Creamy Rice Pudding

If you’ve never had homemade Creamy Rice Pudding before, you’re in for a treat! It’s one of those desserts that’s rich, sweet, and ridiculously comforting. Plus, it’s super easy to make with everyday ingredients like rice, milk, sugar, and a dash of cinnamon or vanilla. Whether you’re craving something cozy after dinner or just want to whip up a quick sweet treat, this recipe is your ticket. BellRecipes is here to guide you step-by-step to achieve the creamiest, dreamiest rice pudding your family will rave about. So grab that saucepan because dessert just got way more exciting!

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About The Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe

Rice pudding isn’t new. This humble dessert has roots stretching across cultures—from Indian kheer to British rice pudding served with jam. What makes this particular Creamy Rice Pudding recipe shine is how simple it is to prepare yet so decadent when done. For me, it’s nostalgia in a bowl—something my grandma would make on Sundays, filling the kitchen with the warm, comforting scent of cinnamon as it simmered.

What’s great about this dish is how versatile it is. On busy weeknights, you can make it plain and quick. For special occasions, dress it up with raisins, a caramel drizzle, or a sprinkling of toasted coconut. And, if you’re looking for some comfort on a chilly evening, nothing quite beats warm, freshly made rice pudding. Stick with us at BellRecipes, and we’ll help make sure every bite brings a smile—just like the ones I remember from my grandma’s table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Rich, creamy texture that melts in your mouth
  • Uses simple pantry ingredients
  • Quick and easy enough for busy weeknights
  • Customizable with your favorite flavors or toppings
  • A family-friendly dessert loved by both kids and adults
  • Perfect for cozy evenings or special occasions

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

  • White Rice: Use short-grain or medium-grain rice for optimal creaminess. For a nuttier flavor, try jasmine or basmati rice.
  • Milk: Whole milk makes it luscious, but you can sub in almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
  • Sugar: White sugar is classic, but brown sugar adds a deep, caramel-like taste.
  • Vanilla Extract: For that warm, sweet flavor. Swap it for almond extract for a different twist.
  • Cinnamon: Optional but highly recommended for a cozy kick.
  • Optional Add-ins: Raisins, chocolate chips, or even a dollop of jam for extra flavor.

How to Make the Recipe (Step-by-Step)

  • In a medium saucepan, combine water, rice, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the water is absorbed.
  • Once the rice is cooked, stir in the milk and sugar. Cook on medium heat, stirring often. This is where the magic happens—it’ll start to thicken up.
  • After 15-20 minutes, the pudding should start looking creamy. Add in vanilla extract and cinnamon, if you like, for that homey touch.
  • Once it reaches the desired consistency, take it off heat. It’ll continue thickening as it cools, so don’t overdo it!
  • Serve warm or chilled. Top with extra cinnamon, whipped cream, or fresh fruit.

Expert Tips for Success

Rinse the rice first to remove excess starch, so it’s not too gummy.
Stir constantly while adding milk to avoid sticking or burning.
If it gets too thick, stir in a splash of milk to loosen it up.
Use a heavy-bottomed pan to distribute heat evenly.
For a boost in flavor, try cooking the rice in coconut milk or a mix of milk and cream.

Variations and Customizations

The beauty of rice pudding is how you can make it your own! Add chocolate chips for a fun twist kids will love or stir in some shredded coconut for tropical vibes. For a fruity flair, mix in a handful of raisins or dried cranberries while cooking. Feeling indulgent? Top with caramel sauce or a drizzle of melted chocolate. To make it lighter, use almond milk and skip the sugar, opting for a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.

Nutritional Information

A typical serving of Creamy Rice Pudding runs about 300-350 calories, making it a cozy yet indulgent treat. It’s fairly carbohydrate-heavy, thanks to the rice, with a decent amount of protein from the milk. If you’re using whole milk, you’ll also get some fat that adds to the rich, creamy texture. This dessert is free of common allergens like nuts (if you keep it as-is), but you can modify it for vegan or gluten-free diets by using plant-based milk and ensuring your rice is naturally gluten-free.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? No problem! Store your Creamy Rice Pudding in an airtight container in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, just place it in a saucepan with a splash of milk to loosen it up, and heat gently until warm. If you’re short on time, microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Recipe Card of Creamy Rice Pudding

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Alicia Smith
This delightful rice pudding, accompanied by luscious golden raisins, is your ticket to a heartwarming dessert, perfect for indulging. Top it off with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to elevate the experience.
Creamy Rice Pudding
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 366 kcal

Ingredients list
  

  • 1.5 cups cold water
  • 0.75 cup uncooked white rice
  • 2 cups milk
  • 0.33 cup white sugar
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 0.67 cup golden raisins
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
Creamy Rice Pudding recipe ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions
 

  • Start by gathering all your ingredients together, ready for action.
  • In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil over medium heat. Add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer until tender and liquid is absorbed, approximately 20 minutes.
  • Take the cooked rice, blend it with 1 ½ cups milk, sugar, and salt in a clean saucepan. Over medium heat, stir often, and cook until it transforms into a thick and creamy delight, about 15 minutes.
  • Mix in the remaining 1/2 cup of milk, beaten egg, and those juicy raisins; continue cooking for 2 minutes, stirring nonstop. Remove from heat, then gently incorporate butter and vanilla.
  • Serve your masterpiece warm and savor every bite.

Notes

This creamy rice pudding can be enhanced with a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg. It's perfect for a cozy dessert session!

Nutrition

Calories: 366kcalCarbohydrates: 68gProtein: 9gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 64mgSodium: 237mgFiber: 1gSugar: 23g
Keyword dessert, pudding, rice
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All Your Questions About This Recipe

Can I make rice pudding ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat with a bit of milk to freshen it up.

What type of rice works best?

Short-grain or medium-grain rice is ideal for a creamy texture, but you can also use basmati or jasmine for different flavor profiles.

Can I freeze leftover rice pudding?

Yes, but be aware that the texture might change slightly when thawed. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

How can I make this dessert healthier?

Substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and replace sugar with honey or a natural sweetener to lighten it up.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yep! Use almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk for a dairy-free version. It’s just as delicious!

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