Few desserts offer the nostalgic comfort and creamy indulgence of a classic rice pudding. Whether you’re craving a warm treat on a chilly evening or a chilled snack under the summer sun, this recipe—crafted in just seven simple steps—will become your new go-to dessert. Join me, Chef Kristina, as we unlock the secrets to the perfect balance of tender rice grains, aromatic vanilla, and just-right sweetness.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Rice Pudding
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
With pantry staples like rice, milk, and sugar, you’ll be amazed at how a handful of ingredients can yield such depth of flavor. This dessert transforms humble arborio rice into pillows of creamy heaven. - Versatility
Serve it warm, straight from the stove, or chilled for a refreshing twist. Top with fresh berries, nuts, or a drizzle of caramel sauce—the options are endless. - Make-Ahead Convenience
Prepare the pudding in advance and store in individual ramekins. It’s perfect for entertaining or for a quick grab-and-go snack. - Customizable
Use any milk you prefer—dairy, coconut, almond, or oat. Add citrus zest, spices like cardamom, or mix-ins like raisins and toasted coconut. - Family Favorite
Both kids and adults love the soft, sweet texture. It’s a wonderful way to introduce little ones to cooking in the kitchen.
Tip: If you adore creamy desserts, be sure to check out our Classic Apple Pie and Easy Lemon Bars for more comforting sweets.
The History and Charm of Rice Pudding
Rice pudding dates back thousands of years, with roots in ancient civilizations from Persia to India. Originally made with rice, milk, and honey, early cooks prized it for its nourishing qualities and luxurious mouthfeel. Over time, each culture added its own twist—saffron in Iranian versions, cardamom in Indian kheer, or cinnamon sugar in European renditions. Today, this dessert transcends borders, uniting us around one indulgent bowl after another.
Ingredients Breakdown
| Ingredient | Role |
|---|---|
| Arborio Rice (1 cup) | Short-grain rice releases starch for creaminess. |
| Water (2 cups) | Par-cooks rice before adding milk. |
| Whole Milk (4 cups) | Provides rich, velvety texture. |
| Granulated Sugar (½ cup) | Sweetens the pudding evenly. |
| Vanilla Bean or Extract | Infuses aromatic warmth. |
| Sea Salt (pinch) | Balances sweetness and enhances flavor. |
| Cinnamon Stick | Subtle spiced note throughout. |
| Raisins (⅓ cup, optional) | Adds natural sweetness and chew. |
Each ingredient works in harmony to create a luscious pudding that’s neither too sweet nor too heavy. Use high-quality vanilla and full-fat milk for the best results.
Step-by-Step Guide
Prep Time: 10 mins • Cook Time: 50 mins • Servings: 6 • Calories: 250 kcal/serving
- Rinse & Soak
Rinse 1 cup of arborio rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents gummy texture. - Simmer Rice in Water
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rinsed rice, stir, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 8–10 minutes until most of the water is absorbed. - Incorporate Milk & Flavorings
Pour in 4 cups of whole milk, add ½ cup sugar, a split vanilla bean (scrape out seeds) or 1 tsp vanilla extract, a pinch of sea salt, and 1 cinnamon stick. - Cook on Low Heat
Keep the mixture at a gentle simmer. Stir every 5 minutes to prevent scorching. Cook for about 30–35 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the mixture has thickened to a pudding-like consistency. - Test & Adjust Sweetness
Taste and adjust sugar to your preference. Remove and discard the vanilla bean and cinnamon stick. - Add Optional Raisins
Stir in ⅓ cup raisins, if desired, and cook an additional 2–3 minutes so they plump up. - Serve & Garnish
Spoon into individual bowls. Sprinkle with a dash of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg. Serve warm, or chill for at least 2 hours for a cool, refreshing dessert.
Recipe Tips and Variations
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap whole milk for full-fat coconut milk or almond milk. Coconut milk yields a tropical twist; almond milk keeps it lighter.
- Citrus Zest: Stir in 1 tsp lemon or orange zest at the end for bright, fresh notes.
- Spice It Up: Add ⅛ tsp ground cardamom or a pinch of nutmeg for a more exotic flavor profile.
- Rice Alternatives: Try jasmine or basmati rice—just adjust cook time and add a little extra starch (1–2 tbsp) to help thicken.
- Sweet Swaps: For a natural sweetener, replace half the sugar with honey or maple syrup.
Chef Kristina’s Pro Tip: For an ultra-silky texture, finish cooking with a splash of heavy cream and stir vigorously off the heat for 1 minute.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Cinnamon: Garnish with more ground cinnamon and a cinnamon stick.
- Fruit Medley: Top with sliced strawberries, blueberries, or caramelized bananas.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted almonds, pistachios, or chopped walnuts.
- Caramel Drizzle: Add a swirl of salted caramel sauce for an indulgent finish.
Serve warm on a cozy evening or chilled on a hot afternoon. This versatile dessert pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a cinnamon-spiced latte.
Silky and Creamy Homemade Rice Pudding Recipe by Chef Kristina
Course: TextCuisine: Dinner*Difficulty: Easy6
servings10
minutes50
minutes250
kcalThis silky and creamy Rice Pudding is the ultimate comfort dessert, blending aromatic vanilla with tender grains of rice. Perfectly sweetened and easy to make, it’s ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 cup Arborio rice
2 cups water
4 cups whole milk
½ cup granulated sugar
1 vanilla bean (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
Pinch of fine sea salt
1 cinnamon stick
Ground cinnamon, for garnish
⅓ cup raisins (optional)
Directions
- Rinse & Soak Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until water runs clear.
- Simmer Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add rice and reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook 8–10 minutes, until most water is absorbed.
- Add Milk & Flavorings: Stir in whole milk, sugar, vanilla bean (split and scraped), salt, and cinnamon stick.
- Cook Slowly: Simmer on low heat, stirring often, for 30–35 minutes until rice is tender and pudding is thickened.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste and add more sugar if desired. Remove vanilla bean and cinnamon stick.
- Stir in Raisins: If using, fold in raisins and cook 2–3 more minutes.
- Serve & Garnish: Spoon into bowls, sprinkle with ground cinnamon, and serve warm or chilled.
Notes
- For dairy-free: Substitute coconut or almond milk.
- Add zest of lemon or orange for a citrus twist.
- Top with toasted nuts (almonds, pistachios) for extra crunch.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Refrigerate: Transfer cooled pudding into an airtight container. Keeps for up to 4 days in the fridge.
- Reheat: Gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the texture.
- Freeze: Spoon into freezer-safe ramekins, cover, and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use leftover cooked rice?
A: Yes! Start with 2 cups of cooked rice, skip the initial water step, and simmer with 4 cups of milk until the mixture thickens.
Q2: My pudding is too thin—how can I thicken it?
A: Continue simmering uncovered, stirring often. If it’s still thin, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold milk and stir into the warm pudding; cook another 2 minutes.
Q3: How do I prevent skin from forming on top?
A: Place plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pudding as it cools. This barrier stops a film from forming.
Q4: Can I make this vegan?
A: Absolutely—use coconut milk and vegan sugar, and skip the dairy. The pudding will be just as creamy.
Internal Links for More Easy Dessert Ideas
- Craving more sweets? Try our Classic Apple Pie for a traditional favorite.
- Looking for something zesty? Check out our Easy Lemon Bars.
- In the mood for chocolate? Don’t miss the Decadent Flourless Chocolate Cake.
Conclusion & Call to Action
There you have it—an easy, 7-step Rice Pudding that’s creamy, comforting, and entirely customizable. I hope Chef Kristina’s tips inspire you to get creative: swap milks, add spices, or top with your favorite fruits.
Ready to try this recipe? Whip up a batch today and let me know how it turns out in the comments below! Share photos on Instagram using #EasyRecipes Rice Pudding, and don’t forget to subscribe for more mouth-watering desserts.
Happy cooking and sweet indulgence,
Chef Kristina
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