Classic Rice Pudding
This classic rice pudding recipe delivers a comforting, old-fashioned dessert with a creamy texture and sweet, vanilla-infused flavor. Slowly simmering short-grain rice in milk creates a luscious, satisfying treat that's perfect warm or chilled.
For 4 servings
Rinse the short-grain rice thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the pudding from becoming too gummy.
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan (to prevent scorching), combine the rinsed rice, whole milk, granulated sugar, salt, and the optional cinnamon stick. Stir well to combine.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar and prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan partially (leaving a small gap for steam to escape), and cook for 30-35 minutes. Stir every 5-7 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
Continue cooking until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the milk, and the pudding has thickened to your desired consistency. It should be creamy but still a bit loose, as it will thicken further as it cools.
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Discard the cinnamon stick (if used). Stir in the vanilla extract.
Serve the rice pudding warm directly from the pot, or transfer it to individual serving bowls. For a chilled pudding, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent scorching the milk, and stir frequently, especially during the initial simmering phase, to ensure even cooking and prevent the rice from sticking.
- 2For extra creaminess, you can stir in a tablespoon of butter or a splash of heavy cream at the very end, after removing it from the heat.
- 3If the pudding becomes too thick after cooling, you can loosen it by stirring in a little extra milk or cream until it reaches your preferred consistency.
- 4Experiment with toppings! Fresh berries, toasted nuts, a drizzle of honey, or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes can elevate the dish.
Adapt it for your goals.
Fruity Delight
Stir in 1/2 cup of raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dried apricots during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Fresh fruit like sliced bananas or berries can be added as a topping.
Spiced & ZestySpiced & Zesty
Add a pinch of cardamom or a few strips of orange or lemon zest along with the cinnamon stick for a more aromatic profile. Remove zest before serving.
Chocolate IndulgenceChocolate Indulgence
Stir in 1/4 cup of cocoa powder with the sugar, and a handful of chocolate chips at the end for a decadent chocolate rice pudding.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Energy Boost
Rice provides complex carbohydrates, offering a sustained source of energy to fuel your body and mind.
Calcium Rich
Made with milk, this pudding is a good source of calcium, essential for strong bones and teeth, and overall bone health.
Comforting & Satisfying
The warm, creamy texture and gentle sweetness can provide a sense of comfort and satiety, making it a soothing treat.
Frequently asked questions
Short-grain rice varieties like Arborio, sushi rice, or even medium-grain rice work best because they release more starch, resulting in a creamier pudding. Long-grain rice tends to stay separate and less creamy.
