Dreamy Old Fashioned Rice Pudding Recipe: Nostalgic Comfort

Creamy, comforting old fashioned rice pudding beckons with sweet memories of childhood kitchens.

Grandmothers across generations have perfected this classic dessert using simple ingredients.

Warm milk and tender rice combine into a silky delicacy that whispers nostalgia.

Each spoonful carries the gentle warmth of home-cooked love and tradition.

Cinnamon and vanilla dance together, creating a soft symphony of flavor that soothes your soul.

Rich and unpretentious, this pudding celebrates simplicity with its humble charm.

You’ll want to savor every delightful bite of this timeless treat.

Why People Still Love Amazing Old Fashioned Rice Pudding

• Nostalgic Homemade Dessert Perfect for Cozy Moments
• Simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, allowing even beginners to create a delicious classic dessert with minimal kitchen expertise.
• Enjoy the pudding warm for a comforting treat or chill it for a refreshing dessert, providing flexibility for different preferences and serving occasions like family gatherings, potlucks, or casual weeknight desserts.
• Crafted with basic pantry staples like rice, milk, and spices, this recipe offers an affordable way to create a rich, creamy dessert that feels luxurious without breaking the bank, making it an economical choice for sweet-loving households.
• Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting spices, adding different mix-ins like nuts or alternative dried fruits, and experimenting with sugar levels to suit individual taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Amazing Old Fashioned Rice Pudding

• White Rice: A classic pudding foundation with soft, tender grains that absorb creamy flavors.
• Water: Essential for cooking rice to perfect tenderness before adding dairy.

• Whole Milk: Creates rich, smooth texture with traditional creamy consistency.
• Half-and-Half: Adds extra luxurious richness and velvety mouthfeel to pudding.

• Sugar: Provides balanced sweetness that complements rice and dairy.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and balances sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: Delivers warm, classic aromatic flavor with deep complexity.

• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg: Warm spices that create traditional rice pudding flavor with subtle warmth.
• Raisins: Optional sweet, chewy element that adds textural interest and natural sweetness.

Cooking Amazing Old Fashioned Rice Pudding in Simple Steps

Step 1: Prepare Rice Base

Boil water in a medium saucepan. Add rice and reduce heat to low. Simmer until rice becomes tender and absorbs all water, creating a soft foundation for the pudding.

Step 2: Create Creamy Mixture

• Whole milk
• Half-and-half
• Sugar
• Salt

Stir ingredients thoroughly and heat gently over medium-low temperature until mixture starts simmering.

Step 3: Transform Into Pudding

Cook the mixture, stirring constantly to prevent rice from sticking. Continue cooking until pudding becomes thick and creamy, approximately 20-25 minutes. Watch carefully and maintain consistent stirring.

Step 4: Enhance Flavor Profile

• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Raisins

Blend spices and raisins into pudding. Continue cooking for additional 5 minutes until reaching desired consistency.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer warm pudding into serving bowls. Sprinkle extra cinnamon on top for added visual appeal and flavor. Enjoy either warm or chilled based on personal preference.

Tips That Help With Amazing Old Fashioned Rice Pudding

• Prevent Rice Burning: Stir constantly while cooking to avoid sticking and scorching at the bottom of the pan.
• Customize Milk Options: Swap whole milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk for lactose-free or plant-based dietary needs.
• Control Pudding Thickness: Adjust cooking time to achieve desired consistency by adding more milk if too thick or simmering longer if too thin.
• Enhance Flavor Variations: Experiment with different spices like cardamom or orange zest to create unique taste profiles.
• Boost Nutritional Value: Add chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios for extra protein and crunch when serving.

How to Save Amazing Old Fashioned Rice Pudding for Later

• Store leftover rice pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.
• Gently warm the pudding in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Stir constantly to prevent scorching.
• Heat individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Add a small amount of milk to maintain smooth texture.
• Freeze rice pudding in sealed containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and stir well before serving to restore consistency.

What Pairs Nicely With Amazing Old Fashioned Rice Pudding

• Pair this creamy dessert with a late harvest Riesling or Moscato d'Asti, whose gentle sweetness complements the pudding's rich, smooth texture without overwhelming its delicate flavors.
• Sprinkle toasted almonds or pecans on top to introduce a delightful crunch and earthy undertone that beautifully balances the pudding's soft, creamy consistency.
• Add a quick compote of caramelized pears or roasted apricots alongside the pudding, creating a vibrant fruity contrast that cuts through the dessert's richness and adds a sophisticated flavor dimension.
• Serve with a small shot of cardamom-infused coffee or chai tea, which will intensify the pudding's warm spice notes and provide a complex aromatic experience.

New Ways to Make Amazing Old Fashioned Rice Pudding Shine

• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap whole milk and half-and-half with coconut milk or almond milk for a creamy, plant-based version. Use maple syrup instead of sugar to enhance the natural sweetness.
• Gluten-Free Goodness: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Replace traditional rice with short-grain brown rice or jasmine rice for added nutrition and texture.
• Tropical Paradise: Add shredded coconut, diced mango, or passion fruit to create a vibrant, exotic flavor profile. Swap ground cinnamon with cardamom for a unique aromatic experience.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar. Include chia seeds for extra fiber and reduce overall sweetness while maintaining a rich, creamy consistency.

Amazing Old Fashioned Rice Pudding Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort flows through this classic Old Fashioned Rice Pudding, whisking memories of grandmother’s kitchen into each creamy spoonful. Warm cinnamon and sweet vanilla dance across tender rice, inviting you to savor pure, nostalgic deliciousness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• ½ cup (100g) uncooked white rice (medium or long grain)
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) whole milk
• 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) half-and-half (or heavy cream for extra creaminess)

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:

• ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus more for garnish)

Spices and Optional Add-ins:

• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• ½ cup (80 grams) raisins (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the base by boiling water in a medium saucepan, then gently introduce rice. Lower the heat and allow the grains to simmer, absorbing liquid until tender and fluffy, approximately 15 minutes.
2. Transition the cooked rice into a creamy canvas by incorporating whole milk, half-and-half, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir thoroughly and encourage a gentle simmer over moderate heat.
3. Nurture the pudding’s transformation, consistently stirring to prevent scorching. Maintain a rhythmic motion as the mixture gradually thickens and develops a luxurious, velvety texture, which typically requires 20-25 minutes.
4. Elevate the flavor profile by introducing vanilla extract, warming ground cinnamon, and fragrant ground nutmeg. Fold in plump raisins, allowing them to harmonize with the pudding’s creamy essence for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Present the pudding in individual serving bowls, offering a light dusting of cinnamon as a final flourish. Enjoy the dessert at your preferred temperature – comfortingly warm or refreshingly chilled.

Notes

• Selecting the right rice is crucial; short-grain or medium-grain varieties create the creamiest texture, ensuring a luxurious pudding.
• Use whole milk and half-and-half for maximum richness, but can swap with plant-based alternatives for dairy-free diets like almond or oat milk.
• Prevent scorching by stirring constantly and maintaining a low, gentle heat, which helps develop a smooth, velvety consistency without burning.
• Customize flavor profiles by experimenting with add-ins like orange zest, cardamom, or toasted coconut flakes for an exciting twist on the classic recipe.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 340
• Sugar: 24g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 47g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 40mg