Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Rice Pudding

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This old-fashioned creamy rice pudding is the ultimate comfort dessert. Made with simple pantry ingredients like rice, milk, sugar, and vanilla, it’s rich, creamy, and packed with nostalgic flavors. The slow-cooked method ensures a velvety texture that melts in your mouth. Perfect as a cozy dessert, snack, or even breakfast, this homemade rice pudding is warm, sweet, and incredibly satisfying. Whether served warm or chilled, this classic recipe is a timeless favorite for all ages.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Servings: 6

Ingredients

For the Rice Pudding:

  • 1 cup uncooked medium or long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups water
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for topping)
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for garnish)

For Extra Creaminess:

  • ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for a richer texture)
  • 2 egg yolks, beaten (for a custard-like consistency)

Instructions

Cooking the Rice:

  1. In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.

Making the Creamy Pudding:

  1. In the same saucepan, add milk, sugar, and salt to the cooked rice.
  2. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens (about 20 minutes).

Enhancing the Texture:

  1. If using egg yolks, temper them by slowly adding ¼ cup of the hot rice mixture while whisking continuously.
  2. Return the tempered eggs to the saucepan and stir continuously for another 5 minutes until thickened.
  3. Stir in vanilla extract and heavy cream (if using) and remove from heat.

Serving:

  1. Let the pudding cool slightly before serving.
  2. Sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg.
  3. Serve warm or refrigerate for at least 2 hours for a chilled version.

Tips for the Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Rice Pudding

    • Use whole milk for the creamiest texture.
  • Stir frequently to prevent the rice from sticking.
  • For a richer taste, use half-and-half instead of milk.
  • Add raisins for extra sweetness.

Creative Variations

  • Add a splash of rum or bourbon for a grown-up twist.
  • Use coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
  • Top with fresh berries or toasted nuts for extra texture.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Refrigerate for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of milk. What’s the best way to store leftovers? Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Can I use brown rice? Yes, but cooking time will increase.

This old-fashioned creamy rice pudding is rich, comforting, and incredibly easy to make. Whether served warm or cold, it’s a nostalgic dessert that brings warmth and joy to any meal.

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