Rice pudding is a creamy and comforting dessert made with simple ingredients that are often already in your kitchen. This timeless recipe combines cooked rice with milk, sugar, and a hint of vanilla for a sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served warm or chilled, it’s a nostalgic favorite that will delight the whole family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in no time, especially if you use leftover rice.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need pantry staples to create this delicious dessert.
- Versatile: Serve it warm for comfort or chilled for a refreshing treat.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like cinnamon, raisins, or even fruit for extra flavor.
- Perfect for Leftovers: A great way to use up cooked rice from last night’s dinner.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cooked rice
- Milk
- Sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
Directions
- Combine cooked rice, milk, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy. This should take about 15–20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Let the pudding cool slightly if serving warm or chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours for a cold version.
- Garnish with cinnamon, nutmeg, or your favorite toppings before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Coconut Rice Pudding: Replace some or all of the milk with coconut milk for a tropical twist.
- Raisin Rice Pudding: Stir in a handful of raisins while cooking for added sweetness and texture.
- Spiced Rice Pudding: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a warm and cozy flavor.
- Chocolate Rice Pudding: Mix in cocoa powder or melted chocolate for a rich and indulgent dessert.
- Vegan Rice Pudding: Use plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy milk and substitute sugar with a vegan sweetener.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover rice pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore the creamy consistency. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
1. Can I use leftover rice for this recipe?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for using up leftover cooked rice.
2. What type of rice is best for rice pudding?
Short-grain or medium-grain rice works best as they give a creamy texture, but any cooked rice can be used.
3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute regular milk with plant-based milk like almond, soy, or coconut milk.
4. How do I prevent rice pudding from becoming too thick?
Add a little extra milk while cooking or during reheating to maintain the desired consistency.
5. Can I freeze rice pudding?
Yes, but the texture may change slightly upon thawing. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months and thaw in the refrigerator.
6. Is rice pudding served warm or cold?
Rice pudding can be served warm for comfort or chilled for a refreshing dessert—it’s delicious either way!
7. How can I make my rice pudding creamier?
Using whole milk or adding a splash of cream at the end of cooking can make the pudding extra creamy.
8. Can I add toppings to rice pudding?
Yes! Popular toppings include cinnamon, nutmeg, raisins, chopped nuts, or fresh fruit.
9. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, rice pudding can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
10. Why is my rice pudding watery?
Watery rice pudding usually means it hasn’t cooked long enough. Keep stirring over medium heat until it thickens.
Conclusion
Easy rice pudding is a classic dessert that’s quick, simple, and incredibly satisfying. With its creamy texture and customizable flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you enjoy it warm or chilled, this versatile recipe is perfect for any time of year. So grab that leftover rice and give this delightful dish a try today!
Print
Easy Rice Pudding
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy rice pudding is a comforting dessert made with just a few simple ingredients. It’s lightly sweetened and flavored with vanilla, making it perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups water
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional toppings: ground cinnamon, raisins, or fresh fruit
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
- Prepare the Pudding: In a separate large saucepan, combine the cooked rice, 3 cups of milk, sugar, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture becomes thick and creamy, approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
- Add Remaining Milk: Stir in the remaining 1 cup of milk and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
- Flavor: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Serve: Transfer the rice pudding to serving dishes. If desired, sprinkle with ground cinnamon, stir in raisins, or top with fresh fruit. Serve warm or refrigerate and serve chilled.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider using half-and-half or adding a tablespoon of unsalted butter when stirring in the vanilla extract.
- To prevent a skin from forming on top as it cools, place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pudding.
- This pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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