There’s something wonderfully comforting about a bowl of Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding. Made with simple pantry staples like cooked rice, whole milk, sugar, and vanilla, this classic dessert is creamy, lightly sweet, and finished with a warm sprinkle of cinnamon.
It’s an easy recipe that comes together on the stovetop and makes a delicious dessert for family dinners, holidays, or whenever you’re craving a nostalgic homemade treat.
🛒 Ingredients
- 1½ cups cooked white rice
- 2 cups whole milk
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓–½ cup golden raisins, optional
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon, for serving
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Combine the Ingredients
Add the cooked rice, whole milk, salt, egg, and sugar to a medium saucepan. Stir gently until everything is well combined.
2. Cook Until Creamy
Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook gently, stirring frequently to prevent the rice from sticking and to help the mixture cook evenly.
Continue cooking until the pudding becomes thick, creamy, and coats the back of a spoon. Avoid bringing it to a rapid boil.
3. Add the Finishing Ingredients
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the butter and vanilla extract until the butter melts completely and the pudding is smooth.
If using golden raisins, stir them in at this stage.
4. Serve
Spoon the warm rice pudding into serving bowls and finish with a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
Enjoy it warm for the ultimate cozy dessert, or let it cool and refrigerate it for a chilled treat.
⭐ Tips for the Best Rice Pudding
- Stir frequently: This helps prevent the milk and rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Use cooked rice: This recipe is a convenient way to turn leftover white rice into a comforting dessert.
- Cook gently: Low to medium-low heat gives the pudding time to thicken without scorching the milk.
- Adjust the consistency: The pudding will continue to thicken as it cools. If it becomes too thick, stir in a small splash of milk before serving.
- Don’t skip the cinnamon: A little cinnamon on top adds the perfect finishing touch.
🍇 Easy Variations
For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon. You can also replace the golden raisins with regular raisins or leave them out completely.
For a richer pudding, use a little extra vanilla or add a small splash of heavy cream when serving.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding is delicious served warm straight from the saucepan, but it can also be chilled and enjoyed later.
Serve it with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon, a few raisins, or even a small spoonful of whipped cream for a simple but special dessert.
🧊 Storage
Allow leftover rice pudding to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It is best enjoyed within a few days.
When reheating, add a splash of milk and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
📋 Recipe Information
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: About 20–25 minutes
Total Time: About 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: About 4
❤️ Final Thoughts
This Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding is proof that simple ingredients can make an incredibly satisfying dessert. Creamy, lightly sweet, and finished with cinnamon, it brings classic homemade comfort to the table with very little effort.