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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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!