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Old-Fashioned Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe

A spoonful of creamy rice pudding recipe topped generously with ground cinnamon, served in a white bowl.

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Make this classic, comforting rice pudding on the stovetop. It uses simple ingredients to achieve a rich, smooth texture perfect for a cozy dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup short-grain white rice
  • 4 cups water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus extra for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. Combine the rice, water, and salt in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes until most of the water is absorbed.
  2. Add the whole milk and sugar to the saucepan. Stir well.
  3. Return the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and scorching on the bottom.
  4. Continue to cook for 40 to 50 minutes, stirring often, until the rice is tender and the pudding has thickened to your desired creamy consistency. The pudding will thicken more as it cools.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and butter until the butter melts completely.
  6. Serve the creamy rice pudding warm, or chill it completely for a cold dessert. Sprinkle with extra cinnamon before serving.

Notes

  • For an even creamier texture, use Arborio rice instead of standard short-grain rice.
  • If the pudding becomes too thick upon cooling, stir in a splash of milk to reach your preferred consistency.
  • You can substitute raisins or dried cranberries during the last 10 minutes of cooking if you prefer fruit in your dessert.

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