If you’re craving a comforting dessert that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe is your go-to treat. With its luscious texture and gentle sweetness, it’s a classic that never goes out of style, offering a perfect balance of tender rice, aromatic spices, and rich creaminess. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to homemade desserts, this rice pudding will quickly become one of your favorite staples for cozy evenings or family gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a smooth, flavorful dessert. Each component plays a vital role, from the creamy whole milk for richness, to cinnamon and cloves adding that nostalgic warmth.
- 1 cup long grain white rice: Choose long grain for a fluffy texture that absorbs the creamy mixture beautifully.
- 2 cups (454 grams) water: Used to cook the rice initially, ensuring it’s tender before combining with milks.
- 1 teaspoon (3 grams) coarse kosher salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors by balancing the taste.
- 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk: Adds creaminess and depth without being overly heavy.
- 1½ cups (340 grams) whole milk: Provides the luscious base that makes the pudding irresistibly smooth.
- ½ cup (70 grams) raisins: These little bursts of chewy sweetness complement the creamy texture perfectly.
- 1 cinnamon stick (or ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon): Infuses the pudding with a warm, inviting aroma.
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional): Adds a subtle hint of spice for extra complexity.
- ½ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar: Sweetens the pudding just right without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with its signature sweet fragrance.
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) unsalted butter: Enriches the pudding and gives a velvety finish.
How to Make Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Start by bringing the 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan, adding the kosher salt. Stir in the rice, lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook until the rice is tender and most of the water is absorbed—about 15 minutes. This step ensures your rice is perfectly soft, creating the foundation for a silky pudding.
Step 2: Combine Milks and Spices
Once the rice is tender, add the evaporated milk, whole milk, cinnamon stick (or ground cinnamon), and ground cloves if you’re using them. Stir everything to combine, and increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, which helps the flavors meld together.
Step 3: Simmer and Sweeten
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer uncovered, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Gradually add the granulated sugar and raisins, and continue to simmer until the pudding thickens into a creamy consistency, about 15-20 minutes. Patience here rewards you with smooth, luscious rice pudding that’s brimming with flavor.
Step 4: Finish with Butter and Vanilla
Take the pot off the heat. Remove the cinnamon stick if you used one, then stir in the unsalted butter and vanilla extract. The butter adds a rich gloss while the vanilla lifts the overall flavor, making the pudding utterly irresistible. Let it cool slightly before serving or refrigerating.
How to Serve Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of ground cinnamon or nutmeg sprinkled on top adds a lovely finishing touch, but don’t be afraid to get creative! Toasted nuts, a few fresh berries, or a drizzle of honey can elevate the experience and add layers of texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
This pudding shines on its own, but pairing it with crisp shortbread cookies or a slice of fruit tart can turn a humble dessert into a charming feast. The contrast between creamy and crunchy will pleasantly surprise your taste buds.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pudding in charming ramekins or pretty glass jars to make it feel special. Layer it with fruit compote for a parfait-style treat, or chill it until firm and scoop it into a vintage bowl for that nostalgic vibe. Presentation is half the fun when sharing this Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe with loved ones.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover rice pudding keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it just as delicious the next day, if not better.
Freezing
Though freezing rice pudding is possible, it can alter the texture slightly, making it a bit grainier once thawed. If you do freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm your pudding gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk to loosen the texture if it has thickened too much. Warm and creamy is the magic you want!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of rice for this Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe?
Long grain white rice is recommended because it cooks up fluffy and doesn’t release too much starch, preventing the pudding from becoming gluey. However, short grain or arborio rice can also work, producing a creamier, stickier texture if you prefer that style.
Is it necessary to use evaporated milk?
Evaporated milk contributes to the rich, velvety texture and depth in flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with an equal amount of heavy cream or additional whole milk. The pudding may be a bit lighter but still delicious.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, swap out the evaporated milk and whole milk for your favorite plant-based milks, like coconut or almond milk, and replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will have a subtle but tasty twist.
How do I prevent the pudding from sticking to the pan while cooking?
Stir frequently, especially as the mixture thickens. Using a heavy-bottomed saucepan also helps distribute heat evenly and prevents scorching. Patience and gentle heat are your best friends here.
Can I add other flavors or mix-ins?
Absolutely! Toasted coconut, chopped nuts, or even a splash of citrus zest can add a delightful twist. Just fold them in toward the end of cooking or as a garnish to keep things fresh and exciting.
Final Thoughts
Embracing the simple joy of homemade comfort food is easy with this Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe. It’s a timeless dessert that invites warmth and sweetness into your kitchen and your heart. Whether you enjoy it fresh, chilled, or warmed up, this pudding is sure to bring smiles and contented sighs. Give it a try, and watch it become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Rice Pudding recipe offers a luscious, comforting dessert made with tender long grain rice simmered in a mixture of evaporated and whole milk, sweetened with sugar, flavored with cinnamon and cloves, and enriched with butter and vanilla. Perfectly soft and creamy with plump raisins adding a delightful chewiness, this classic dessert is easy to prepare and serves six.
Ingredients
Rice and Cooking Base
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups (454 grams) water
- 1 teaspoon (3 grams) coarse kosher salt
Dairy and Flavorings
- 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
- 1½ cups (340 grams) whole milk
- ½ cup (70 grams) raisins
- 1 cinnamon stick (or ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- ½ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) unsalted butter
Instructions
- Rinse the rice: Thoroughly rinse the long grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, which helps achieve a better texture.
- Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer until the water is fully absorbed and rice is tender, about 15-18 minutes.
- Add milk and spices: Stir in evaporated milk, whole milk, raisins, cinnamon stick (or ground cinnamon), and ground cloves if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over low heat.
- Simmer the pudding: Cook uncovered over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching, until the mixture thickens and the rice is very soft and creamy, about 15-20 minutes.
- Sweeten and flavor: Stir in granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and unsalted butter. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring until the sugar dissolves and butter is melted, making the pudding rich and flavorful.
- Cool and serve: Remove the cinnamon stick if used. Serve the rice pudding warm or chilled as desired. It can be garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon or extra raisins if preferred.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the evaporated and whole milk with coconut milk and almond milk, respectively.
- Adjust the sugar quantity to taste if you prefer a less sweet dessert.
- Stir frequently during simmering to avoid rice sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Using a cinnamon stick instead of ground cinnamon gives a milder, more subtle flavor.
- Rice pudding thickens further as it cools, so you may want to add a splash of milk to loosen it before serving if refrigerated.
