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The Ultimate Creamy Old Fashioned Stovetop Rice Pudding

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

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You get the comforting taste of nostalgia with this creamy, sweet, and delicately spiced classic dessert. This easy stovetop rice pudding recipe delivers rich, velvety texture using simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup short-grain white rice (Arborio works well)
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus extra for topping)

Instructions

  1. Combine the rice, whole milk, and water in a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
  2. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring often to prevent scorching on the bottom.
  3. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low. Continue to cook, stirring frequently (every 3 to 5 minutes), for 45 to 60 minutes. The rice should absorb most of the liquid and become tender.
  4. Stir in the granulated sugar and salt. Continue cooking for another 5 to 10 minutes, stirring constantly until the pudding thickens to your desired consistency. Remember it will thicken more as it cools.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon.
  6. Serve the rice pudding warm, or transfer it to a bowl, cover the surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming, and chill completely for a cold dessert.

Notes

  • For an extra creamy texture, substitute 1/2 cup of the whole milk with 1/2 cup of evaporated or sweetened condensed milk.
  • If you prefer raisins, add 1/2 cup of golden raisins when you add the sugar in step 4.
  • This recipe is perfect for making ahead; it stores well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

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