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Old Fashioned Creamy Stovetop Rice Pudding Recipe

Close-up of a white bowl filled with creamy rice pudding recipe, generously sprinkled with ground cinnamon.

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Make this classic, comforting rice pudding on your stovetop. This easy recipe yields a smooth, creamy dessert flavored with vanilla and cinnamon, perfect for a sweet treat.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup short-grain white rice
  • 6 cups whole milk
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus extra for topping
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear. Drain well.
  2. Combine the rinsed rice, whole milk, sugar, and salt in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan.
  3. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
  4. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low.
  5. Cook uncovered for 45 to 60 minutes, stirring every 5 to 10 minutes, especially toward the end. The pudding is done when the rice is tender and the mixture has thickened to a creamy consistency. Do not let it boil rapidly.
  6. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
  7. Serve the homemade pudding warm, or chill it completely for a cold dessert. If chilling, cover the surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.
  8. When serving, sprinkle the top with extra ground cinnamon.

Notes

  • This creamy rice pudding thickens considerably as it cools. If you prefer a looser texture when serving cold, stir in a small amount of extra milk after chilling.
  • For a richer flavor, substitute 1 cup of the whole milk with 1 cup of heavy cream.
  • This recipe is a great make-ahead pudding; it keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

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