Introduction

There’s something timeless about rice pudding — a dessert that’s warm, creamy, and comforting. The rich blend of tender rice, sweet milk, and a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg makes it a nostalgic treat that has been loved for generations. If you’re craving a quick and easy version that doesn’t compromise on flavor, this Quick & Easy Old Fashioned Rice Pudding is just what you need.

In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a batch of creamy rice pudding that will satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re looking for a simple dessert to end your meal or a comforting snack, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. And the best part? It’s made with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen!

Ingredients

For this quick and easy rice pudding, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 4 cups whole milk (you can substitute with almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)
• Pinch of salt
• 1 large egg (optional, for a richer texture)
• ½ cup raisins (optional, for added sweetness and texture)

Instructions

This rice pudding comes together in no time! Just follow these simple steps:

1. Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, milk, sugar, and pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking. Cook for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is soft and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
2. Optional egg step: If you’d like a richer, creamier texture, whisk the egg in a small bowl and set aside. Once the rice is cooked and the mixture has thickened, slowly add the egg to the rice pudding while stirring continuously. This will give the pudding a velvety texture. Be careful not to let the egg cook too quickly — keep stirring to ensure a smooth consistency.
3. Add flavor: Stir in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon (if using) into the cooked pudding. This will infuse the pudding with a lovely flavor.
4. Add raisins (optional): If you like raisins in your pudding, stir them in at this point. The heat will plump them up, adding little bursts of sweetness throughout the dish.
5. Let it thicken: Continue to cook the pudding for another 2-3 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. If the pudding is too thick, you can add a little more milk to loosen it up.
6. Cool and serve: Remove from the heat and let the rice pudding cool slightly before serving. You can serve it warm, or refrigerate it for later if you prefer it chilled. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few extra raisins, if desired.

Serving and Storage

This rice pudding is delicious on its own, but you can also dress it up with various toppings and serve it in different ways:

• Serve warm: Rice pudding is traditionally enjoyed warm, straight from the stove. It’s perfect as a comforting dessert on a chilly evening or as a cozy breakfast.
• Serve chilled: If you prefer a cold dessert, simply let the rice pudding cool completely and refrigerate it. It’s just as tasty when served chilled and makes a great make-ahead dessert.
• Toppings: Top your rice pudding with additional cinnamon, nutmeg, whipped cream, or fresh berries for a special touch. Some people even love it with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey!
• Storage: Store any leftover rice pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If it becomes too thick when stored, simply stir in a little milk when reheating to restore its creamy texture.

Tips

Here are a few tips to make your rice pudding even better:

• Use leftover rice: If you have leftover rice from another meal, you can easily turn it into rice pudding! Simply skip the step of cooking the rice and add the leftover rice to the milk, sugar, and salt. It will save time and still come out delicious.
• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer your rice pudding on the sweeter side, feel free to add an extra tablespoon or two of sugar. You can also experiment with other sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a different flavor.
• Try coconut milk: For a dairy-free twist, substitute the whole milk with coconut milk. This will add a subtle coconut flavor to the pudding, making it even more indulgent!
• Spices: If you love warm spices, feel free to experiment with adding ground nutmeg, cardamom, or even a splash of vanilla bean paste for added flavor.

Conclusion

This Quick & Easy Old Fashioned Rice Pudding is a classic dessert that’s sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. It’s creamy, comforting, and full of flavor, all while being incredibly easy to make in just 30 minutes. Whether you enjoy it warm or cold, with or without raisins, this rice pudding will quickly become a favorite go-to recipe in your kitchen.

Perfect for busy days when you want a delicious homemade dessert without a lot of fuss, this recipe offers the best of both worlds: simplicity and indulgence. Give it a try and bring a little comfort food into your day!

FAQ

Can I use brown rice for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice, but note that it will take longer to cook. You may need to add more liquid and increase the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! You can use a plant-based milk (such as almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk) and omit the egg for a completely vegan version of this rice pudding.

Can I add other fruits or nuts to the pudding?

Yes, you can experiment with different mix-ins like chopped nuts (e.g., almonds or pecans) or dried fruits (like cranberries or apricots). Just add them at the end of cooking to prevent overcooking the fruit.

How do I make the rice pudding extra creamy?

To make the pudding extra creamy, you can stir in a bit of heavy cream or use whole milk instead of skim or low-fat milk. Adding the egg also helps create a smoother, creamier texture.