This classic creamy Rice Pudding Recipe is a family favorite dish. It is rich, lusciously creamy and is so darn easy to prepare. 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 just love this pudding! I would much rather have a big bowl of this than a piece of cake or bowl of ice cream. If you are in the same boat as me then you really must make this recipe. You will be absolutely thrilled with the flavor and texture from this easy recipe. Preparing it right in your own kitchen gives you peace of mind over the ingredients and a chance to enjoy it both warm and cold.
How do you make Rice Pudding
This easy yet amazingly delicious recipe starts with cooked rice. The rice is then combined with milk and cooked on the stove top until thick and creamy. In the final steps a tempered egg, sugar, butter and vanilla extract are added. The mixture is cooked just a couple more minutes and then you can add whatever you like or spoon into individual dishes so everyone can adjust their add ins to their liking. Please be sure to read the helpful hints on tempering eggs.
Delicious add ins for Rice Pudding!
- cinnamon and/or nutmeg
- raisins or dried cranberries
- chocolate chips
- whipped cream
- chopped almonds, walnuts or pecans
- honey or brown sugar
- butter
How to temper an egg!
You really don’t want to add an egg to a hot mixture without tempering it unless of course 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 simply add 1-2 tablespoons of the hot liquid whisking constantly. Once whisked in, repeat again 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 the egg mixture has begun to warm you can slowly whisk it into the warm pot without worrying that you will end up with a scrambled mess.
Recipe notes and helpful tips
- Use medium or short grain white rice. Do not use long grain rice.
- Use 2% or whole milk. Skim does not have enough fat.
- Cook over medium low heat stirring constantly. You don’t want this to burn to the bottom of the pot.
- Make sure you temper the egg so that you do not end up with curdled or scrambled eggs.
- Add the ingredients in the order they are written in the final steps.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay good for several days.
- If the pudding becomes too thick for your liking add a couple of tablespoons of milk at a time until desired thickness.
- Add raisins, cinnamon, or nutmeg to suit your taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
This amazing dessert is so delectable, easy and dependable. What are you waiting for? Put the ingredients for this treat on your shopping list today. Your loved ones will be singing your praises.
Other dessert recipes you will love
Easy Rice Pudding
This creamy old fashioned Rice Pudding comes together easily with fresh cooked or leftover rice. It is so velvety and luscious it will remind you of the pudding your grandmother used to make.
- Cook Time: 40
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup medium grain white rice
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups milk
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 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.
Notes
- Use medium or short grain white rice. Do not use long grain rice.
- Use 2% or whole milk. Skim does not have enough fat.
- Cook over medium low heat stirring constantly. You don’t want this to burn to the bottom of the pot.
- Make sure you temper the egg so that you do not end up with curdled or scrambled eggs.
- Add the ingredients in the order they are written in the final steps.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay good for several days.
- If the pudding becomes too thick for your liking add a couple of tablespoons of milk at a time until desired thickness.
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This post was originally published September 27, 2018 and was republished October 7, 2019 with new content.
https://www.smalltownwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Beth-1.pdf
Yeah Lifestyle
This was so creamy and delicious! Rice pudding brings back memories of childhood and I am definitely going to be making this again for the family! Thanks for the great recipe.
Oli
I just made this and it is so tasty!! It is just amazing how simple it is that anybody can make it.
Beth Pierce
So true Oli. I am glad that you liked it!
Lavanda
That was delicious, I’d love to eat this at every meal. Can’t wait to make this again. Thanks for sharing!
Tammy
Rice pudding always reminds me of the holidays. It’s such a delicious treat to have and so easy to make. This is a great recipe. I have made it several times and my family just loves it.
Melanie E
Thanks for the great rice pudding recipe. It’s perfect with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Such a yummy dessert.
Natasha
I love rice pudding with either Nutella in or some jam. Never made my own though.
Becky
Wow this is much easier than I thought it would be to make, thank you!
Beth Pierce
My pleasure Becky! So glad that it worked out for you because rice pudding is delicious!
Cloudy
Just wondering if leftover cooked rice can be used instead of cooking fresh rice?
And when can you add the other ingredients? Thank you for sharing it looks delicious!
Beth Pierce
Yes you can use leftover rice. Take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes prior to starting the recipe to bring it to room temperature. Then put it in a pot and start with step #2.
Edgar
I first saw this dish in a martial arts movie and from then, I got so interested that I prepared it. Thanks for sharing your great version.
Tammy
This looks really interesting to try! I love a delicious rice pudding, thank you for this. 🙂
Neely
My husband LOVES this rice pudding! He always wants me to make it for him.
pooja
I love this rice pudding and so does my son. We made it this time with medium grain rice and it turned out pretty darn good.
Jennifer Prince
Interesting! I always thought rice pudding was gross, but now that I’m an adult, I think I may try it. I felt the same way about beets, but now they’re my favorite food!
brianne
Oh, my family really sang me praises when I made this rice pudding successfully. It was delicious! Thank you for the recipe!
Stephanie
I didn’t realize rice pudding could be made fairly easily at home! It’s such a great dessert and I love being able to make it from scratch.
Beth Pierce
Thanks Stephanie! So glad that you liked it! I love rice pudding too!
Zeo Phillpotts
I am a super-huge fan of rice pudding, from the time my mum used to make it from dinner leftovers. I do not use eggs, but do enjoy making it with evaporated milk, brown sugar and/or a little caramel sauce. I also use nutmeg. Be sure to cook the rice very thoroughly before adding the milk.
Love your posts and recipes!
Beth Pierce
Thanks! Glad that you like my recipes.
Karin bylund
I’m going to try this rice pudding
Tomorrow I’m sure my boys will love it, we like the Mexican rice pudding and buy it a lot
I still cook all of my food fresh, I thought I’m going to make rice pudding and found this recipe and everyone says it easy
I’ll let you know tomorrow if they liked it, we eat it cold. Thank you
Karin
Beth Pierce
Thanks Karin! I hope you enjoy the rice pudding! It is delicious!
Clare
This was so easy and so delicious. I am not a cook. I can’t follow the simplistic of recipes, but I followed this and it turned out great. Thank you!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Clare! So glad that you liked it! I love that recipe!
Linda Z
I made this recipe from leftover white rice from our Chinese food take-out. It’s a delicious and creamy 5-star recipe! I added 1 tsp ground cinnamon. So delicious…thank you.
Beth Pierce
Thanks Linda! So glad that you liked it!!
Thunderkitty
I love golden raisins in mine so I added a cup of those (and a cinnamon stick) during the stirring time so they would get nice and plumpy. This recipe is soooo goood!
Beth Pierce
So glad that you liked it! I love raisins in mine too. So yummy!!
Ski
This was my Pandemic experiment #200ish. I’m sooo not a cook. Been trying things that brought me joy as a kid that I normally don’t buy. This was super easy and super delicious!!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Ski! So glad that you liked it. I do love a good rice pudding! Brings back good memories for me too!!
Jennifer
My husband loves rice pudding so I was so happy to find this simple yet delicious recipe! I already had the ingredients on hand. I only had long grain rice but it turned out great! He loved it! I bet it will be even better next time I make it with the correct rice!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Jennifer! So glad that you and your husband liked it! I love rice pudding!!
Sydnie
This rice pudding looks amazing! So excited to make it!
wilhelmina
I am in love with this creamy, dreamy pudding! The perfect comfort food. My family begs for this stuff!
Neli
This is the best rice pudding ever i made it for a dessert and my grandpa is in love with this recipe
Capri Lilly
I never knew how easy it was to make rice pudding until I discovered this recipe! I followed it step by step and it turned out delicious! Thank you for the great recipe!
Emily
Our family loves to have rice pudding as dessert and this recipe turned out delicious! We will definitely be making it again!
Tammy
It’s been a while since I’ve had rice pudding! I forgot how much I love it…it’s a delicious and comforting dessert. This looks wonderful!
Carrie Robinson
This is one of my favorite comfort food desserts! 🙂 I haven’t made in forever though.
Sherry Fuller
I love this recipe. I followed the recipe exactly, and it was nice and thick. I wonder if those who are getting runny pudding are cooking it long enough and on a low enough temperature. Mine set up perfectly in the refrigerator, but we found that we like it best reheated in the microwave until it is just warm and then sprinkled with cinnamon. Wonderful! Thank you for such a great easy recipe.
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome Sherry! So glad that you liked it. We love this recipe!
Josephine
I would love to make this rice pudding. I have one request, can I make it without the egg as I am allergic to eggs. Also can I use almond milk or oat milt as I’m allergic to regular milk. Yes I know I’m a pain in the butt LOL LOL LOL
Thank you.
Beth Pierce
I have not tried making this rice pudding without the egg so I am not sure if it would still end up creamy. Maybe one of the readers will have an opinion on your changes.
Katie
Made this tonight with left over rice and it is Amazing! Honestly one of the best rice puddings I’ve ever had.
Beth Pierce
That is awesome Katie! So glad that you liked it!
Abigail
If you’re starting with cooked rice, how much do you use? Thanks!
Beth Pierce
About 2.25 cups.
Sandra Shaffer
So creamy and delicious. We love this with cinnamon. Rice pudding reminds me of my grandmother. This was “her” dessert that she would make for us. Talk about comfort food!
Katie
This looks so good! Can’t wait to try it.
Amber
This recipe is very easy to follow and make. The end result…. Delicious, creamy, rice pudding that hit the spot! Not too sweet and perfect rice consistency. Like others, I added nutmeg for even better flavor.
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Amber! So glad that you liked it! We love it too!!
L.B.
Haven’t tried yet, would it still be good w/o egg? Thanks
Beth Pierce
I am not sure. I have not tried it that way.
Migle
It’s just perfect! I used to bought in store, but when I tried this one, I’m going to make it on my own!! Thank you for the recipe! Love it! 🙂
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Migle! Enjoy!!
Maryna
In the recipe it says to add hot liquid to the egg but doesn’t specify what kind of liquid. Could you please clarify? Thank uou
Beth Pierce
It is the hot rice milk mixture that is on the stove cooking. I hope that makes sense. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Bee
yay… wooohooo. .. just made a successful rice pudding…
Beth Pierce
Thanks Bee! So glad that it turned out good! I do love rice pudding!
Christie
Could you please email me this recipe. Thanks
Beth Pierce
Sure!
Jean
Thank you Beth for this good recipe. I followed the instruction and it turned out way too salty. I suggest everyone reduce the salt when cooking. I used short-grain rice and ended up adding a lot more milk. Other than that, the recipe worked great for me. I added some cinnamon and it tastes very good. Thanks again!
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome! Thanks for the tip. I love a little cinnamon in my rice pudding!! I wish I had a bowl right now!
James
Can you specify what “the hot liquid” is in the recipe? There is no mention of it besides “the hot liquid”…
Beth Pierce
You are adding a little bit of the rice milk mixture at a time to temper the egg. If you added the egg without warming it slowly it would end up as scrambled eggs.
Dianne Adams
I added raisins and sprinkled on a bit of brown sugar with the cinnamon and nutmeg – super delicious just like Mom used to make 60 years ago!!
Beth Pierce
That is so sweet. So glad that you liked it and it reminded you of good times with Mom!
Linda Vacketta
My Mom used to make rice pudding when we were kids but she cooked hers in the oven. If memory serves me right she would use a can Of Milnot evaporated milk. It was wonderful..
Beth Pierce
I bet it was wonderful. I just love rice pudding! It is so good!
Dannii
We love rice pudding. We usually make it with coconut milk too.
Natalie
I simply love rice pudding! Looks so delicious and comforting – perfect for upcoming winter.
Anita
It’s been ages since I last had a rice pudding. I tried out yours and they turn out good. I added chopped nuts and sprinkles with some cinnamon sugar, so good. 🙂
Danielle
It’s been a while since I last made rice pudding, so really keen to try your recipe! It looks yum, and I am sure it tastes even better! 🙂
Veena
Thank you for this awesome Rice Pudding recipe. Thanks for the detailed instruction to making it. The egg instructions are so very interesting and makes the pudding unique , creamy and yum.
M. Selv
Would leftover Chinese takeout white rice work for the rice?
Beth Pierce
Unfortunately most Chinese rice is long grain. It is best to use medium or short grain for this recipe.
Becca
Mmmmm I love home made rice pudding – reminds me of my childhood x
GARNET CLUTTER
LOVE THIS RICE PUDDING IS MY FAVORITE STIRING IS THE KEY TO MAKING THIS A GREAT RECIPE I SEE YOU ALSO MAKE BREADPUDDING MAY I HAVE THIS RECIPE. I WOULD LOVE THIS I’M 80 YEARS OLD AD LOVE TO COOK THAT THE ONLY WAY I CAN HAVE SOMETHING GOOD TO EAT LOL THANK SO MUCH FOR SHARING AND MAKING MY LIFE EASYER THANK YOU ALSO FOR YOUR TIME THANK GOD FOR PEOPLE LIKE YOU
Erika
Love me some rice pudding I’m German my Grandma use to make it for us grandkids it least once a week but that’s been many many years ago Grandma used to serve it with can pears or, peaches
I will be making me some rice pudding this week
Thank you so much for the recipe
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome Erika! I love rice pudding. So rich, creamy and sweet. I wish I had some right now!
Anosa
Rice pudding is one of my favourite desserts and this looks absolutely delicious. Certainly need to give it a try.
Beth Pierce
One of my favorites too! I just love it!!
Lo
One of my favorites deserts. Thank you for the recipe 🙂
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome! One of my favorites too!!
Kara
I have not had rice pudding for years……now I really fancy some
Beth Pierce
It is delicious! You should make it for yourself!!
Hailey
Yum, I love rice pudding. It’s the best winter dessert. You inspired me to make some this weekend!
Beth Pierce
You are going to love it. It is delicious!
Courtney
Omg can we say yum!!?! I’ve never made rice pudding, but it doesn’t look too difficult. Might have to give this a try!
Beth Pierce
It is very easy, creamy and delicious!!
Preet
This looks so easy to prepare for my kids. They will love this for sure.
Alexandra Cook
This looks so delughtful and tasty. My kids would absolutely this. I have to try making this.
Sommer
The best rice pudding I’ve ever had!
kumamonjeng
The ingredient is easy for us as we have rice everyday but I have not tried rice pudding before. Look super delicious and will try it out one day.
Beth Pierce
Awesome! I hope you enjoy it!
Erica
I have never eaten rice pudding before. I might be inclined to try this
Beth Pierce
Awesome! I hope you do!!
Sara
This dish looks delicious! Great tips on how to temper an egg; that can be tricky!
Yeah Lifestyle
We love rice pudding in our house but I have never tried making it myself. Might have to give this recipe a try.
John Mulindi
I just learned rice pudding from this article, it looks interesting recipe to try out. Thanks for sharing.
Jasmine Hewitt
i’ve never tried to make a rice pudding. but it sounds like something i should, my son might like it
Danielle
I don’t think that I have ever tried rice pudding before but it actually sounds really good. It also looks easy to make!
Beth Pierce
It is delicious and easy. I hope you try it!
Heather
I haven’t had rice pudding in so many years. I have to make some for the family soon.
Surekha Busa
Wow, this rice pudding looks so creamy, i will surely try this rice pudding recipe, i am pretty sure it is perfect and delicious.
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Surekha! I hope you love it as much as we do!
Chad
5 stars!!!! I love rice puddings, this one is very easy to prepare. Thanks a lot.
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Chad! I love rice pudding too!
Ashley
This is so creamy and perfect!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much! It is so delicious! You should give it try.
Erin
LOVE rice pudding. We add bourbon to ours 🙂
Beth Pierce
Everything is a better with a little bourbon!
Brianne
Love me some rice pudding! I’ve never made it, but this changes everything! Can’t wait to make it. Thanks so much for the tempering tip!
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome! You should make it! So easy and scrumptious!!
Liz
Thanks so much for all the tips! Mine turned out perfectly and my husband wants me to make it again next week!
Stacie
Nothing beats the flavor of real rice pudding. You cannot duplicate that creamy, sweet goodness with the stuff from the store. I can’t wait to give this recipe a try.
Nancy
I just made this rice pudding, OMG it is delish. Thank you. I’m glad i went out and bought Goya Medium Grain Rice.
Beth Pierce
Awesome! I am so glad that you liked it! I love rice pudding!
Kris
This is a great recipe & it’s exactly like one of my go to rice pudding recipes! I either make it like this, or I have another recipe where I cook the rice in the milk and add heavy cream. Both versions are great. And you’re absolutely right about using short or medium grained rice-it makes it so creamy! I actually like to use a combination of Arborio (short grained risotto rice) and medium grained rice. Sometimes I use some evaporated milk too, which is delish. I loveeee rice pudding lol & I make it a lot, so I have a few different variations on it.
Beth Pierce
Thanks Kris! I love rice pudding too! So delicious! Thanks for all the heads up on ingredients. I wish I had some rice pudding right now for my breakfast!
Krystle
Oh yummy, this reminds me of growing up with my Grandparents. I just used cinnamon this time, but I’ve gotta try chocolate chips too!
Beth Pierce
Cool beans! Always nice to make a recipe that shares a great memory! Chocolate chips sound great!
Carole Irvine
This is the closest to my mom’s Rice Pudding recipe, except that she would ship the egg whites & fold them in before adding cinnamon &
nutmeg. We always used to fight over it. Do not like the baked one. Thanks so much for posting.
Beth Pierce
My pleasure Carole!
Annette
Can you use long grain rice please email this recipe. Love rice pudding
Beth Pierce
Do not use long grain. It will not work near as well. Please helpful hints on making rice pudding.
Raymond
I just made it. Will it thicken up as it cools? Mind seemed a bit runny. Great taste though!
Beth Pierce
Hey Raymond it will thicken a little as it cools. Did you use medium or short grain rice? Did you use 2% or whole milk? Best question yet did it thicken as it set?
Raymond
Hello Beth. I used short grain rice, and whole milk. It did thicken a bit in the fridge, but still very runny. I love the taste. I will definitely try again. Maybe I need to let it thicken more once I add the milk?
Beth Pierce
Hey Raymond! Yes cook it until it is thick and creamy. It may take a couple of minutes longer depending on how high your heat is. Don’t want it too high or it might burn. Make sure you are stirring a lot. Oh one more thing don’t rinse your rice. I know some people do before making rice for stir fry but you want the starch there so don’t rinse it.
Raymond
Thanks so much Beth for the tips! I will try again.
Nancy kulbacki
Can I use instant rice?
Beth Pierce
No. It won’t work right
Nancy
Ty!!!
Beth Pierce
My pleasure!
Sally
Why can’t we use minute rice?
Beth Pierce
I have never tried. I just saw a recipe for minute rice pudding on All Recipes. I mean you are stuck in the house. Why not try. I don’t think you are going to get the same creamy result but who knows unless you try.
Janice
Could u send this to my email also.
Thx
Beth Pierce
Done
Shirley
Can you please email me your Rice Pudding Recipe . I don’t have a printer.
Thank you very much . I greatly appreciate it.
Beth Pierce
Done!
Steve
Rice pudding has been my dessert comfort food since childhood. My family makes it like you do except we thicken ours with cornstarch and water. I can’t tell you how much because our recipe isn’t written down, plus we make a huge amount when we do! The closest to ours that’s available commercially is made by Señor Rico. That’s for when I need a rice pudding fix NOW! 😉
Beth Pierce
Thanks for the heads up! I sure do love rice pudding. I have never needed cornstarch to thicken this. It always thickens nicely. I will have to look for that Señor Rico!
Gloria Festa
I don’t have a printer ,so may I please request you send it to my e-mail ?
I would love to make the rice pudding for my great-grands for Christmas.
You wouldn’t happen to have the recipe for bread pudding too ?
If so please include that also.
Thank-you & God Bless
Beth Pierce
I just sent it via email. I hope you enjoy!
Jacqueline Delano
I also do not have a printer. Could you also email this recipe to me via email and also a bread pudding recipe. I have tried so many recipes for bread pudding and I can not seem to make it turn out like my Mom’s.
Thanks so much,
Jacque
Beth Pierce
No problem. I sent it off a little bit ago! Enjoy!
Col
Why butter. Wouldn’t that change the flavor?
Beth Pierce
I think it makes it even better however it is certainly not a key ingredient so you could easily omit it.
paula atwood
can you let me print this rice recipe , please
Beth Pierce
You should be able to print every recipe unless your system is blocking it because of advertising. I sent the recipe to your email. I hope that works for you.
Sandy
Could I please have this emailed to me . Thank you
Beth Pierce
I just sent it!
Shirley F. Adair
CaN YOU PLEASE E MAIL THIS TO ME!
Beth Pierce
Consider it done!
Kirsten
Happened to try this recipe out last week, and, THANK YOU!! I’ve tried a lot of rice pudding recipes and this is the only one I’ve ever been happy with. And not just happy, but in heaven. It’s perfect (and so simple)! Added a little cinnamon/nutmeg to mine, and plan to try it with cardamom next. Cheers!
Beth Pierce
I love your sweet comment. I am so glad that you like it. I try my best. I love cinnamon and nutmeg in mine too! Delicious!!! I could eat the whole pan!
Beth Pierce
No I have not.
Natalie
My Mom used to cook this delicious recipe, when I was a kid. Shed add the raisins, butter, cinnamon and nutmeg. Then she’d bake it in custard cups. I will try this recipe. It brings back memories.
Beth Pierce
Thanks Natalie! Enjoy! Food can be so nostalgic!
Nadia
I made and loved it.
Beth Pierce
I am so glad that you loved it!
Beth Pierce
I have never tried but I do not think it would work. It needs to be stirred quite a bit to make it creamy! I am not sure that a crock pot could maintain temperature with the lid off.
Alice
What happens if you only have long grain. What will the difference be
Beth Pierce
It will not turn out as creamy.
Frances Myers
Just made the rice pudding for lunch. The very best I have ever had. So creamy. We ABSOLUTELY loved it. Thanks so much for sharing.
Beth Pierce
My pleasure Frances! I am so glad that you liked it!
Liz
My mom use to add raisins to her pudding. I will try your recipe. It sounds so good
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Liz! Enjoy!