Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding

Nothing beats the comforting allure of a creamy, cinnamon-spiced Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding.

It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug—simple, sweet, and nostalgic.

Whether served warm on a chilly evening or chilled on a summer afternoon, this classic dish is the ultimate comfort food.

Made with just a handful of pantry staples, rice pudding transforms humble ingredients into a creamy, flavorful masterpiece.

It’s a timeless recipe that has been passed down through generations, bringing families together around the dinner table.

Ready to recreate this old-fashioned delight in your kitchen?

Let’s dive into the details and bring this beloved dessert to life.

Why We Love This Recipe

There’s something magical about rice pudding that makes it universally loved.

First and foremost, it’s incredibly versatile.

You can enjoy it plain or jazz it up with raisins, nutmeg, or even a drizzle of caramel.

It works beautifully as both a dessert and a cozy breakfast.

We also love how budget-friendly this recipe is.

Made with simple, everyday ingredients like rice, milk, and sugar, it’s proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients to create something spectacular.

The creamy texture is another highlight.

Slow-cooked rice, infused with sweet, spiced milk, creates a luscious pudding that’s impossible to resist.

Finally, this recipe is a nostalgic favorite.

It brings back memories of family dinners and the comforting smells of home.

It’s the kind of recipe that feels like love in a bowl.

Ingredients

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Serves: 4-6

For the Rice Pudding

• 1 cup uncooked white rice (short-grain or medium-grain works best)
• 4 cups whole milk (or a mix of milk and cream for extra richness)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Optional Add-Ins

• ½ cup raisins
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for a richer pudding)

For Garnishing

• Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for sprinkling
• Whipped cream or a drizzle of honey (optional)

Instructions

This old-fashioned rice pudding recipe is straightforward and rewarding.

Follow these steps for a creamy, delicious dessert that tastes just like Grandma used to make.

Step 1: Cook the Rice

In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, 2 cups of water, and a pinch of salt.

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover.

Simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the water is absorbed.

Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Heat the Milk

In a separate large saucepan, combine the milk, sugar, and vanilla extract.

Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warm but not boiling.

Be careful not to let the milk scorch.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

Add the cooked rice to the warm milk mixture.

Stir well to combine, ensuring the rice is evenly distributed.

Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently, stirring frequently, for about 30 minutes.

The mixture will thicken as the rice absorbs the milk.

Step 4: Add the Spices and Raisins

Once the pudding has thickened to your desired consistency, stir in the ground cinnamon and raisins, if using.

Taste and adjust the sweetness or spice levels as needed.

If you want a creamier texture, add a tablespoon of unsalted butter at this stage.

Step 5: Serve

Remove the pudding from the heat and let it cool slightly.

Spoon the warm rice pudding into serving bowls and sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.

For a chilled version, transfer the pudding to a container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Serve with whipped cream or a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of indulgence.

Tips for the Perfect Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding

Use the Right Rice

Short-grain or medium-grain rice works best for rice pudding because it’s starchy and creates a creamier texture.

Avoid using long-grain rice, as it doesn’t absorb the milk as well.

Stir Frequently

To prevent the pudding from sticking to the bottom of the pan, stir it frequently while it simmers.

This also helps achieve a smoother consistency.

Adjust the Sweetness

Everyone’s sweetness preference is different.

Start with ½ cup of sugar and adjust to taste as the pudding cooks.

Don’t Rush the Cooking

Rice pudding is all about low and slow cooking.

Letting the mixture simmer gently ensures the rice absorbs all the flavors and becomes perfectly creamy.

Experiment with Add-Ins

Get creative with your add-ins, from dried fruits and spices to citrus zest or a splash of rum for a grown-up twist.

Variations to Try

Coconut Rice Pudding: Replace half the milk with coconut milk and top with toasted coconut flakes.

Chocolate Rice Pudding: Stir in 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder and a handful of chocolate chips for a decadent twist.

Lemon Zest and Blueberry: Add the zest of one lemon to the milk mixture and top with fresh blueberries.

Maple and Pecan: Replace the sugar with maple syrup and garnish with chopped pecans for a nutty, autumn-inspired version.

Vegan Rice Pudding: Use almond milk or oat milk and skip the butter for a dairy-free option.

Caramel Rice Pudding: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top for an extra indulgent dessert.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage

Store leftover rice pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

It’s just as delicious cold as it is warm, making it a versatile dessert to enjoy throughout the week.

Reheating

To reheat, transfer the pudding to a saucepan and add a splash of milk to loosen it up.

Warm over low heat, stirring gently, until heated through.

You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Add a little extra milk or cream to restore its creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

This Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding is a true classic, loved for its simplicity, comforting flavors, and creamy texture.

Whether you’re enjoying it warm by the fire or chilled on a sunny day, it’s a dessert that feels like a taste of home.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability—you can keep it traditional or experiment with different flavors to suit your taste.

So grab your ingredients, set aside some time, and treat yourself to a dessert that’s as timeless as it is delicious.

Happy cooking!