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The Ultimate Creamy Old-Fashioned Stovetop Rice Pudding Recipe

A close-up of creamy rice pudding recipe served in a white bowl, generously topped with ground cinnamon.

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Make this classic, comforting rice pudding recipe on the stovetop for an ultra-creamy, nostalgic dessert. It uses simple ingredients and delivers rich, homemade flavor perfect for cozy nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup short-grain white rice (Arborio or medium-grain work well)
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 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 frequently to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
  3. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low. Continue to cook, stirring every 5 to 7 minutes, for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the mixture has thickened to a creamy consistency.
  4. Stir in the sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the pudding is smooth.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat. The pudding will thicken more as it cools.
  6. Serve the rice pudding warm, sprinkled with extra ground cinnamon, or chill completely for a cold dessert.

Notes

  • For an even creamier texture, you can substitute 1/2 cup of the milk with 1/2 cup of heavy cream.
  • If you prefer raisins, stir in 1/2 cup of golden raisins during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
  • This recipe is excellent for using leftover cooked rice; reduce the initial liquid amounts and cook time accordingly.

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