There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of creamy rice pudding. It’s the kind of dessert that wraps you in warmth, evoking memories of cozy evenings by the fire, family gatherings, or quiet moments savoring a sweet treat. This classic recipe, crafted with just five simple ingredients, transforms pantry staples into a velvety, cinnamon-kissed delight that’s perfect for holidays, chilly nights, or any time you crave a touch of nostalgia. Whether you serve it warm, straight from the pot, or chilled for a refreshing twist, this rice pudding is guaranteed to steal your heart and keep you coming back for more.
What makes this recipe stand out? It’s effortless, egg-free, and relies on the natural starch of short-grain rice to create a luscious, creamy texture that melts in your mouth. No complicated steps, no tempering eggs—just pure, wholesome goodness simmered to perfection on your stovetop. Let’s dive into this timeless dessert that’s as easy to make as it is to love, designed to keep you lingering over every spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Rice Pudding
🌟 Simplicity at Its Best: With only five ingredients, this recipe is approachable for beginners yet satisfying for seasoned cooks. You likely have everything you need in your kitchen right now.
🍂 Warm and Nostalgic: The gentle aroma of cinnamon and vanilla wafting through your kitchen will transport you to cherished moments, making this dessert as heartwarming as it is delicious.
🥄 Versatile Delight: Serve it warm for a cozy treat or chilled for a refreshing dessert. It’s perfect for dessert, a sweet breakfast, or even a midday snack.
🌾 Creamy Without Eggs: The secret lies in the rice itself. Arborio rice’s natural starch creates a rich, creamy texture without the hassle of eggs or tempering.
🍇 Customizable: Love raisins? Add them in. Prefer it plain? That’s just as divine. This recipe bends to your preferences, making it a crowd-pleaser for all.
Ready to create a dessert that’s equal parts comfort and indulgence? Let’s explore the ingredients and steps to make this dreamy rice pudding.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines with its short, thoughtful list of ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in crafting a pudding that’s rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. Here’s what you’ll need:
Whole Milk: The backbone of this recipe, whole milk delivers the creamy richness that makes every bite luxurious. Its full fat content ensures a smooth, velvety texture that skim milk can’t replicate. You’ll need 4½ cups to achieve that perfect consistency.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key, and ¾ cup of granulated sugar strikes the ideal balance—not too cloying, but just sweet enough to satisfy. Feel free to adjust slightly if you prefer a lighter or more indulgent dessert.
Cinnamon Stick: A 3- or 4-inch cinnamon stick infuses the pudding with a warm, aromatic depth that ground cinnamon alone can’t match. It simmers with the rice, imparting a subtle, cozy flavor that lingers in every bite.
Arborio Rice: The star of the show, 1 cup of Arborio rice (or Boomba rice, often used in paellas) brings the magic. This short-grain rice releases its starch as it cooks, creating a naturally creamy texture without any extra effort.
Vanilla Bean Paste or Extract: A teaspoon of vanilla bean paste adds a fragrant, floral note with beautiful flecks of vanilla. If you’re using vanilla extract, it works just as well. For an extra-special touch, split half a vanilla bean pod, scrape out the seeds, and add both seeds and pod during cooking for maximum flavor.
Golden Raisins (Optional): For those who love a burst of chewy sweetness, ⅔ cup of golden raisins adds a delightful contrast. Regular raisins work too, but golden raisins lend a slightly milder, fruitier note.
Garnish: A freshly grated cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon just before serving elevates the presentation and adds a final layer of warmth.
With these ingredients in hand, you’re ready to create a dessert that’s as comforting as a warm hug. Let’s walk through the simple steps to bring it to life.
How to Make the Perfect Rice Pudding
This recipe is designed to be straightforward, letting you focus on the joy of cooking rather than complicated techniques. It’s a one-pot wonder that simmers gently on the stove, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Here’s how to make it:
Combine the Ingredients: In a heavy-bottomed, 3-quart saucepan, combine 4½ cups whole milk, 1½ cups water, ¾ cup granulated sugar, 1 cinnamon stick, and 1 cup Arborio rice. Stir gently to ensure everything is well mixed. The cinnamon stick will start releasing its warm, spicy notes as the mixture heats.
Bring to a Simmer: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to an intense simmer, just below boiling. Stir frequently to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to maintain a steady, gentle simmer. This is where the magic happens—keep stirring often to help the rice release its starch and create that creamy texture.
Cook Until Tender: Let the mixture simmer for 35 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the pudding has the consistency of thin oatmeal. Don’t worry if some liquid remains; it will thicken as it cools. The rice should be soft but not mushy, with a luscious, creamy base.
Add the Final Touches: Remove the saucepan from the heat and take out the cinnamon stick. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste or extract for a burst of flavor. If you’re using raisins, fold in ⅔ cup of golden raisins now. Their sweetness will meld beautifully with the creamy rice.
Serve or Store: Spoon the pudding into individual ramekins, small bowls, or a large serving dish. For a cozy experience, serve it warm, letting the creamy texture and cinnamon warmth envelop your senses. If you prefer it chilled, let it cool to room temperature, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to one day. Just before serving, grate a fresh cinnamon stick over the top or sprinkle with ground cinnamon for a picture-perfect finish.
This process is so simple, yet the result is a dessert that feels indulgent and special. The slow simmer allows the flavors to meld, creating a pudding that’s rich, comforting, and impossible to resist.
Tips for the Best Rice Pudding
🌾 Choose the Right Rice: Arborio or Boomba rice is essential for that creamy texture. Long-grain rice won’t release enough starch, resulting in a less velvety pudding.
🍂 Don’t Skip the Cinnamon Stick: Adding it at the start infuses the pudding with a deeper, more authentic cinnamon flavor than ground cinnamon stirred in at the end.
🥛 Stir Often: Stirring prevents the rice from sticking and helps release the starch, creating that signature creamy consistency.
🍇 Raisins or No Raisins?: If your household is divided, scoop out half the pudding before adding raisins. This way, everyone gets their preferred version.
🌟 Maximize Vanilla Flavor: For an extra-special touch, use a split vanilla bean pod. Add the seeds and pod when you add the cinnamon stick, and remove the pod before serving.
These tips ensure your rice pudding is a masterpiece every time, whether you’re serving it to family, friends, or just treating yourself.
Serving Suggestions
This rice pudding is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for any occasion. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:
Warm and Cozy: Serve it straight from the pot, topped with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or freshly grated cinnamon stick. Pair it with a cup of hot tea or coffee for the ultimate comfort experience.
Chilled and Refreshing: Let the pudding cool, refrigerate it, and serve it cold for a light, creamy dessert. It’s perfect for warm days or as a make-ahead treat for gatherings.
Festive Flair: Elevate your holiday table by serving the pudding in elegant ramekins, garnished with a cinnamon stick and a sprinkle of edible gold dust for a touch of sparkle.
Breakfast Twist: Warm up leftovers (if there are any!) and serve with a drizzle of maple syrup and a handful of fresh berries for a decadent breakfast treat.
No matter how you serve it, this rice pudding is sure to bring smiles and satisfy cravings.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
🍴 Make-Ahead Magic: Rice pudding is best enjoyed the day it’s made, but you can prepare it up to one day in advance. Let it cool to room temperature, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the texture if needed.
🧊 Storing Leftovers: Store cooled pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The rice will continue to absorb liquid, so you may need to stir in a bit of milk before serving.
❄️ Freezing: Yes, you can freeze rice pudding for up to three months! Place it in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that the texture may be slightly less creamy after freezing.
These storage tips make it easy to enjoy this dessert whenever the craving strikes.
Variations to Try
This rice pudding is a canvas for creativity. Here are some fun ways to switch it up:
Coconut Milk Twist: Swap half the whole milk for coconut milk for a tropical flair. Top with toasted coconut flakes for extra crunch.
Cardamom Infusion: Add a pinch of ground cardamom or a cardamom pod during cooking for a warm, exotic flavor.
Chocolate Indulgence: Stir in a handful of chocolate chips after removing the pudding from the heat for a decadent, chocolatey version.
Fruit Fusion: Replace raisins with dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or even fresh fruit like sliced bananas or berries for a fresh twist.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped almonds, pecans, or pistachios on top for added texture and flavor.
These variations let you tailor the pudding to your mood or occasion, keeping it exciting every time you make it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of rice? Arborio or Boomba rice is best for creaminess, but if you must substitute, try another short-grain rice like sushi rice. Avoid long-grain rice, as it won’t create the same texture.
Can I make this dairy-free? Yes! Replace the whole milk with a combination of coconut milk and almond milk for a creamy, dairy-free version. Adjust sugar to taste, as some plant-based milks are sweeter.
How do I prevent the pudding from sticking? Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan and stir frequently during cooking to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! Double the ingredients and use a larger saucepan. Cooking time may increase slightly, so keep an eye on the texture.
These answers address common concerns, ensuring your rice pudding turns out perfectly every time.
Why This Recipe Keeps You Coming Back
This rice pudding isn’t just a dessert—it’s a memory-maker. Its creamy texture, warm cinnamon notes, and hint of vanilla create a sensory experience that lingers long after the last bite. Whether you’re curled up on the couch, hosting a holiday gathering, or treating your family to a sweet surprise, this recipe delivers comfort and joy in every spoonful. Its simplicity means you can whip it up on a whim, while its rich flavor makes it feel like a special occasion.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its ability to adapt to your preferences. Love raisins? They add a delightful chew. Prefer it plain? It’s just as irresistible. Want to experiment with new flavors? The possibilities are endless. Plus, the make-ahead and storage options mean you can always have a batch ready to satisfy your cravings.
So, grab your ingredients, set a pot on the stove, and let the comforting aroma of cinnamon and vanilla fill your kitchen. This rice pudding is more than a dessert—it’s a moment of pure, simple joy. Enjoy it warm, savor it cold, share it with loved ones, or keep it all to yourself. Whatever you choose, this recipe is sure to become a cherished part of your culinary repertoire.
