Creamiest Rice Pudding Recipe

Introduction

Creamiest Rice Pudding is a comforting and rich dessert that perfectly balances creamy texture with a hint of vanilla and cinnamon. This simple recipe uses Arborio rice for a luscious, velvety finish that’s sure to satisfy any sweet craving.

Ingredients

• ¾ cup Arborio rice
• 4 cups whole milk
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon for topping (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse the Arborio rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear to remove excess starch.
2. Step 2: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the whole milk, granulated sugar, and salt. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely.
3. Step 3: Stir in the rinsed rice and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Step 4: Reduce the heat to low and cook uncovered for 30–35 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
5. Step 5: When the rice is tender and the pudding has thickened, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the unsalted butter and vanilla extract until melted and combined.
6. Step 6: Spoon the rice pudding into bowls and serve warm or chilled. Add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top if desired for extra flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking.
• Substitute coconut milk for whole milk to make a dairy-free version with a subtle tropical flavor.
• Add raisins or chopped nuts during the last 10 minutes of cooking for added texture and sweetness.
• Serve topped with fresh berries or a drizzle of honey for a fresh twist.

Storage

Store rice pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess. This pudding is delicious served cold or warmed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice?

Arborio rice is ideal because it releases starch to create a creamy texture. Using long-grain rice may result in a less creamy pudding, but it can still work with slightly adjusted cooking times.

Is it necessary to rinse the rice?

Rinsing helps remove excess surface starch and prevents the pudding from becoming overly thick or gummy. It’s recommended for the best texture but can be skipped if short on time.

Creamiest Rice Pudding Recipe

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4.5 from 150 reviews

This Creamiest Rice Pudding recipe features tender Arborio rice cooked slowly in whole milk with sugar and butter, resulting in a rich, velvety dessert. Infused with vanilla and optionally topped with cinnamon, it’s perfect served warm or chilled for a comforting sweet treat.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• ¾ cup Arborio rice
• 4 cups whole milk
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Optional Topping

• Ground cinnamon for topping (optional)

Instructions

1. Rinse Rice: Rinse the Arborio rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear to remove excess starch and prevent clumping during cooking.
2. Warm Milk Mixture: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the whole milk, granulated sugar, and salt. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar fully dissolves.
3. Add Rice and Simmer: Stir in the rinsed rice and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, ensuring it doesn’t boil vigorously to avoid scorching.
4. Cook Rice Pudding: Reduce the heat to low and cook uncovered for 30–35 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to allow the pudding to thicken and the rice to become tender.
5. Finish with Butter and Vanilla: When the rice is tender and the pudding has thickened to a creamy consistency, remove the pan from heat and stir in the unsalted butter and vanilla extract for richness and flavor.
6. Serve: Spoon the pudding into individual bowls. Serve warm or chilled, optionally sprinkling with ground cinnamon for added aroma and taste.

Notes

• Using Arborio rice is key to achieving the creamy texture, as its high starch content thickens the pudding naturally.
• Stirring frequently during cooking helps prevent the milk from scorching at the bottom of the pan.
• Adjust sugar quantity to taste if you prefer a less sweet pudding.
• You can substitute whole milk with 2% milk for a lighter version, but the pudding will be less rich.
• For a dairy-free option, try using coconut milk instead of whole milk and vegan butter instead of unsalted butter.
• The pudding thickens further as it cools, so adjust the final consistency by slightly shortening or extending cooking time.

Keywords: Creamiest Rice Pudding, Arborio Rice Pudding, Rice Dessert, Creamy Dessert, Vanilla Rice Pudding