The Coziest Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe for Sweet Comfort

When comfort meets dessert in this delectable creamy rice pudding recipe, magic happens on your plate.

Smooth, velvety, and richly satisfying, this traditional treat promises pure indulgence.

Generations have cherished this simple yet elegant dessert across different cultures.

Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg dance through each silky spoonful.

Soft grains of rice nestle in a luxurious custard that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

The subtle sweetness whispers of home and tradition.

You’ll fall in love with every creamy, comforting bite of this classic dessert.

Creamy Rice Pudding Comfort Factor

• A delightful dessert that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia, perfect for soothing your soul on any day.
• Beginner-friendly recipe with basic ingredients and straightforward steps, making it an excellent choice for home cooks wanting to build confidence in the kitchen.
• Flexible dessert that allows creative additions like different spices, fruits, or toppings to match your personal taste preferences and make it uniquely yours.
• Kid-approved dessert that brings everyone together, offering a classic sweet treat that appeals to multiple generations with its creamy, comforting texture.

What You’ll Need for Creamy Rice Pudding

• Milk: Provides the creamy liquid foundation for the rice pudding.
• Rice: The main starch that gives the pudding its classic texture and body.

• Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the pudding.
• Cinnamon: Brings warm, aromatic flavor to enhance the dessert.
• Vanilla: Contributes a deep, classic sweet flavor to the pudding.

• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the dessert.
• Egg: Helps to thicken and create a smooth, custard-like consistency.
• Raisins: Provides bursts of sweet, chewy texture throughout the pudding.

Equipment for Smooth Rice Pudding

• Medium Heavy-Bottomed Saucepan: Essential for cooking rice and creating creamy texture without burning.
• Small Mixing Bowl: Perfect for whisking egg and brown sugar mixture.
• Whisk: Crucial for smoothly blending egg and creating silky consistency.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Great for stirring rice and preventing sticking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Necessary for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Instant-Read Thermometer (optional): Helps monitor precise cooking temperature.

Directions for Perfect Rice Pudding

Step 1: Simmer the Rice Base

• Milk
• Rice
• Salt

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer partially covered.

Stir frequently for 20-25 minutes until the rice becomes wonderfully tender and soft.

Step 2: Whip Up the Egg Blend

• Egg
• Brown sugar

Carefully temper the egg mixture by adding hot rice mixture one tablespoon at a time.

Whisk vigorously to prevent the eggs from scrambling.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Magic

Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the rice pan.

Cook on low heat, stirring constantly, until the pudding thickens and reaches about 160°F/71°C.

Be extra careful not to let it boil.

Step 4: Add Flavor Explosion

• Vanilla
• Raisins
• Cinnamon

Mix until all ingredients are beautifully combined and the pudding reaches a luscious, creamy consistency.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Let the pudding cool slightly.

Serve warm or chilled, depending on your mood.

Sprinkle with an extra dash of cinnamon if desired.

The pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Rice Pudding Tricks for Silky Texture

• Temper eggs slowly by adding hot rice mixture one tablespoon at a time to prevent scrambling and ensure smooth, creamy texture.
• Stir frequently during cooking to avoid rice sticking to bottom and achieve consistent, velvety pudding consistency.
• Toast raisins briefly before adding to deepen their sweetness and provide extra depth to the dessert.
• Substitute dairy milk with coconut or almond milk for a lactose-free version that maintains rich, creamy taste.
• Use a digital thermometer to monitor mixture temperature, ensuring it reaches 160F/71C for safe and perfect pudding texture.

Ideas for Creamy Rice Pudding Variations

• Vegan Coconut Rice Pudding: Replace milk with coconut milk and use flax egg instead of regular egg for a dairy-free, plant-based version. Add shredded coconut on top for extra texture.
• Gluten-Free Almond Rice Pudding: Use brown rice or basmati rice to ensure gluten-free status. Swap brown sugar with maple syrup and add sliced almonds for crunch.
• Chocolate Banana Rice Pudding: Mix in cocoa powder during cooking and top with sliced bananas. Use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Berry Rice Pudding: Replace brown sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Add mixed frozen berries for natural sweetness and antioxidants.

How to Serve Creamy Rice Pudding Warm or Cold

• Cozy Breakfast Companion: Pair this creamy rice pudding with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a delightful morning treat.
• Dessert Upgrade: Top with fresh berries, a sprinkle of toasted almonds, or a drizzle of caramel sauce to elevate the classic pudding.
• Comfort Food Presentation: Serve in cute ceramic ramekins or vintage dessert bowls to create a nostalgic and inviting dining experience.
• Temperature Twist: Enjoy warm straight from the pot or chill in the refrigerator for a refreshing cold dessert perfect for summer days.

Best Practices for Rice Pudding Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover surface with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation and reduce moisture loss.
• Transfer cooled pudding to freezer-safe container. Seal tightly and freeze for maximum 2 months. Avoid adding raisins before freezing as they can become hard.
• Warm individual portions in microwave at 50% power, stirring every 30 seconds. Add splash of milk to restore creamy consistency and prevent drying.
• Gently warm pudding in saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly and add milk gradually to maintain smooth texture. Prevent scorching by watching temperature carefully.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?

Yes, you can use short-grain or medium-grain rice. Arborio or jasmine rice work well, but avoid long-grain rice as it won’t create the same creamy texture.

• Is it necessary to temper the eggs?

Absolutely! Tempering prevents the eggs from scrambling by slowly bringing them up to temperature. Add hot rice mixture to eggs gradually while whisking to create a smooth, creamy base.

• How do I know when the pudding is thick enough?

Use a food thermometer to check the temperature. When it reaches 160F/71C, the pudding will have thickened correctly. If you don’t have a thermometer, look for a coating consistency that leaves a clear path when you run a spoon through it.

Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired creamy rice pudding blends rich flavors from Greece with comforting textures. Silky vanilla and cinnamon notes create a delightful dessert you’ll savor with each spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups (600 ml) whole milk
• 1/3 cup (66 g) uncooked short grain white rice
• 1 large egg

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/4 cup (50 g) dark brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Spices and Additional Ingredients:

• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/3 cup (40 g) raisins
• Pinch salt

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Instructions

1. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine milk, rice, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a low simmer. Cover partially and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
2. While rice simmers, create a tempering mixture by whisking egg and brown sugar in a separate bowl. Slowly incorporate small amounts of hot rice liquid into the egg mixture, one tablespoon at a time, continuously whisking to prevent curdling.
3. Carefully pour the tempered egg mixture back into the rice pot. Continue cooking on low heat, stirring constantly, until the pudding thickens and reaches approximately 160°F (71°C). Avoid boiling to maintain smooth consistency.
4. Remove from heat and fold in vanilla extract, raisins, and ground cinnamon. The pudding will continue to thicken as it cools.
5. Transfer to serving dishes and let cool for 15-20 minutes. Serve warm or chilled, optionally garnishing with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream.

Notes

• Prevent Curdling: Temper the egg mixture slowly by adding hot rice one tablespoon at a time to avoid scrambling the eggs and maintain a smooth, silky texture.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap dairy milk with coconut milk or almond milk for a lactose-free version that still delivers creamy richness.
• Spice Variation: Experiment with different warming spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to customize the flavor profile and add depth to the classic pudding.
• Storage Tip: Cool the pudding completely before refrigerating, and consume within 3-4 days for the best taste and texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 265
• Sugar: 19g
• Sodium: 85mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 55mg