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Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding Recipe

4.9 from 111 reviews

This Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding is a cozy, creamy dessert featuring tender, slow-cooked rice in sweetened whole milk, flavored with vanilla, cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg. Perfect served warm or chilled, this nostalgic classic includes optional raisins for added texture and sweetness.

Ingredients

Scale

Rice and Liquid

  • 1 cup uncooked white rice (short or medium grain works best)
  • 2 cups water
  • 4 cups whole milk, divided

Sweeteners and Flavorings

  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • ½ cup raisins (optional)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and all the water is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
  2. Make the pudding base: Add 3 cups of the whole milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt to the cooked rice. Cook the mixture over medium heat, uncovered, stirring frequently until it thickens slightly and becomes creamy, approximately 20 minutes. Stir often to prevent the rice from sticking to the pan.
  3. Temper the eggs: In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs with the remaining 1 cup of milk. To prevent scrambling, slowly add a spoonful of the hot rice mixture into the egg mixture while whisking constantly. Then gradually stir the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the rice.
  4. Flavor & finish: Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring constantly, for another 2 to 3 minutes until the pudding thickens further. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg if using, and raisins if desired.
  5. Serve: Spoon the pudding into bowls and serve warm. Alternatively, chill the pudding for several hours in the refrigerator if you prefer it cold and more firm.

Notes

  • Short or medium grain rice is recommended to achieve the creamiest texture.
  • Stir frequently during cooking to prevent the rice and milk from sticking or burning.
  • Tempering the eggs by gradually mixing hot rice mixture prevents scrambling for a smooth pudding.
  • Optional spices and raisins provide traditional flavor and texture, but can be omitted based on preference.
  • Rice pudding can be enjoyed both warm or chilled; chilling will firm up the pudding.

Keywords: rice pudding, old-fashioned dessert, creamy rice pudding, cinnamon rice pudding, classic rice pudding recipe