Creamy Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding

Creamy Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding Recipe – Classic Dessert

by
Jump to Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding

Silky, sweet, and oh-so-cozy, this dessert feels like a warm hug in every bite. With comforting vanilla and cinnamon flavors, it’s easy to make and impossible to forget.

Ingredients for Creamy Perfection

  • 3/4 cup uncooked short-grain white rice (Arborio also works great)
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups whole milk (or coconut/almond milk for dairy-free)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional but richer!)
  • 1/3 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (add a pinch of nutmeg for depth)
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • Brown sugar (for topping)
  • Fresh strawberries (optional garnish)

Step-by-Step Directions for Rice Pudding Bliss

  1. Cook the Rice: In a pot, bring rice and water to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until tender.
  2. Make the Pudding: Add milk, cream, sugar, salt, butter, and cinnamon. Simmer uncovered, stirring often, until thick and creamy (20–25 min).
  3. Flavor and Cool: Stir in vanilla, then transfer to ramekins. Cool slightly.
  4. Caramelize the Top: Sprinkle brown sugar and torch or broil until golden and crisp.
  5. Serve: Garnish with strawberries and enjoy warm or chilled!

Health Benefits of Creamy Rice Pudding

  • Lower in fat with light milk or dairy-free options
  • Great source of calcium for bones and teeth
  • Provides quick energy with its carb content
  • Includes cinnamon, known for anti-inflammatory benefits

Serving Suggestions That Shine

  • Pair with chai, coffee, or cappuccino
  • Add whipped cream, almonds, or cocoa powder
  • Top with honey or caramel sauce for decadence
  • Dollop mascarpone and garnish with mint for elegance

Creative Variations You’ll Want to Try

  • Tropical: Use coconut milk + mango + toasted coconut
  • Chocolate: Stir in melted dark chocolate + shavings
  • Fruit Explosion: Add raisins, cranberries, or diced apples
  • Autumnal: Mix in pumpkin purée + pumpkin spice

Tips for the Best Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding

  • Stir often to prevent sticking
  • Caramelize sugar topping for a restaurant-quality finish
  • Keep heat moderate to avoid burning the milk
  • Taste and adjust sugar/spice levels to your liking

Storage & Reheating Made Simple

  • Store: In airtight container in fridge for up to 4 days
  • Reheat: Microwave with splash of milk to restore creaminess
  • Or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don’t skip stirring – it ensures creamy results
  • Use short-grain rice – long grain doesn’t get as creamy
  • Don’t overcook – it gets mushy if left too long
Creamy Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding

Creamy Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding

Silky, sweet rice pudding with a hint of vanilla and cinnamon—finished with a caramelized sugar crust and fresh berries for the perfect cozy dessert!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Share on Facebook
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, Comfort Food
Servings 4 ramekins
Calories 310 kcal

Equipment

  • Medium Pot
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Kitchen Torch
  • Ramekins

Ingredients
  

  • 3/4 cup short-grain white rice uncooked
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • brown sugar for topping
  • fresh strawberries optional, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: In a pot, combine rice and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer covered for 15 minutes until tender.
  • Step 2: Add milk, cream, sugar, salt, butter, and cinnamon. Cook uncovered over medium heat, stirring often, until thick and creamy (20–25 minutes).
  • Step 3: Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and transfer to ramekins. Let cool slightly.
  • Step 4: Sprinkle brown sugar on top and caramelize using a kitchen torch.
  • Step 5: Garnish with fresh strawberries and enjoy warm or chilled.

Notes

Use arborio rice for extra creaminess. If you don’t have a torch, broil for a few minutes to caramelize the sugar.

Nutrition

Calories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 6gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 0.8mg
Keyword Creamy Treat, Old Fashioned Dessert, Rice Pudding

FAQ: Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding

Can I make this without a torch? Yes! Use your oven’s broiler to caramelize the brown sugar.

Can I use brown rice? You can, but it takes longer and has a nuttier flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes! Just make sure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I make it ahead? Definitely. It’s ideal for prepping the day before.

Bring Comfort to Your Kitchen Today

This creamy old-fashioned rice pudding is cozy, nostalgic, and versatile. Whether served warm or chilled, it’s bound to become a cherished favorite in your dessert collection.

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating