Rice Pudding

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Creamy Rice Pudding is an old-fashioned dessert that turns simple pantry ingredients into something warm, comforting, and delicious. Tender rice simmers with milk, sugar, butter, raisins, vanilla, and cinnamon to create a sweet pudding with a soft, creamy texture. A little lemon zest adds a fresh note that balances the sweetness, while cinnamon gives every spoonful its familiar, cozy flavor.

One of the best things about this recipe is how quickly it comes together. Because it starts with cooked white rice, there’s no need to wait for a fresh pot of rice to finish cooking. In about 30 minutes, you can transform leftover rice or freshly cooked rice into a satisfying dessert that serves four to six people.

To make the pudding, combine the cooked rice, milk, sugar, and butter in a medium saucepan. Stir in the raisins and vanilla, then cook gently for about 25 minutes, stirring as needed, until much of the milk has been absorbed and the mixture becomes creamy. Finish with grated lemon zest and some of the cinnamon, then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon over the top before serving.

A heavy-bottomed saucepan is a useful tool for rice pudding because it helps distribute heat evenly and reduces the chance of scorching the milk. Keep the mixture at a gentle simmer rather than a rapid boil, and stir regularly as it thickens.

Rice pudding can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or chilled. When served warm, it will be looser and more spoonable. After refrigeration, the rice absorbs more liquid and the pudding firms up. Stir it before serving, and add a splash of milk if you prefer a softer consistency.

Serve it in small bowls with an extra dusting of cinnamon, or add a few extra raisins for a simple finishing touch. Whether you’re using up leftover rice or making a dessert for a quiet evening at home, this classic Rice Pudding is an easy recipe worth keeping close at hand.

Try these other sweet recipes: Luscious Lemon Squares, Easy Chocolate Ice Cream or Salted-Caramel Pineapple Upside-Down Cake.

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