Old Fashioned Rice Pudding

 

Old Fashioned Rice Pudding Recipe: Creamy, Comforting & Nostalgic

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Introduction

Rice pudding is one of those classic desserts that feel like a warm hug on a chilly day. It’s a nostalgic dish passed down through generations, simple in its ingredients but incredibly rich in comfort and flavor. This Old Fashioned Rice Pudding brings back memories of cozy family kitchens, slow-simmered pots on the stove, and the delightful aroma of cinnamon and vanilla filling the air.

Unlike some modern rice puddings that rely on quick-cooking rice or instant mixes, this recipe embraces a slow-cooked, creamy, and luscious texture with tender, almost melting grains of rice surrounded by sweetened milk infused with warm spices. Whether served warm or chilled, plain or topped with fruit or nuts, this rice pudding is a classic dessert everyone should know.

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History & Background

Rice pudding is a dessert found in many cultures worldwide — from Indian kheer to Spanish arroz con leche to Scandinavian risgrynsgröt. The “old fashioned” style typically uses white rice cooked slowly in milk and sugar until tender and creamy, flavored with vanilla, cinnamon, and sometimes nutmeg or citrus zest.

Traditionally, it was a humble dish made to stretch pantry staples and offer a simple, sweet ending to meals. Today, it’s enjoyed as a nostalgic comfort food and an elegant dessert.

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Why Make Rice Pudding From Scratch?

• You control the quality of ingredients — no preservatives or artificial flavorings.

• The slow cooking produces a silky, creamy texture not matched by instant mixes.

• You can customize spices, sweetness, and add-ins to your liking.

• It’s budget-friendly and easy to make with pantry staples.

• Leftovers are delicious, and it reheats beautifully.

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Ingredients Overview

This recipe focuses on simple, wholesome ingredients to create a rich and creamy pudding:

• Rice: Medium-grain or short-grain white rice works best for creaminess.

• Milk: Whole milk is ideal for richness, but you can blend with cream or use alternatives.

• Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the pudding gently.

• Flavorings: Vanilla bean or extract, cinnamon stick or ground cinnamon, and optionally nutmeg or citrus zest.

• Eggs: Optional, used for thickening and richness (classic recipes often include).

• Salt: A pinch enhances the flavors.

• Butter: Optional, for silkiness and depth.

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Ingredients

• 1 cup medium-grain white rice (e.g., Calrose or Arborio)

• 4 cups whole milk (or 3 cups milk + 1 cup heavy cream for extra richness)

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 vanilla bean (split and scraped) or 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• 1 cinnamon stick or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 2 large eggs (optional, for thickening)

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional)

• Ground nutmeg or lemon zest for garnish (optional)

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Equipment Needed

• Heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven

• Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Small bowl (for whisking eggs, if using)

• Serving bowls or ramekins

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Step-By-Step Instructions

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Step 1: Rinse the Rice

Place the rice in a fine-mesh sieve or bowl and rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess surface starch to prevent clumping and results in a smoother texture.

Drain well.

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Step 2: Combine Milk, Sugar, and Spices

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine:

• Milk

• Sugar

• Cinnamon stick (or ground cinnamon added later)

• Vanilla bean pod and scraped seeds (if using bean)

Heat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves and mixture is hot but not boiling.

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Step 3: Add Rice and Simmer

Add the rinsed rice and salt to the warm milk mixture.

Reduce heat to low and simmer gently, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and scorching.

Maintain a gentle simmer — too high heat will cause the milk to scorch or boil over.

Simmer uncovered for 35-45 minutes until rice is tender and the mixture thickens to a creamy pudding consistency.

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Step 4: Optional Egg Tempering and Thickening

If using eggs for a richer, custard-like texture:

• In a small bowl, whisk eggs lightly.

• Temper the eggs by slowly adding about 1 cup of the hot rice pudding liquid into the eggs while whisking constantly.

• Slowly pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan, stirring continuously.

• Cook over very low heat for 2-3 minutes until thickened but do not boil to avoid curdling.

If not using eggs, just simmer until thickened as in Step 3.

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Step 5: Add Butter and Remove Spices

Stir in butter for extra silkiness and richness.

Remove the vanilla bean pod and cinnamon stick (if whole).

Add ground cinnamon here if you didn’t add a stick earlier.

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Step 6: Taste and Adjust

Taste your pudding and adjust sweetness or spice as desired.

If it’s too thick, stir in a little more milk to loosen.

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Step 7: Serve Warm or Chill

Serve warm immediately, sprinkled with a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or lemon zest for brightness.

Or pour into individual bowls or a large dish, cover, and chill for 2-3 hours or overnight. Rice pudding thickens more when chilled; stir before serving and add a splash of milk if needed.

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Tips for Perfect Rice Pudding

• Use whole milk or cream: For richest flavor and creamy texture.

• Low and slow: Patience is key. Stir often to prevent scorching and develop creamy texture.

• Avoid instant rice: Short or medium-grain white rice yields best results.

• Add citrus zest: Lemon or orange zest adds a bright lift to the traditional flavors.

• Vanilla bean vs. extract: Bean pods impart deeper flavor, but extract works well too.

• Eggs for custard style: Optional but gives a luscious, custard-like pudding.

• Keep stirring: Prevents clumping and sticking, especially towards the end.

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Variations & Flavor Ideas

• Classic Cinnamon & Raisin: Add ½ cup raisins during last 10 minutes of cooking.

• Coconut Rice Pudding: Replace 1 cup of milk with coconut milk; garnish with toasted coconut flakes.

• Chocolate Rice Pudding: Stir in ¼ cup cocoa powder or melted chocolate with the milk.

• Spiced Rice Pudding: Add star anise, cardamom pods, or cloves with cinnamon for warm spices.

• Fruit Topping: Serve with stewed fruit, fresh berries, or fruit compote.

• Savory Rice Pudding: For a unique twist, reduce sugar, add cheese and herbs for a savory version.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a pat of butter or cream.

• Chill and serve topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit.

• Pair with a cup of strong black coffee or spiced chai tea for a comforting combo.

• Garnish with toasted nuts (almonds, pistachios) for crunch.

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Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate leftover rice pudding in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Pudding thickens in the fridge; add a splash of milk when reheating to loosen it.

• Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or microwave in short bursts.

• Do not boil during reheating to avoid curdling.

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Nutritional Info (per serving, based on 6 servings)

• Calories: ~250-300

• Fat: 8-10g

• Carbohydrates: 40-45g

• Protein: 7-8g

• Sugar: 20-25g

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use brown rice for rice pudding?
A: Brown rice takes much longer to cook and will yield a different texture. It’s best to stick with medium or short-grain white rice for creamy pudding.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! Substitute milk with coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk. Coconut milk adds richness; other alternatives may need additional thickening.

Q: How do I prevent the pudding from sticking to the pan?
A: Use a heavy-bottomed pan, stir frequently, and keep the heat low.

Q: Can I prepare this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, combine all ingredients (except eggs if using) in a slow cooker on low for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally. Temper eggs and stir in near the end if desired.

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Final Thoughts

This Old Fashioned Rice Pudding is a timeless, soul-warming dessert that embodies simplicity and comfort. Its creamy texture, fragrant vanilla and cinnamon notes, and subtle sweetness make it perfect for any season and occasion. Whether you serve it warm from the stove or chilled on a summer afternoon, it’s sure to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart.

Once you master this basic recipe, feel free to experiment with your favorite flavors, mix-ins, and toppings to make it your own. From cinnamon-raisins to chocolate swirls, the possibilities are endless.

Enjoy your cozy, creamy bowl of homemade rice pudding — a true classic dessert that never goes out of style.