Description
This classic rice pudding recipe is a creamy, comforting dessert made with tender short grain rice simmered in sweetened whole milk, flavored with vanilla and cinnamon, and optionally enhanced with plump raisins. Perfect served warm or chilled, it makes a delightful treat any time of the year.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4½ cups whole milk (1,080 mL)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 g)
- Pinch of salt
- ¾ cup uncooked short grain white rice (135 g)
- ⅓ cup raisins (optional) (55 g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon, to taste
Instructions
- Combine milk, sugar, and salt: In a large saucepan, stir together the whole milk, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Place over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Add rice and simmer: Once boiling, stir in the uncooked short grain rice. Reduce the heat to low and partially cover the saucepan. Let it simmer gently while stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the rice becomes tender and the mixture thickens, approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
- Add raisins and flavorings: Stir in the optional raisins, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon to taste. Continue cooking over low heat, stirring regularly, until the pudding reaches your desired thickness. Keep in mind the pudding will thicken further as it cools. If it becomes too thick, thin it with a little extra milk.
- Serve or chill: You can enjoy the rice pudding warm immediately or allow it to cool to room temperature. For a chilled dessert, refrigerate in an airtight container and serve cold. Optionally, sprinkle extra cinnamon on top before serving for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use short grain rice for a creamier texture; medium or long grain rice will yield a less creamy pudding.
- Stir frequently during simmering to prevent rice from sticking and burning on the bottom.
- Adjust sugar quantity to suit your sweetness preference.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk with almond or coconut milk, but the texture may vary.
- Raisins are optional and can be substituted with other dried fruits like currants or chopped dates.
- The pudding thickens as it cools, so serve slightly thinner than your preferred consistency while hot.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: rice pudding, creamy dessert, stovetop pudding, vanilla, cinnamon, raisins, classic dessert
