Description

Yummy Creamy Rice Pudding is a classic, comforting dessert with a rich and smooth texture that combines short grain rice and whole milk, gently simmered and flavored with vanilla and cinnamon. Perfect for cozy nights or family gatherings, this versatile pudding can be customized with fruits, nuts, or spices, delivering creamy, dreamy goodness in every spoonful.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 cup short grain rice
4 cups whole milk
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cinnamon stick or 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter
Pinch of salt

Optional Variations

Fresh berries, diced mango, or stewed apples (to taste)
Nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger (to taste)
Coconut, almond, or oat milk (as dairy alternatives)
Toasted almonds, pistachios, or chia seeds (for topping)
Melted dark chocolate or cocoa powder (for chocolate version)

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and rinse the rice under cold running water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, ensuring your pudding doesn’t get overly gloopy.
Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and milk along with your cinnamon stick and a pinch of salt. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
Simmer and Stir: Lower the heat and cook the rice slowly, stirring regularly. This slow cooking process lets the rice absorb the creamy milk while thickening the mixture to luscious perfection.
Add Sweetness and Flavor: Once the rice is tender and the pudding has thickened, remove the cinnamon stick, stir in sugar, vanilla extract, and butter, then mix until everything is fully incorporated and silky smooth.
Cool and Serve: Let the pudding cool slightly or chill it in the refrigerator. Whether served warm or cold, it’s delicious and comforting either way.

Notes

Use Short Grain Rice: It’s essential for that creamy texture due to its higher starch content.
Stir Often: Prevents sticking and promotes even cooking, avoiding burnt spots on the bottom of your pot.
Low and Slow: Cooking at low heat ensures the pudding thickens without curdling or becoming grainy.
Don’t Skip Vanilla: It elevates the flavor, giving the pudding a warm and inviting aroma.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste as you go since allowing the pudding to cool can mellow the sugar’s impact.
Texture Check: If the pudding is too thick, stir in a splash of milk before serving to loosen it up.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop Simmering
Cuisine: International

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 250
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 80mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: rice pudding, creamy dessert, comfort food, easy dessert, classic pudding, vanilla rice pudding, cinnamon dessert, warm dessert, make ahead dessert