Indulge in a classic and comforting dessert with this creamy rice pudding recipe. This dish is made with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, and it will surely become a family favorite. Whether you enjoy it warm with butter, milk, and brown sugar or cold with the flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites.
I love this pudding! I would much rather have a big bowl of this than a piece of cake or a bowl of ice cream. If you are in the same boat as I, you must make this recipe. You will be thrilled with the flavor and texture of this easy recipe. Preparing it in your kitchen gives you peace of mind about the ingredients and lets you enjoy it both warm and cold.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
See the complete list of ingredients on the recipe card below.
- Rice: Medium-grain or short-grain white rice. Do not rinse the rice.
- Milk: Preferably whole milk for a creamy finish.
- Butter: If using salted butter, eliminate the added salt.
- Vanilla extract: Use the pure stuff, please. It makes a big difference.
How To Make Rice Pudding
This is a summary version; for the complete list of ingredients and instructions, please refer to the recipe card below.
- Cook the rice.
- Add the milk and cook over medium-low heat until thick and creamy.
- Temper the egg, whisk it, and add it to the rice mixture with the granulated sugar.
- Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the butter and the vanilla extract.
Preparation Tips
- Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, so it does not burn to the bottom of the pot.
- Ensure you temper the egg so you do not end up with curdled or scrambled eggs.
- Add the ingredients in the order written in the final steps.
- If the pudding becomes too thick for your liking, add a couple of tablespoons of milk at a time until it reaches the desired thickness.
Always Temper the Egg for Rice Pudding
You don’t want to add an egg to a hot mixture without tempering it unless you are after that kind of effect, like in egg drop soup. But in this case, we want the egg to fully incorporate into the mixture, like in a pudding or a custard.
In a separate bowl, beat your egg. Now add 1-2 tablespoons of the hot liquid, whisking constantly. Once whisked in, repeat, thoroughly whisking after each addition. If the bowl is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, you will probably begin to feel it warm. Once warm, slowly whisk into the pot. This process will prevent it from curdling and help make a smooth finish.
Customize It
- cinnamon and nutmeg
- raisins or dried cranberries
- chocolate chips
- whipped cream
- chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans
- honey or brown sugar
- butter
More Pudding Recipes
Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
- ¾ cup medium grain white rice
- 1½ cups water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In large saucepan bring water to a boil. Add rice and salt; bring back to a boil. Turn to simmer, cover with tight fitting lid, and cook 15-20 minutes or until water is absorbed.
- Increase heat to medium low, add milk and cook until thick and creamy stirring constantly; approximately 15-20 minutes.
- In small bowl whisk egg. Add 1-2 tablespoons of the hot liquid to the egg; whisking constantly. Once whisked in, repeat again adding 1-2 tablespoons of the hot liquid to the egg; whisking constantly. Repeat if necessary thoroughly whisking after each addition until the egg mixture has warmed.
- Slowly whisk the egg mixture and sugar into the rice/milk mixture. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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Lisa
Gosh, I remember my mom making rice pudding especially during the wintertime. I’ve never tasted it nor made it before. Maybe I’ll try it now and see if the kids would like it.
Beth Pierce
It is delicious! You should make it.
Jerry
This rice pudding recipe was absolutely delicious. I loved how simple, comforting, and family-friendly it was. This creamy goodness is a new family favorite.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Jerry! So glad that you liked it.
Renata
This rice pudding is as good as the one my Grandma used to make. Thanks for bringing back such great memories.
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Renata!
Nicki
Wow! This is delicious rice pudding. Such great comfort food.
Karen S
Such a great comfort dish recipe, and using whole milk for extra creaminess was great 🙂 – it made a big difference. Next time I am adding a little cinnamon.
Sonja
This rice pudding was wonderfully nostalgic, especially the creamy texture and simple pantry ingredients. Proper comfort food done right.
Jas
I love a good creamy and yummy rice pudding with a sprinkle of cinnamon powder. This recipe was easy to follow and delicious!
Bedabrata Chakraborty
We do a similar dessert in India. We use cardamom pods and powder for flavouring and garnish with cashews and raisins!
Ebony
My husband absolutely loved this recipe! It was so easy to make and turned out so good. Can’t wait to make this again!
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Ebony!
Barbie R
I love rice pudding, so yummy. My mom used to make this a lot when we were kids. I’ve never made it myself, just buy it from the store. But it looks pretty easy, I may try it.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Barbie! Enjoy!