Creamy Rice Pudding
An exceptionally Creamy Rice Pudding recipe that is easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients you can create a classic dessert your family will love!
Old-fashioned desserts, like those made by my Grandma and my Mom, were usually prepared with ingredients they had on hand and didn’t require any fancy ingredients. You couldn’t beat the comforting smell of Apple Pie or Cinnamon Roll Swirl Cake baking in the oven!
To achieve the perfect texture for rice pudding, I use milk rather than cream. The rice is simmered until most of the milk is absorbed. After the pudding has cooled and set, I fold in whipped heavy cream into the rice mixture to add extra creaminess.
Ingredients:
Just a few simple ingredients for a rice pudding recipe that is so delicious!
- White Rice – I use plain medium-grain, it makes a rice pudding that is creamy, not mushy.
- Milk – I find that 2% milk gives the rice the perfect texture.
- Sugar – white granulated sugar.
- Pure Vanilla Extract – another flavorful option is substituting 1 vanilla bean for the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Ground Cinnamon – a traditional ingredient that adds a warm, comforting flavor to rice pudding.
What type of rice works best for rice pudding.
- I use a plain old medium-grain white rice- it makes a rice pudding that is creamy, not mushy.
- Jasmine rice – is also a great choice, it is a bit softer.
- Arborio rice – also a good choice that offers a great creamy texture and starch.
- Any variety of long-grained white rice will also work.
I don’t recommend it as the texture will not be as creamy, resulting in a pudding that may be either mushy or too firm.
Optional Ingredients:
I love traditional rice pudding with just vanilla and a pinch of cinnamon, but it is so versatile you can easily add your own flare to this recipe.
- Raisins, cranberries, chopped dates, or other dried fruit make great additions.
- Spices such as cardamom, nutmeg or cloves.
- Create a citrus profile with a bit of orange zest or lemon zest.
Most loved Traditional dessert recipes
Tried and true recipes that passed down to me from my Mom, Grandma and friends.
This post was originally published January 11,2016. Occasionally I update with fresh tips, content and photos. Current update April 4, 2025.
Creamy Rice Pudding
Ingredients
- 4 cups milk 2%
- ½ cup white rice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, combine the milk, rice, sugar, vanilla and cinnamon.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium low temperature.
- Simmer the rice uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the rice is tender and most of the milk is absorbed.
- The pudding should be a thick creamy liquid. It will set more once refrigerated.
- Remove the mixture from the stove and pour into a bowl, cover in plastic wrap and refrigerate until cooled and set.
- Prior to serving – beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Stir the whipped cream into the rice pudding. a
- Garnish with fresh raspberries and serve.
Nutrition
Love your presentation, your Rice Pudding looks gorgeous. I saw it at Foodgawker and didn’t imagine that this beauty is made with just few ingredients!
Thank you very much Muna
The prettiest looking rice pudding I’ve ever seen! Now I need me some!
🙂
Awe thank you Linda 🙂
How much & when can you add cinnamon.
Hi Mary Ellen, I just sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top of each serving. It all depends on how much cinnamon flavour you like. To add right into the pudding I would suggest 1/2 tsp.
I made this rice pudding but I added a couple of eggs with the sugar beat it with a whisk and added a tablespoon of butter. It was awesome
Instant or long cooking rice??
Long cooking rice!