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Old-Fashioned Creamy Stovetop Rice Pudding

A close-up of creamy rice pudding served in a white bowl, generously dusted with ground cinnamon.

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Make a rich, creamy, and comforting old-fashioned rice pudding using simple stovetop methods. This recipe focuses on achieving a smooth texture perfect for a classic sweet treat.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup short grain white rice
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus extra for topping)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Combine the rice and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer until the water is absorbed, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the whole milk to the saucepan with the rice. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
  3. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low. Continue to cook, stirring often, for 40 to 50 minutes. The pudding thickens as the rice absorbs the milk and releases starch.
  4. When the pudding reaches your desired creamy consistency, remove it from the heat. Stir in the sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.
  5. Serve the rice pudding warm, sprinkled with extra cinnamon, or chill completely for a cold dessert.

Notes

  • For an even creamier result, stir the pudding every few minutes, especially toward the end of cooking.
  • If the pudding becomes too thick upon cooling, stir in a splash of milk to reach your preferred texture.
  • You can substitute brown sugar for white sugar for a deeper flavor profile.

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