Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe

This heavenly Creamy Rice Pudding transforms simple ingredients into a comforting dessert that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. With its silky texture and delicate spiced flavor, this classic treat comes together in just 40 minutes with minimal effort. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic dessert or looking for something simple yet impressive to serve guests, this foolproof recipe delivers creamy perfection every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Long grain white rice: The foundation of the pudding, providing the perfect texture that absorbs all the creamy goodness while maintaining a slight bite.
• Water: Used for the initial cooking of the rice, giving it a head start before adding the creamy elements.
• Kosher salt: Just a touch enhances all the flavors without making the pudding taste salty.
• Evaporated milk: This concentrated milk adds richness and creaminess without thinning out the pudding.
• Whole milk: Provides that classic dairy richness and smooth texture you expect in a traditional rice pudding.
• Raisins: These little gems plump up during cooking, offering bursts of natural sweetness and a lovely textural contrast.
• Cinnamon stick: Infuses the pudding with warm, aromatic flavor without overpowering it with spice particles.
• Ground cloves: Optional but recommended—adds a subtle depth and warmth that makes the pudding feel special.
• Granulated sugar: Provides just the right level of sweetness to balance the creamy dairy components.
• Vanilla extract: Adds that essential hint of vanilla that rounds out all the flavors perfectly.
• Unsalted butter: A final touch that enriches the pudding with a subtle, luxurious finish.

Variations

Want to put your own spin on this classic? Try these creative twists:

• Chocolate Lover’s Version: Stir in 1/3 cup chocolate chips or cocoa powder when adding the sugar.
• Fruit Medley: Swap raisins for dried cranberries, cherries, or chopped dried apricots for different flavor profiles.
• Coconut Dream: Replace half the whole milk with coconut milk and sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes before serving.
• Maple Pecan: Use maple syrup instead of sugar and top with toasted pecans for a fall-inspired variation.
• Cardamom Infusion: Add 3-4 cardamom pods instead of cloves for a fragrant, slightly exotic flavor.

How to Make Creamy Rice Pudding

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Rice

Rinse the rice thoroughly in a fine mesh strainer, then transfer to a large pot (not a small saucepan—trust me on this!). Add water and salt, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cook until most of the water evaporates, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally and watching carefully to prevent scorching.

Step 2: Add Dairy and Flavorings

Pour in the evaporated milk, whole milk, and add the raisins, cinnamon stick, and ground cloves. Continue cooking while stirring every few minutes until the mixture becomes creamy and thickened, about 10 minutes. The gentle bubbling helps the rice absorb all those wonderful flavors.

Step 3: Sweeten and Finish

Add the sugar and cook for another 3-4 minutes, remembering that the pudding will continue to thicken as it cools. Remove the cinnamon stick, then stir in the vanilla extract and butter until fully incorporated. This final touch adds a beautiful sheen and richness.

Step 4: Serve or Store

Serve warm immediately or transfer to a container to cool and refrigerate. The pudding will continue to set up as it cools, creating that perfect, spoonable consistency.

How to Serve

This versatile dessert can be presented in multiple delicious ways:

Warm Serving Ideas:

• Top with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and a small pat of butter that melts into the warm pudding
• Drizzle with caramel sauce or maple syrup for extra decadence
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful temperature contrast

Chilled Serving Ideas:

• Layer in parfait glasses with fresh berries and whipped cream
• Garnish with toasted sliced almonds or pistachios for crunch
• Serve alongside butter cookies or shortbread for dipping

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This rice pudding keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. The flavors actually develop and meld together nicely overnight, making it perfect for make-ahead dessert planning.

Adjusting Consistency

After refrigeration, the pudding will be quite firm. To restore creamy consistency, simply stir in a tablespoon or two of warm milk until you reach your desired texture.

Reheating

To enjoy warm after refrigeration, heat gently in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of milk, stirring constantly. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 30-45 seconds, stirring halfway through.

Freezing

While technically possible to freeze rice pudding, I don’t recommend it as the texture can become grainy when thawed. This recipe is quick enough to make fresh when the craving strikes!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Rice Pudding recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and indulgence. It transforms humble pantry staples into a dessert that feels special enough for company yet comforting enough for a quiet evening at home. Whether you prefer it warm from the pot or chilled from the fridge, the gentle spices and creamy texture make this a timeless treat that never disappoints. Give it a try—it might just become your new go-to comfort dessert!

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