Creamy Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding: A Timeless Dessert with a Cozy Twist

Introduction: A Dessert That Tastes Like Home

There’s something timeless about rice pudding. It’s the kind of dessert that brings you back to your grandmother’s kitchen, where the scent of cinnamon and vanilla danced in the air, and every bite tasted like a warm hug.

This Creamy Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding is more than just a dessert—it’s a love letter to classic comfort food. It’s rich, silky, and speckled with just the right amount of spice. Whether served warm on a chilly evening or chilled on a sunny afternoon, this pudding is a soul-satisfying treat that never goes out of style.

Perfect for casual family dinners, nostalgic holiday gatherings, or just when you want something cozy and sweet, this rice pudding recipe is a keeper.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s start with the basics. These pantry staples come together to create something extraordinary.

• 1/2 cup uncooked white rice (short or medium grain for creaminess)

• 1 1/2 cups water

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 2 large eggs

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

• 2 tablespoons butter

• Brown sugar for topping (optional but delicious)

Kitchen Tools Required

• Medium saucepan with lid

• Whisk and mixing bowl

• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula

• Ramekins or a baking dish (if broiling the top)

• Oven broiler (optional)

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Rice

To get that classic soft texture, we start by cooking the rice gently.

1. In a medium saucepan, bring 1/2 cup rice and 1 1/2 cups water to a boil.

2. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the water is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.

🍚 Pro Tip: Use short-grain or medium-grain rice for a softer, creamier pudding. Avoid basmati or jasmine as they tend to remain too firm.

Step 2: Begin the Pudding Base

Now we start transforming plain rice into creamy decadence.

1. To the pot of cooked rice, add 2 cups whole milk, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

2. Stir well and cook over medium heat for 15 minutes, stirring frequently. The mixture should begin to thicken and become slightly glossy.

🥄 Stir Constantly: This step is crucial for building flavor and creaminess without scorching the milk.

Step 3: Temper the Eggs

To keep the eggs from scrambling, we need to temper them carefully.

1. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs and 1/2 cup heavy cream until smooth.

2. Slowly ladle in about 1/2 cup of the hot rice mixture into the egg-cream mixture, whisking constantly. This warms the eggs gradually.

3. Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan while stirring constantly.

🧠 Why temper? It prevents the eggs from curdling and ensures your pudding stays silky smooth.

Step 4: Finish Cooking and Add Flavor

With the eggs incorporated, your pudding is nearly done.

1. Continue cooking over low heat, stirring continuously for 5–7 minutes, or until the pudding thickens to your desired consistency.

2. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 2 tablespoons butter.

🧈 Flavor Tip: The butter gives a velvety richness that elevates this dessert to next-level comfort.

Step 5: Optional Brown Sugar Topping

Want to take things up a notch? Broil a brown sugar crust on top—like crème brûlée meets grandma’s pudding.

1. Spoon the pudding into ramekins or a heat-safe serving dish.

2. Sprinkle the tops generously with brown sugar.

3. Place under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, watching carefully. Remove once the sugar bubbles and caramelizes.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Your pudding is ready to enjoy!

• Serve warm for extra coziness.

• Or chill it for a cool, creamy dessert.

• Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a few golden raisins if you like a classic touch.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Dessert

• Rich and Creamy Texture: Made with whole milk, cream, and butter.

• Nostalgic Flavors: Cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg bring classic warmth.

• Customizable: Add raisins, dried cranberries, chocolate chips, or citrus zest.

• Budget-Friendly: Made from simple pantry ingredients.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Stores beautifully and tastes even better the next day.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: 280 kcal

• Protein: 6g

• Carbs: 38g

• Fat: 12g

• Fiber: 0.5g

• Sugar: 22g

• Calcium: 15% DV

• Iron: 4% DV

⚠️ Note: Values are approximate and may vary based on your choice of ingredients.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Storage:

• Let pudding cool fully.

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Reheating:

• Warm on the stove over low heat or microwave in 30-second bursts, adding a splash of milk to loosen it up.

Freezing:

• Not recommended. Rice pudding tends to separate when frozen.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This pudding is versatile and pairs well with a range of toppings and side treats:

• Fresh berries for a tart contrast

• Toasted nuts like almonds or pecans

• Whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream

• A drizzle of maple syrup or honey

• Hot coffee or chai tea for the perfect cozy combo

🍓 Family-Style Tip: Serve in a big glass bowl at a holiday gathering and let guests add their favorite toppings.

Fun Variations to Try

Here’s how to keep this classic fresh and fun:

1. Coconut Rice Pudding

Swap the milk for canned coconut milk. Add shredded coconut and top with toasted coconut flakes.

2. Chocolate Swirl

Stir in a handful of dark chocolate chips just before serving for a melty, decadent twist.

3. Maple Pecan Rice Pudding

Use maple syrup instead of sugar and add chopped pecans for an autumnal variation.

4. Golden Raisin & Rum

Soak raisins in rum (or vanilla extract for alcohol-free) and mix them into the pudding just before chilling.

5. Lemon Blueberry

Add lemon zest to the milk, and top the pudding with a homemade blueberry compote.

Reader Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Tastes just like my grandma used to make. Perfectly creamy and not too sweet.” — Claire T.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I tried the broiled brown sugar topping and WOW—what a game-changer!” — Jeremy W.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I added coconut milk and it turned out amazing. This recipe is a keeper.” — Maya R.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding is more than a dessert—it’s a moment of peace in a busy world. With its soft texture, warm flavors, and easy steps, it’s no wonder this dish has stood the test of time.

Whether you’re indulging in a nostalgic treat or introducing it to a new generation, this recipe guarantees comfort and smiles in every spoonful.

So go ahead—grab that saucepan, stir with love, and enjoy the coziest dessert your kitchen has to offer.

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