stovetop, stirring in a splash of milk or cream to restore that cupcakesmooth consistency. Of course, you can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring frequently, until just warmed through. Either way, your Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe will taste as delicious as the day you made it.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! Short-grain or medium-grain white rice is ideal for the creamiest texture, but you can use long-grain rice or even Arborio (risotto rice) for extra creaminess. Brown rice works too, but expect a chewier texture and a slightly longer cooking time.
Is it possible to make this Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the milk and cream for your favorite unsweetened non-dairy alternatives, such as coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk. The result will be a slightly different flavor and texture, but still deliciously satisfying!
Why do I need to temper the egg?
Tempering prevents the egg from scrambling by slowly raising its temperature, ensuring a smooth, custard-like finish rather than bits of cooked egg in your pudding. It’s a small step with a big impact on the final texture.
How can I make the Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe even richer?
For an ultra-indulgent pudding, substitute some or all of the whole milk with additional heavy cream, or add a knob of butter at the end. You can also experiment with adding a splash of sweetened condensed milk for a caramelized sweetness.
Can I leave out the raisins?
Definitely! Raisins are completely optional in this recipe. If you’re not a fan, just skip them, or try stirring in dried cherries, chopped dried apricots, or even mini chocolate chips for a different twist.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve seen how simple and rewarding it is to make this Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe, I hope you’ll give it a try and experience just how comforting and satisfying homemade rice pudding can be. Set your own spin, savor every bite, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to dessert for cozy nights or sweet celebrations!
Print
Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting goodness of this creamy rice pudding. A classic dessert that is rich, velvety, and spiced just right. Perfect for a cozy treat any time of the year.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup uncooked white rice
- 1 ½ cups water
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup raisins (optional)
- additional ground cinnamon for garnish
Rice Pudding:
Instructions
- Prepare Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring rice and water to a boil. Simmer until tender.
- Cook Pudding: Stir in milk, cream, sugar, and salt. Cook until thickened.
- Temper Egg: Beat egg in a bowl. Slowly add hot rice mixture to temper egg.
- Combine: Stir tempered egg into pudding. Cook until thick and creamy.
- Finish: Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, cinnamon, and raisins. Serve warm or chilled, garnished with cinnamon.
Notes
- For extra richness, substitute whole milk with more heavy cream.
- Enhance flavor with nutmeg, orange zest, or a splash of rum.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
