The Best Homemade Rice Pudding Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade rice pudding brings comfort and simplicity to the kitchen, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. Creamy, cozy, and just the right amount of sweet, it’s a treat that feels like a warm hug.
You’ll love how easy it is to make with basic pantry staples—no fancy ingredients needed. It’s super customizable, so you can add your favorite toppings like cinnamon, fruit, or nuts. Plus, it’s perfect for sharing or sneaking a bowl all for yourself!
Recipe
Rice pudding is a classic dessert known for its creamy texture and comforting taste. Made with simple ingredients, this traditional dish is easy to prepare and 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
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and most of the water is absorbed.
- Add the milk, sugar, and salt to the saucepan. Stir well.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 30-40 minutes or until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Serve warm or chilled, sprinkled with cinnamon if desired.
Notes:
For a richer flavor, substitute half of the milk with heavy cream. Leftover rice pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Equipment:
Medium saucepan, stirring spoon
Time:
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
4-6 servings
Nutrition
Rice pudding is a comforting dessert that offers a mix of essential nutrients. Here’s the nutritional breakdown for a typical serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Cholesterol | 20 mg |
| Sodium | 100 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 18 g |
What To Serve With It
I love topping my rice pudding with fresh fruits like berries or sliced bananas—it adds a burst of flavor and a bit of crunch. A drizzle of sweet syrup, like caramel or honey, turns it into a decadent treat that feels extra special. You can mix and match these toppings to make it your own, and I promise, it’s hard to go wrong!
Fresh Fruits
Since rice pudding’s creamy sweetness pairs so well with bright, juicy flavors, fresh fruits are a perfect match. I love experimenting with fruit pairings—think tart berries in summer or spiced apples in fall—to balance the richness. Seasonal selections make it even better; ripe peaches in July or citrus in winter add a revitalizing twist. A handful of raspberries or sliced bananas can turn a simple bowl into something special. Don’t overthink it—just grab what’s fresh and juicy. Trust me, the contrast of cool fruit against warm pudding is a game-changer. It’s my go-to trick for making every bite exciting.
Sweet Syrups
Sweet syrups are another fantastic way to jazz up your rice pudding, adding a drizzle of decadence that’s hard to resist. I love experimenting with different syrup flavors, like caramel, maple, or even fruity options like raspberry or mango. Each one brings its own unique twist to the dish. The syrup textures play a big role too—thick caramel feels indulgent, while lighter fruit syrups add a revitalizing touch. My favorite trick is warming the syrup slightly before drizzling—it blends perfectly with the creamy pudding. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed rice pudding without it!
