Description
Creamy Rice Pudding is a comforting, luscious dessert made by slowly cooking short or medium-grain rice in rich milk with subtle sweetness and warm vanilla and cinnamon notes. This velvety pudding can be enjoyed warm or chilled, plain or with a variety of toppings, making it a versatile treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup short-grain or medium-grain rice
- 4 cups whole milk (or a mix of milk and cream)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cinnamon stick or 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse and Prep the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch to prevent a gluey texture and ensures the pudding turns out light and creamy.
- Warm the Milk and Aromatics: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the milk, cinnamon stick, and a pinch of salt. Warm the mixture slowly over medium heat without boiling to help the flavors meld gently.
- Add Rice and Cook Slowly: Stir in the rinsed rice and reduce the heat to maintain a soft simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, for about 30 to 40 minutes until the rice is tender and the mixture thickens.
- Sweeten and Flavor: Remove the cinnamon stick (if used). Stir in the sugar, vanilla extract, and butter (if using). Continue to cook for a few more minutes until fully blended and creamy.
- Rest and Serve: Let the pudding cool slightly to allow flavors to settle. Serve warm or chilled, garnished as desired with toppings like nutmeg, cinnamon, nuts, or fresh fruit.
Notes
- Use short-grain rice to achieve the creamiest texture because it releases more starch.
- Cook the pudding low and slow to allow the rice to absorb milk and sugars thoroughly without drying out.
- Stir frequently during cooking to prevent lumps and sticking.
- Let the pudding rest off the heat to thicken naturally and deepen the flavor before serving.
- Add butter and cream towards the end of cooking to maintain a rich, velvety texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Rice pudding, creamy dessert, comfort food, gluten-free dessert, vanilla cinnamon rice pudding, easy dessert