There’s something incredibly comforting and nostalgic about a warm or chilled bowl of rich, creamy **rice pudding**. This classic, old-fashioned dessert has been a beloved treat for generations across countless cultures, and for good reason. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients right on your stovetop, our easy homemade rice pudding recipe delivers unparalleled creaminess, infused with the warm, inviting flavors of cinnamon and vanilla. Forget complicated techniques; this recipe is all about patience and simple steps, yielding a dessert that truly melts in your mouth and brings back cherished memories.

This particular recipe holds a special place in my heart, passed down through my family, with my Grandma’s wisdom at its core. Her secret to the *best* rice pudding lay in one crucial detail: an unusually high ratio of milk to rice. While many recipes might call for a 2:1 or 3:1 milk-to-rice proportion, Grandma insisted on a generous 5 cups of whole milk for every ½ cup of uncooked long-grain white rice. This ample amount of milk isn’t just a suggestion; it’s the fundamental element that allows the small quantity of rice to slowly and completely absorb all the richness and creaminess from the dairy, resulting in a pudding that’s deeply flavorful, wonderfully tender, and incredibly luscious.

Achieving this sublime texture and taste requires a touch of patience. The cooking process on the stovetop takes approximately 1 hour, during which the rice gently softens and the flavors beautifully meld together. But the journey to perfection doesn’t end there. An additional 1-2 hours of chilling in the refrigerator is absolutely crucial. This cooling period allows the pudding to set properly, thicken further, and develop its ultimate creamy and dense consistency. While the wait might seem long, every minute is truly worth it. The resulting homemade rice pudding is a comforting dessert that easily rivals the richness of a decadent Chocolate Pudding, promising a satisfying and memorable treat.

Whether you’re looking to recreate a beloved childhood favorite, discover a new go-to dessert for family gatherings, or simply enjoy a comforting treat, this easy stovetop rice pudding recipe is sure to become a cherished staple in your kitchen. It’s a wonderfully versatile dish that can be enjoyed both warm and chilled, and easily customized with an array of delightful add-ins and garnishes. Let’s delve into the simple ingredients and detailed steps needed to bring this creamy dream to life in your home!

Key Ingredients for Perfect Rice Pudding

Crafting an exceptionally creamy and flavorful rice pudding begins with a handful of simple, yet essential, ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that beloved texture and a taste profile that evokes warmth and comfort:

• Whole Milk: This is the cornerstone of our rice pudding, contributing most significantly to its rich, velvety texture. Using whole milk is highly recommended for achieving the most decadent creaminess due to its higher fat content. While lower-fat milk can be used, it will result in a noticeably less creamy and luxurious finish.
• Granulated Sugar: Essential for balancing the flavors and providing the perfect amount of sweetness. Granulated sugar blends seamlessly into the pudding, ensuring a smooth texture without any grittiness. We specifically opt for white granulated sugar to maintain the pudding’s classic pale color.
• Cinnamon Powder: A foundational spice that infuses the pudding with incredible warmth, a delightful aroma, and a classic comforting taste. You can use cinnamon powder directly in the mixture or, for a more subtle infusion and a ‘whiter’ pudding, use a whole cinnamon stick and remove it before serving.
• Long-Grain White Rice: Uncooked long-grain white rice is ideal for this recipe. Varieties such as Basmati, Jasmine, or even Arborio rice work wonderfully due to their ability to absorb liquids and become tender without turning overly mushy. Arborio rice, often used in risotto, is particularly good for its high starch content, which naturally contributes to an extra creamy consistency. It’s best to avoid pre-cooked or instant rice, as they will drastically alter the texture and cooking time.
• Vanilla Extract: A crucial flavor enhancer that adds a layer of depth, aromatic sweetness, and complexity, beautifully complementing the cinnamon. For the most authentic and robust flavor, use pure vanilla extract. If you are aiming for a pristine white pudding, consider using clear vanilla extract to prevent any discoloration.

Delicious Variations and Customization Ideas

One of the most appealing aspects of homemade rice pudding is its incredible versatility. While the classic recipe stands perfectly on its own as a comforting dessert, it also serves as a fantastic blank canvas for countless variations, allowing you to tailor it to your personal taste, dietary needs, or to explore global culinary traditions. Here are some exciting ways to customize your creamy rice pudding:

• Utilize Cooked or Leftover Rice: If you’re pressed for time, repurposing leftover cooked rice is an excellent shortcut. To adapt the recipe, combine approximately 1.5 cups of cooked rice with 2.5 cups of whole milk, a cinnamon stick (or a pinch of cinnamon powder), and ¼ cup of granulated sugar. Cook this mixture over low heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens to your desired consistency. This method significantly reduces the overall cooking time while still yielding a delicious and creamy result.
• Craft an Indian-Inspired Kheer: For a delightful “Indian version,” often known as Kheer, switch to fragrant Basmati rice. Omit the vanilla extract and instead, infuse the pudding with a generous pinch of aromatic cardamom powder, alongside the cinnamon powder, for that authentic spice profile. Garnish this rich dessert generously with roughly chopped pistachios, almonds, and a few strands of saffron steeped in warm milk for an elevated experience.
• Embrace Mexican “Arroz con Leche” Flavors: While “Arroz con Leche” is a distinct traditional recipe, you can draw inspiration by incorporating rum-soaked raisins. Rehydrate plump raisins in a splash of rum for about 10-15 minutes before gently stirring them into the cooked pudding. This adds a delightful boozy kick and a chewy texture that’s truly unique.
• Create a Tropical Coconut Milk Version: For an exotic and dairy-free option, reduce the amount of whole milk by 1 cup and substitute it with 1 can (approximately 13.5-14 oz) of unsweetened full-fat coconut milk. This delivers a rich, creamy texture with a distinct tropical coconut flavor. Enhance the theme by garnishing the finished pudding with beautifully toasted shredded coconut and consider swapping vanilla extract for a more pronounced coconut extract.
• Healthy and Vegan Alternatives: To make this dessert healthier or suitable for a vegan diet, effortlessly switch to dairy-free milk alternatives. Unsweetened coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk are excellent choices. Be aware that these substitutions will subtly alter the flavor, color, and texture of the final pudding. For an added nutritional boost, you can experiment with brown rice, but be mindful that it will require a significantly longer cooking time and result in a chewier texture and darker color. Always adjust the level of sweetness to your preference when using alternative milks.
• Exciting Add-ins and Garnish Options: The possibilities for customizing your rice pudding are virtually endless, allowing you to create a personalized masterpiece:
  • Dried Fruits: Stir in plump raisins, tart dried cranberries, sweet dried cherries, or finely chopped dried apricots during the last few minutes of cooking to allow them to soften and plump up.
  • Chopped Nuts: Add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor with a handful of chopped pecans, almonds, walnuts, pistachios, or cashews, either folded into the pudding or sprinkled generously on top as a garnish.
  • Additional Spices: Enhance the aromatic profile with a sprinkle of ground nutmeg, a dash of allspice, or additional cinnamon for a richer spice blend.
  • Sweet Toppings & Sauces: Elevate your pudding with a luscious drizzle of homemade Caramel Sauce, rich Dulce de Leche, golden honey, natural agave syrup, or pure maple syrup for an extra layer of sweetness and indulgence.
  • Chocolate Indulgence: For chocolate enthusiasts, sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top just before serving, or gently fold them into the warm pudding after it’s removed from the heat, allowing them to softly melt into pockets of chocolatey goodness.
  • Refreshing Citrus Zest: Introduce a bright and refreshing flavor by stirring in a bit of finely grated orange, lemon, or lime zest after the pudding has finished cooking. This adds a lovely fragrant lift and cuts through the richness.
  • Experiment with Other Extracts: While vanilla is a timeless and classic choice, don’t hesitate to explore other extracts for unique flavor profiles. Almond, caramel, anise, or butterscotch extracts can offer intriguing twists. Coconut extract, as mentioned, is particularly fantastic when paired with coconut milk.

How to Make Creamy Stovetop Rice Pudding from Scratch

Creating an exceptionally creamy and delicious rice pudding on your stovetop is a straightforward process that primarily requires patience. Follow these simple, step-by-step instructions for perfect results every single time, ensuring a smooth, tender, and flavorful dessert:

1. Prepare the Milk Base: Begin by combining the whole milk, granulated sugar, and cinnamon powder (or a cinnamon stick, if you prefer) in a large, heavy-bottomed nonstick saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle, rolling boil. Stir occasionally during this stage to ensure the sugar fully dissolves and to prevent the milk from scorching at the bottom of the pot.
2. Add the Rice and Reduce Heat: Once the milk mixture is boiling, carefully stir in the uncooked long-grain white rice. Give it a good mix to ensure the rice is evenly distributed and doesn’t clump together on the bottom. Immediately reduce the heat to “Low” to maintain a gentle simmer. It is crucial not to cover the pot with a lid during the cooking process, as this allows for proper evaporation and prevents the pudding from becoming too runny.
3. Slow Cook to Perfect Consistency: This is the key stage where patience is paramount! Continue to cook the mixture over low heat for approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour. During this time, stir frequently – ideally every 5-10 minutes – to prevent the rice and milk from sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning. The pudding is ready when the mixture has thickened to a consistency similar to a thick yogurt, and the rice is tender and fully cooked. It should easily coat the back of a spoon.
4. Infuse with Vanilla: Once the pudding has reached the desired thickness and the rice is tender, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract. The residual heat from the pudding will help the vanilla’s flavor to beautifully permeate and enrich the entire mixture.
5. Cool and Chill Thoroughly: Allow the rice pudding to cool down at room temperature for a period. During this cooling phase, it will naturally continue to thicken even further. Once it has reached room temperature, transfer the pudding to a clean, sealed, airtight container and refrigerate for a minimum of 1-2 hours, or ideally, overnight. This chilling step is absolutely essential as it allows the pudding to fully set, achieving that signature creamy, dense, and perfectly scoopable consistency.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Before serving, you have the option to stir in about ½ cup of cold milk. This step is purely for preference, if you desire a slightly thinner and extra-creamy texture. Finally, sprinkle some more cinnamon powder or a dash of ground nutmeg on top for an extra layer of flavor and a pleasing visual touch. Now, dig in and savor your beautifully homemade, creamy stovetop rice pudding!

Expert Tips and Techniques for the Best Homemade Rice Pudding

Achieving the perfect bowl of creamy rice pudding is simple when you know a few key secrets. Pay close attention to these expert tips and techniques, and you’ll be enjoying a consistently delicious dessert every single time you make it.

• Serve it Hot or Cold? Rice pudding is traditionally enjoyed chilled, as cooling allows its rich flavors to fully develop and meld, and its texture to become wonderfully dense and creamy. However, many people also love it served warm, especially on a chilly day, for an extra comforting treat. The choice ultimately depends on personal preference and the season!
• How to Thicken Rice Pudding: The primary method for thickening your rice pudding is simply by continuing to cook it over low heat. This process allows excess liquid to evaporate, and the starches naturally present in the rice to release and bind the mixture, creating a naturally thicker pudding. Remember that the pudding will thicken significantly more as it cools and chills in the refrigerator, so don’t be alarmed if it seems a little thinner than you expect when it’s still warm.
• How to Make Pudding Thinner: If, after chilling, your rice pudding becomes too thick for your liking, or if you simply prefer a looser consistency, it’s easily remedied. Gradually mix in a splash of cold milk, heavy cream, or half-and-half, stirring well after each addition, until you achieve your desired consistency.
• Why is My Pudding Crunchy? Crunchy rice in your pudding is a common issue and is a clear indicator that the rice was not cooked through long enough. This typically occurs if the heat was too high during cooking, causing the liquid to evaporate too quickly before the rice had sufficient time to fully soften and absorb the milk. To prevent this, ensure you always cook on “Low” heat and adhere to the full recommended cooking time, allowing the rice to become perfectly tender.
• How to Store Rice Pudding: To keep your homemade rice pudding fresh, store any leftovers in a sealed, airtight container in the refrigerator. It will maintain its best quality for up to 3 days. This method helps preserve its freshness and prevents it from absorbing any unwanted odors from other foods in the fridge. If it does thicken excessively during storage, simply thin it out with a little milk before serving.
• Make-Ahead Instructions: This rice pudding is an excellent candidate for making ahead, perfect for entertaining or enjoying throughout the week. You can easily prepare the entire batch 1 day in advance. Follow all cooking and chilling instructions, store it in the refrigerator, and then simply bring it out when you’re ready to serve. For the best presentation, add any fresh garnishes like cinnamon powder, nuts, or fresh fruit just before serving.
• Cook Slow on Low Heat: This is arguably the most crucial tip for achieving truly exceptional rice pudding. Cooking slowly over low heat for the recommended 50 minutes to 1 hour allows the rice to cook evenly and thoroughly absorb the milk, resulting in maximum creaminess and deep flavor development. Attempting to rush the process by increasing the heat will lead to unevenly cooked rice, a less creamy texture, and a significantly higher risk of the milk scorching and sticking to the bottom of the pot. Patience truly yields the best results here!
• Use a Nonstick Pot: A heavy-bottomed, nonstick saucepan is a highly recommended tool for this recipe. This type of pot greatly helps prevent the milk and rice from sticking to the bottom and burning, which is a common problem when cooking milk-based mixtures for extended periods.
• Stir Often: Frequent stirring throughout the cooking process is absolutely essential. It not only prevents the milk and rice from sticking and burning to the bottom of the pot but also helps to distribute the heat evenly, ensuring that the rice cooks uniformly and all starches are released for ultimate creaminess. Do not leave the pot unattended for long stretches.
• Always Use Whole Milk: For the absolute richest, most luxurious, and creamiest results, whole milk is the gold standard and highly recommended. Its higher fat content creates that desirable velvety texture that defines a perfect rice pudding. For an even more indulgent pudding, you can experiment with using a combination of whole milk and a small amount of heavy cream.
• Stick to Granulated Sugar: While other sugars like brown sugar offer unique flavor profiles, using brown sugar will inevitably discolor the pudding, giving it a light brown hue. If you prefer the classic pale white or off-white appearance of traditional rice pudding, granulated sugar is the best and only choice.
• Consider Clear Vanilla Extract: If maintaining a perfectly pristine white pudding is a priority for your presentation, opt for clear vanilla extract. Standard dark vanilla extract, while delicious, can impart a slight off-white or yellowish tint to the final product.
• Cinnamon Powder vs. Cinnamon Stick: Both cinnamon powder and a whole cinnamon stick work wonderfully to flavor the pudding. If you desire a truly white pudding, use a whole cinnamon stick and simply remove it after the cooking is complete. If you don’t mind a slight speckle or warmer color, cinnamon powder is more convenient and infuses flavor quickly.
• Chilling is Important: This step cannot be emphasized enough – do not skip the chilling! The pudding will appear quite runny and fluid when it is warm, straight off the stove. It will continue to thicken considerably and reach its ideal dense, scoopable consistency only after it has cooled and properly chilled in the refrigerator for a few hours. This is vital for achieving the desired texture.

Common Questions About Rice Pudding

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

Proper storage is essential for maintaining the deliciousness and freshness of your homemade rice pudding for days to come. This dessert is also fantastic for making ahead, allowing you to have a comforting treat readily available whenever a craving strikes.

• Room Temperature: Once your rice pudding is cooked, allow it to cool completely at room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator. However, for food safety reasons, especially since it contains milk, do not leave it out for more than 1-2 hours.
• Refrigerate: Transfer the thoroughly cooled rice pudding into a sealed, airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Beyond this period, the quality, freshness, and texture might begin to diminish. If you find that it has thickened too much during refrigeration, simply stir in a splash of cold milk or cream to restore it to your preferred consistency.
• Freeze: While it is technically possible to freeze rice pudding, it is generally not recommended. The freezing and thawing process can significantly alter the pudding’s consistency, often leading to a grainy or watery texture due to the separation of dairy and rice starches. For the best quality, flavor, and texture, rice pudding is best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of being stored in the refrigerator.
• Make Ahead: Rice pudding is an ideal make-ahead dessert, perfect for meal prepping or preparing for guests. You can easily prepare the entire batch up to 1 day in advance. Simply follow all the cooking and chilling instructions, store it properly in the fridge, and then bring it out when you are ready to serve. For the best presentation and taste, add any fresh garnishes, such as a sprinkle of cinnamon powder, chopped nuts, or fresh fruit, just before serving.

More Delightful Pudding Recipes to Explore

If you’ve thoroughly enjoyed making and tasting this creamy stovetop rice pudding, you’re in for a treat! The world of puddings is incredibly vast and delicious, offering a wide array of flavors and textures to explore. Here are some other fantastic pudding recipes from CakeWhiz that you might love, each bringing its unique charm to your dessert table:

• Halloween Pudding Cups: Fun, festive, and incredibly easy to make, these themed pudding cups are perfect for holiday gatherings or a playful treat.
• Chocolate Pudding Pots: A wonderfully creative and delicious way to serve rich chocolate pudding, designed to look like adorable potted plants.
• Vegan Chocolate Pudding: A truly rich, decadent, and completely dairy-free option for all chocolate lovers, proving that vegan desserts can be just as satisfying.
• Homemade Vanilla Pudding (Best): The ultimate classic, velvety smooth vanilla pudding made entirely from scratch, a timeless dessert that’s simple yet profoundly satisfying.

Printable Recipe Card: Creamy Stovetop Rice Pudding

Creamy Rice Pudding

By Abeer Rizvi

Classic, old fashioned, easy rice pudding recipe, homemade with simple ingredients over stovetop. Rich, creamy, packed with cinnamon, vanilla milk and rice.

★★★★★

5 from 2 ratings

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Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 50 mins

Chill time 1 hr

Total Time 2 hrs

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 4 People

Calories 371 kcal

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Ingredients

  

• 5 cups Whole milk
• ½ cup Granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon powder Or one 2 inch cinnamon stick
• ½ cup Long grain white rice Uncooked
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract

Instructions

 

1. In a large nonstick saucepan, add milk, sugar, cinnamon powder and cook on medium-high heat until mixture comes to a boil.
2. Add rice and reduce the heat to “Low” so that it continues to cook at a gentle simmer. Don’t cover with lid.
3. Stir often and cook for about 50 minutes- 1 hour or until mixture is thickened to a “yogurt-like” consistency.
4. Remove from heat and mix in vanilla extract.
5. Let it cool at room temperature, which will thicken it up even more.
6. Then, chill in fridge for 1-2 hours or overnight until it’s nice and cold. This will also make the pudding thicker.
7. Optional: Prior to serving, mix in ½ cup cold milk to make it slightly thinner and creamier, if you like.
8. Sprinkle with more cinnamon powder and enjoy!

Notes

• Read all my comprehensive tips and techniques above for best results and effective troubleshooting.
• Leftovers can be stored in a sealed, airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If the pudding becomes too thick during storage, simply stir in a small amount of cold milk to thin it out to your desired consistency.

Nutrition

Calories: 371kcal
Carbohydrates: 58g
Protein: 11g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 132mg
Potassium: 429mg
Sugar: 40g
Vitamin A: 495IU
Calcium: 358mg
Iron: 0.3mg

An automated tool is used to calculate the nutritional information. As such, I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information provided for any recipe on this site.

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