Classic rice pudding is a timeless dessert that’s rich, creamy, and filled with simple, comforting flavors. Made from just a handful of ingredients – rice, milk, sugar, and a touch of vanilla – it is a dish that evokes memories of home-cooked meals and cozy kitchens. Whether served warm or chilled, rice pudding offers a sweet and satisfying finish to any meal.
The magic of rice pudding comes from slow cooking the rice in milk until it becomes tender and silky. As it simmers, the starches from the rice combine with the milk to create a naturally creamy texture without the need for heavy cream. A bit of sugar adds sweetness, while vanilla extract or a cinnamon stick infuses the pudding with warmth and fragrance.
There are countless variations of rice pudding around the world, but the classic version keeps it simple. Arborio, short-grain, or medium-grain rice is typically used because it releases enough starch to create that perfect creamy consistency. The pudding is gently stirred over low heat until the rice is soft and the mixture thickens into a luxurious custard-like texture.
Some like to fold in raisins or dried cranberries toward the end of cooking for a pop of sweetness and texture. A sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg on top is a traditional finishing touch that adds extra warmth and aroma.
Classic rice pudding can be enjoyed in so many ways. Serve it warm on a chilly day for ultimate comfort or chilled from the fridge as a refreshing summer dessert. It pairs beautifully with fresh berries, stewed fruits, or a drizzle of honey for added flavor.
This cozy dessert also goes wonderfully with a cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a glass of sweet dessert wine for a more elegant twist.
Simple yet satisfying, classic rice pudding is proof that the best desserts are often the ones made with love and the simplest ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice uncooked
- 2 cups milk whole preferred
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter optional
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring 1 1/2 cups of water to a boil. Stir in the rice, and reduce the heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 20 minutes until the rice is tender.
- In another saucepan, combine cooked rice, milk, sugar, and salt. Cook over medium heat until thick and creamy for about 15 to 20 minutes. Stir frequently.
- Remove from heat, and stir in the vanilla extract and butter.
- Transfer to serving dishes and sprinkle with cinnamon before serving.
Nutrition
This rice pudding is so creamy and delicious! My kids loved it.
I followed the recipe exactly but mine ended up too runny. What did I do wrong? 😕
Rice pudding? I dunno.. not really my thing. My grandma made better.
This took too long to make, and I was hungry. I expect rice pudding to be quicker.
Really good comfort dish. I might make it with almond milk next time.
Almond milk sounds like a great twist! I usually use cow’s milk but I’m intrigued. Thanks for sharing!
Yum! My kids loved it. Easy to make and tasted so good, I thought I’d messed it up!
I made it for my kids and they loved it! Super easy to make, thanks for sharing!
That’s awesome! I’m glad your kids enjoyed it. It really is a simple recipe to follow!
I dunno, rice pudding sounds kinda weird to me. Is it supposed to be sweet or savory?
Not for me. I thought it would be more like dessert but feels like breakfast.
Why would you put butter in rice pudding? Seems useless.
I don’t think this is classic pudding… where are the eggs? 🤔
Yum! I added a bit of nutmeg too and it was bomb!
I tried this but I used almond milk instead and it was still great! Thx for the recipe!
Rice pudding is something u eat when there’s nothing else to make. Kinda boring.
I totally disagree! Rice pudding can be so comforting and delicious. It’s all about how you make it! 😋
Easy recipe, but did you know you can add raisins? That’s what my mom does. Either way, nice job!
Can I use almond milk instead? Allergic to cow’s milk.
Best rice pudding I ever made! It’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
I totally agree! Rice pudding really is the best comfort food. Thanks for the recipe!
Simple yet delicious. My kids loved it! Gonna make it a weekly treat.
I tried this recipe and it turned out great! Just like my grandma used to make. 😍
Really yummy and easy. Made it for a family gathering, gone in minutes!
I don’t get it. Why put butter in rice pudding? Isn’t it fatty enough already?
Butter adds a richness that balances the sweetness, trust me it makes it better!
I made it but accidentally used almond milk. Still tasty, just different!
Delicious! Just like my grandma used to make. Thank you!
Classic recipe! Can’t go wrong with rice and milk. Love it.
Absolutely! Rice pudding always reminds me of my grandma’s kitchen. So comforting!
This recipe is so easy! My kids loved it. I’m definitely making this again!
What’s the point of the butter? Seems unnecessary!
This is the best rice pudding I’ve ever made! So creamy and delicious. 👏
I made this and it turned out really mushy. What did I do wrong?
Sounds like maybe you added too much milk or didn’t let it simmer long enough? Rice pudding should be creamy, not mushy. Make sure to follow the steps carefully!
Idk, my rice pudding never comes out mushy! Probably just a cooking error. Did u forget to stir it or something?
Too much sugar for me. I think next time I’ll only use half the sugar. Still good though!
Yummmmm!!!! Perfect for cold nights! 😊
I don’t know, maybe I did something wrong. Mine turned out too watery. 😕
Too sweet for my taste. I think it needs less sugar. Next time I’ll try it without the extra sugar.
Eh, this is not my cup of tea. Too sweet for my liking.
This rice pudding is absolutely delicious! I added a bit of nutmeg too. So creamy!
Rice pudding is the best dessert ever. I added raisins and it was heavenly!
Too sweet for my taste. Thought it was gonna be less sugary.
Classic comfort food! It’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
This is just rice in milk?? Why is everyone raving? It’s basic.
Tasty! But I think it needs more cinnamon. Who doesn’t love cinnamon? 🥳
Totally agree! More cinnamon makes everything better 🍥
Yummy!!! I added raisins, and it’s bomb! 😍
Raisins? Really? I can’t imagine that making it better. Just sounds weird to me.
Rice pudding isn’t supposed to be made with sugar, right? Sounds wrong.
Actually, sugar is a key ingredient in traditional rice pudding. It adds sweetness that balances the creaminess of the milk.
My grandma used to make this. She never measured anything, just threw it all in. So this is weird for me to follow the recipe!
I get that! My mom did the same thing. Recipes can feel so stiff compared to just cooking with love.
Yum! I added raisins and it was a hit at the party. Definitely making this again!
I didn’t have whole milk, just skim. Still turned out okay, I guess.
Glad it worked out for you! Skim milk can be a good substitute sometimes. I think it’ll be just as tasty!
I dunno, skim milk ain’t the same as whole. Should’ve stuck to the recipe!
This pudding is incredible! Perfectly creamy and sweet. Love it! ❤️
I made rice pudding but forgot the vanilla. Still good but missing something, ya know?
I totally get it! Vanilla really adds that extra touch. Maybe next time try a dash of almond extract too, it might surprise you!
I don’t think it would have change that much. Rice pudding is good no matter what. Just enjoy it!
Rice pudding? More like rice gloopy mess! Didn’t like it at all. Waste of ingredients.
I actually love rice pudding! It’s such a comforting dessert. Maybe try adding more sugar or cinnamon next time? It can make a big difference!
Delicious! This is the perfect comfort food for me. Reminds me of my childhood!
I was skeptical at first, but surprisingly it turned out really good! Just make sure not to boil too hard.
I’m glad to hear it turned out well! Rice pudding is so comforting. I’ll remember your tip about not boiling too hard.
Can someone explain why you add milk *after* cooking the rice? Seems strange to me. 🤔
Imma try this but I don’t have vanilla. Will it still work?
I was skeptical at first. Rice pudding always seemed boring. But this recipe changed my mind!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Rice pudding can be a real hidden gem. 😋
Tried making it but the rice got sticky. What did I do wrong? Help!
Maybe you cooked it too long or didn’t rinse the rice before. That can cause stickiness!
I used brown rice instead and it turned out mushy. Stick to white rice! Lesson learned.
I don’t get why people like rice pudding. It’s just mushy rice, right?
I totally get you! Rice pudding is like, just mushy rice with milk. It’s not my thing either.
Actually, it can be really comforting! The creaminess and the sweetness can be quite nice—I’ve never met a rice dish I didn’t like!
Can I use brown rice? Don’t have any white rice at home.
This recipe took me back to my grandma’s kitchen! So comforting and delicious. Loved it!
Rice pudding? Ugh! Why would anyone eat that? It’s just mushy rice.
Cinnamon is a must! You can’t skip that, makes it perfect.
I followed the recipe but it turned out way too sweet for my taste. Maybe less sugar next time.
I totally get that! I like my desserts less sweet too. Maybe try 1/4 cup sugar next time?
No way! I thought it wasn’t sweet enough. Everyone has their own taste, I guess.
Simple and classic! Perfect dessert for when you don’t want to go fancy.
Super easy and quick! I love how creamy it turned out. Will make again!
Ew, rice pudding is just wrong. It’s like cold, mushy rice. No thanks. 😷