The Creamiest Rice Pudding Recipe for Sweet Comfort

Creamy rice pudding has been my comfort food since childhood memories first sparked my love for this delightful dessert.

Warm spices whisper stories of grandmother’s kitchen and cozy afternoons.

Soft grains nestle into sweet milky pools, creating a texture that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

Each spoonful carries nostalgic hints of cinnamon and vanilla.

Simple ingredients blend into something magical, transcending ordinary desserts.

Smooth and indulgent, this recipe promises pure culinary bliss that connects you to generations of home cooking traditions.

Prepare to savor every comforting bite.

Rice Pudding That’s Creamy and Comforting

• Quick Family Comfort: A heartwarming dessert that brings everyone together with its creamy, nostalgic flavor and simple preparation.
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Satisfaction: Requires basic ingredients and straightforward cooking steps, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels who want a delicious treat without complex techniques.
• Budget-Friendly Dessert Delight: Uses affordable pantry staples like rice, eggs, and milk, allowing you to create a luxurious-tasting dessert without spending a lot of money.
• Versatile Serving Option: Serves beautifully as a cozy after-dinner treat, weekend brunch dessert, or comforting snack that can be enjoyed warm or chilled, with optional raisin additions for extra texture.

Rice Pudding Ingredient List

• Rice: Provides the base and texture for the pudding, long-grain white rice works best for a creamy consistency.
• Eggs: Helps bind and thicken the pudding, ensuring a smooth and rich texture.
• Milk: Adds creaminess and helps create the classic pudding consistency.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and balances the overall flavor profile.

• Vanilla: Adds a warm, sweet aroma and depth of flavor to the pudding.
• Nutmeg: Offers a subtle, warm spice that complements the creamy rice pudding.
• Raisins: Optional ingredient that brings a sweet, chewy texture and additional flavor.

• Butter: Adds richness and prevents sticking during rice cooking and baking, use unsalted for better control of salt content.

Easy Rice Pudding Cooking Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Cook rice following package instructions.

Add a dollop of butter to the water while cooking to enhance flavor and prevent sticking.

Ensure the rice is fluffy and perfectly cooked.

Step 2: Create Creamy Mixture

• Beaten eggs
• Whole milk
• Granulated sugar
• Pure vanilla extract

Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Combine Rice and Custard

Gently fold the cooked rice into the egg mixture.

Stir thoroughly to ensure every grain is coated with the creamy custard.

Step 4: Optional Raisin Boost

If you enjoy a sweet surprise, fold in plump raisins.

They’ll add delightful bursts of natural sweetness throughout the pudding.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the rice mixture to a generously buttered oven-safe dish.

Spread it evenly to ensure consistent cooking.

Step 6: Add Buttery Topping

Dot the surface with small pats of butter.

These will melt and create a rich, golden crust.

Step 7: Sprinkle Aromatic Spice

Dust the top with freshly grated nutmeg.

This warming spice will infuse the pudding with a subtle, comforting aroma.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in a preheated oven at 325°F.

Bake for one hour, watching for a beautiful golden-brown top and a set, creamy texture.

Step 9: Rest and Set

Remove from the oven and let the pudding rest for an hour.

This allows the pudding to firm up and develop its full, luscious consistency.

Rice Pudding Tips for That Creamy Old-Fashioned Texture

• Add a tablespoon of butter to rice water for extra richness and prevent sticking during initial cooking.
• Mix egg mixture thoroughly with cooked rice to ensure even distribution of flavors and prevent egg scrambling.
• Fold in raisins for a classic sweet twist, or experiment with dried cranberries or chopped nuts for texture variety.
• Allow pudding to rest for one full hour after baking to achieve perfect firm, creamy consistency.
• Sprinkle fresh ground nutmeg on top for an aromatic, warm flavor that elevates the entire dessert.

Chill Rice Pudding Smoothly

• Store leftover rice pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.
• Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of milk to restore moisture, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Gently warm the pudding in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly and adding a little milk to maintain creamy consistency. Avoid high heat to prevent scorching.
• Enjoy cold straight from the refrigerator as a refreshing dessert, topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon or fresh berries for extra flavor.

Rice Pudding Light Complements

• Pair with Sweet Dessert Wine: Complement the creamy rice pudding with a delicate moscato or late-harvest riesling, which echoes the dessert's subtle sweetness and enhances its delicate vanilla notes.
• Serve with Cinnamon Spice Companion: Accompany the pudding with a warm chai tea or spiced apple cider to highlight the nutmeg's warmth and create a cozy, comforting flavor experience.
• Match with Fresh Fruit Contrast: Add a side of fresh berries or a tangy raspberry coulis to cut through the pudding's richness and provide a bright, refreshing counterpoint to the creamy texture.
• Elevate with Caramel Accent: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the pudding or serve alongside a small caramel-based liqueur to introduce a sophisticated, deep sweetness that complements the classic dessert.

Rice Pudding Texture & Spice Adjustments

• Dairy-Free Coconut Rice Pudding: Replace milk with coconut milk and use coconut oil instead of butter for a creamy, lactose-free version that's rich in tropical flavor.
• Low-Sugar Almond Rice Pudding: Swap sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and add sliced almonds for crunch and extra nutrition while reducing overall sugar content.
• Vegan Rice Pudding: Use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, replace eggs with cornstarch or chia seeds as a thickener, and use coconut oil instead of butter for a completely plant-based dessert.
• Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rice Pudding: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, and add ground cinnamon instead of nutmeg for a warming spice profile that complements the creamy rice base.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of rice for this recipe?

Yes, you can use short-grain or medium-grain rice for a creamier texture. Arborio or jasmine rice work well, but avoid long-grain rice as it won’t give the same creamy consistency.

• Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute dairy milk with almond, coconut, or oat milk. Use a dairy-free butter alternative or coconut oil to keep the recipe lactose-free.

• How can I prevent the eggs from scrambling when mixing with hot rice?

Temper the eggs by slowly adding a small amount of hot rice to the egg mixture while whisking constantly. This gradually raises the egg temperature and prevents scrambling.

• Can I prepare this rice pudding in advance?

Absolutely! You can make the pudding a day ahead and refrigerate. Gently reheat in the oven or microwave before serving to restore its creamy texture.

Rice Pudding Recipe

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4.5 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy Rice Pudding invites comfort with its silky texture and nostalgic charm. Warm spices and sweet simplicity create a delightful dessert that connects you to cherished culinary memories.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup rice (white or brown, cooked according to package directions)
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup sugar

Dairy and Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon butter (added to water when cooking rice)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• 5 pats of butter (for topping)

Optional and Garnish:

• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
• Nutmeg (for sprinkling on top)

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Instructions

1. Prepare rice in a pot, infusing water with a knob of butter during the cooking process until grains are tender and fluffy.
2. Whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract in a separate mixing vessel, creating a smooth, creamy custard base.
3. Gently fold the cooked rice into the egg mixture, ensuring each grain is thoroughly coated with the sweet liquid.
4. Optional: Incorporate plump raisins throughout the mixture for bursts of fruity texture.
5. Transfer the luxurious rice blend into a generously buttered ceramic baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform surface.
6. Dot the top of the pudding with delicate pats of butter, allowing them to melt and create a rich, golden finish.
7. Sprinkle a delicate layer of freshly grated nutmeg across the surface, introducing a warm, aromatic dimension.
8. Slide the dish into a preheated oven set at 325°F, allowing the pudding to bake slowly and develop a gloriously set, slightly caramelized top.
9. After removing from the oven, permit the pudding to rest and settle for approximately one hour, enabling it to achieve a perfect, creamy consistency.

Notes

• Cook rice with butter to enhance its richness and prevent sticking, creating a smoother texture.
• Use whole milk for a creamier consistency, or substitute with almond milk for a dairy-free version.
• Customize the sweetness by adjusting sugar levels or replacing it with honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetener.
• Experiment with spices like cinnamon or cardamom to add depth and warmth to the classic rice pudding flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 35 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 61 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg