Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding: A Classic Comfort Dessert

There’s something truly nostalgic about Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding. This creamy, thick pudding with a rich vanilla aroma and a touch of cinnamon evokes the warmth and simplicity of traditional homemade desserts. Whether you grew up enjoying this treat at family gatherings or are trying it for the first time, rice pudding is a timeless classic that’s both comforting and satisfying. The combination of tender rice cooked slowly in milk, sweetened to perfection, and flavored with vanilla creates a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate. In this recipe, we’ll walk you through the steps to make this old-school rice pudding, along with tips to help you achieve the perfect consistency every time.

Let’s dive into the ingredients, steps, and tips to make this dessert, followed by some commonly asked questions to help you master this recipe.

Ingredients

6 cups whole milk, divided

½ cup sugar
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup long-grain white rice (heaping ½ cup)

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Optional:

Ground cinnamon for topping

How to Make Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding

Step 1: Prepare the Milk Mixture

In a large saucepan, combine 5½ cups of whole milk, sugar, and salt. Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure the sugar dissolves. Heat the milk mixture over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until it comes to a boil.

Tip: Keep an eye on the milk as it heats. Milk tends to boil over quickly, so be ready to reduce the heat once it starts bubbling.

Step 2: Add the Rice and Cook

Once the milk is boiling, add the washed rice to the saucepan. Stir to distribute the rice evenly. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the pot, leaving it slightly ajar to allow steam to escape. Cook the rice over low heat for 50 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

The key to perfect rice pudding is slow cooking. Allow the rice to absorb the milk gradually, creating a rich and creamy texture. As the pudding cooks, it will thicken and develop a luscious consistency.

Tip: If the mixture is getting too thick too quickly, add a splash of the reserved milk to keep the pudding from becoming too dense.

Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract and Cool

When the rice pudding has reached the desired thickness, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract, which will enhance the sweetness and add a fragrant aroma to the pudding. Let the rice pudding cool for a few minutes in the pot.

Tip: If you prefer a thicker consistency, allow the pudding to cool completely before serving. As it cools, the pudding will continue to thicken.

Step 4: Add the Remaining Milk and Serve

Before serving, pour the remaining ½ cup of milk into the pudding. This helps loosen the mixture slightly, giving it a creamier finish. Stir well to incorporate the milk and spoon the pudding into individual bowls.

For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle ground cinnamon on top of each serving. The warm spice pairs perfectly with the vanilla and adds a beautiful contrast to the creamy pudding.

Tips for Perfect Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding

Use Whole Milk for Creaminess: Whole milk provides the best creamy texture for rice pudding. If you use lower-fat milk, the pudding may turn out less rich.
Choose the Right Rice: Long-grain white rice works well in this recipe because it absorbs the liquid evenly and becomes tender without turning mushy. Be sure to rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch.
Stir Occasionally: To prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan or forming a skin, make sure to stir the pudding occasionally during cooking. This also helps distribute the heat evenly, ensuring a smooth texture.
Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer your rice pudding on the sweeter side, feel free to increase the sugar to ¾ cup. Likewise, you can reduce the sugar slightly if you want a more subtle sweetness.
Customize Your Flavors: Vanilla and cinnamon are classic additions to rice pudding, but feel free to experiment with other flavors like nutmeg, cardamom, or even a splash of almond extract.
Serve Warm or Chilled: Rice pudding can be enjoyed either warm or cold. If you plan to serve it cold, allow the pudding to chill in the refrigerator for at least a couple of hours. Cold rice pudding tends to be thicker, while warm pudding is creamier and more fluid.

FAQs about Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding

1. Can I use a different type of rice?
Yes, you can use other types of rice, but keep in mind that the texture may change slightly. Arborio rice, which is often used in risotto, can create a creamier pudding due to its higher starch content. Short-grain rice can also work, but it may result in a stickier pudding.

2. Can I make rice pudding without sugar?
Absolutely! If you want to reduce the sugar content, you can substitute it with natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or a sugar alternative such as stevia. Keep in mind that using liquid sweeteners may slightly alter the texture of the pudding.

3. How do I store leftover rice pudding?
Store any leftover rice pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you may want to add a splash of milk to loosen the pudding, as it tends to thicken as it cools.

4. Can I freeze rice pudding?
Yes, rice pudding can be frozen for up to 3 months. However, the texture may become grainy after freezing and thawing. To freeze, portion the pudding into airtight containers and allow it to cool completely before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding extra milk if needed.

5. What if my rice pudding is too thick?
If your rice pudding turns out thicker than desired, simply stir in additional milk, a little at a time, until you reach your preferred consistency.

6. Can I add raisins or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Raisins are a traditional addition to rice pudding, and they can be added during the last 10 minutes of cooking so they plump up. Other mix-ins like chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or chocolate chips can also be used to customize your pudding.

Conclusion

Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding is a beloved dessert for a reason—it’s simple, comforting, and irresistibly creamy. With just a few ingredients and a little patience, you can create a rich, flavorful pudding that is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. By following these tips and techniques, you’ll have a pudding that strikes the perfect balance of sweetness and texture every time. Whether served warm with a dusting of cinnamon or chilled straight from the fridge, this classic rice pudding recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.