Creamy Rice Pudding

Featured in Desserts.

Nailed Grandma's pudding! It’s a one-hour process, mostly simmering. Short-grain rice turns out so creamy, sweetened with brown sugar. Added flavor with vanilla and cinnamon. Enjoy it warm or cold. The raisins get so soft and juicy. Comfort food alert—it makes the house smell heavenly.
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Updated on Thu, 17 Apr 2025 16:11:29 GMT
A wooden bowl of creamy rice pudding with raisins and cinnamon, beside an egg and scattered oats. Pin it
A wooden bowl of creamy rice pudding with raisins and cinnamon, beside an egg and scattered oats. | tasteofmoms.com

Nothing beats homemade rice pudding for pure comfort food. I've tweaked this method over time and found the key to that silky-smooth texture while keeping the rice soft and full of flavor. When it's cooking, the vanilla and cinnamon smells that fill your home are simply wonderful.

Soothing Comfort

The beauty of this silky rice pudding lies in how basic yet flexible it is. Something truly heartwarming happens when soft rice meets sweet milk and cozy spices. My kids always drift into the kitchen once they catch that smell, knowing something tasty is about to appear.

Your Ingredients

  • Short-Grain Rice: Arborio gives best results.
  • Whole Milk: Need the fat for richness.
  • Egg: Adds that velvety finish.
  • Brown Sugar: Gives deeper sweetness.
  • Vanilla: Go for real extract.
  • Warm Spices: Good old cinnamon works wonders.
  • Salt: Just a tiny bit.

Cooking Steps

Add Your Touch
Top it off with your favorite flavors.
Create Creaminess
Let it thicken up nicely.
Temper with Care
Don't rush when mixing in the egg.
Begin with Rice
Cook it gently and patiently.

Tips for Perfect Results

Making great rice pudding comes down to taking your time and staying attentive. Keep that spoon moving gently and watch your heat level. The slow cooking really builds amazing creaminess and lets all those flavors meld together.

Enjoy Your Creation

You can enjoy this pudding hot or cold from the fridge. I like to put different things on top like fresh fruit or a splash of maple syrup. It stays good in the fridge for whenever you want something sweet and comforting.

A wooden bowl of creamy rice pudding topped with cinnamon and raisins, accompanied by an egg, cinnamon sticks, and a small bowl of sugar. Pin it
A wooden bowl of creamy rice pudding topped with cinnamon and raisins, accompanied by an egg, cinnamon sticks, and a small bowl of sugar. | tasteofmoms.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why use short-grain rice?
Short-grain rice is key because it releases starch, giving the pudding its creamy texture. Long-grain won't cut it.
→ Why should eggs be tempered?
Tempering warms the eggs little by little, so they don't scramble when mixed into the warm rice mixture.
→ Why avoid boiling after adding eggs?
Boiling after eggs go in would curdle it. Cook it gently to keep it smooth and creamy.
→ Will it get thicker as it cools?
Yep, expect it to thicken as it cools. It might seem thin when warm, but that's normal.
→ Is any rice okay to use?
Stick to short or medium-grain like Calrose. Skip basmati, jasmine, or brown rice—they won't give the right texture.

Rice Pudding Creamy

This smooth, creamy pudding features short-grain rice, whole milk, and raisins. It’s a cozy treat—perfect served warm or chilled.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Ashley

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (3-4 servings)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 Pinch of salt.
02 1/4 cup (50g) packed dark brown sugar.
03 2 1/2 cups (600ml) whole milk.
04 1/3 cup (66g) short-grain rice.
05 1/3 cup (40g) raisins.
06 1 large egg.
07 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
08 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon.

Instructions

Step 01

Stir milk, rice, and a pinch of salt in a pan until boiling. Lower the heat, half-cover, and stir often for 20-25 minutes as it simmers.

Step 02

Beat the egg with brown sugar. Slowly add some of the hot cooked rice, stirring while you do it, to warm up the eggs gently.

Step 03

Pour the warmed egg mix back into the rice. Cook on the lowest heat, stirring until it thickens to 160°F. Don’t let it boil.

Step 04

Take the pan off the heat and mix in raisins, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.

Step 05

Enjoy it chilled or warm. It gets thicker as it cools down.

Notes

  1. Short-grain rice works best for a creamy result.
  2. It thickens naturally when cooled.
  3. You can eat it either cold or warm.

Tools You'll Need

  • Medium-sized saucepan with a heavy base.
  • Whisk or fork.
  • A bowl for mixing.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains eggs.
  • Contains dairy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 240
  • Total Fat: 6 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 7 g