Silky Nostalgia: Grandma’s Creamy Old Fashioned Rice Pudding Recipe

Comfort arrives in a bowl with this classic old fashioned rice pudding recipe that generations have cherished.

Rich, smooth, and deeply satisfying, this dessert whispers memories of grandma’s kitchen.

Creamy textures blend with subtle sweetness, creating a nostalgic treat.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, promising delightful results.

Warm vanilla notes dance through each spoonful, inviting pure culinary happiness.

The recipe offers a timeless connection to traditional home cooking.

Indulge in this sweet, velvety dessert that celebrates pure, uncomplicated deliciousness.

Rice Pudding Serving Ideas with a Nostalgic Touch

• Sweet Cinnamon Swirl: Dust extra ground cinnamon on top and create beautiful spirals for a gorgeous presentation that enhances the pudding's warm, comforting flavor.
• Fruity Fresh Twist: Add a handful of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries alongside the pudding to bring bright, tangy notes that complement the creamy sweetness.
• Nutty Crunch Topping: Sprinkle chopped almonds, pecans, or toasted coconut flakes over the pudding to introduce a delightful texture contrast and rich, earthy undertones.
• Caramel Drizzle Delight: Gently pour a thin stream of warm caramel sauce over the pudding, creating elegant swirls that add luxurious depth and extra decadence to the classic dessert.

Keep Rice Pudding Ready for Next Time

• Keep rice pudding in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Let pudding cool completely before refrigerating. This prevents condensation and maintains the creamy texture. Transfer to a shallow dish for quicker cooling.
• Warm gently in microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Stir frequently to prevent scorching and ensure even heating.
• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and gently stir before serving to restore original consistency.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?

Most short-grain or medium-grain white rice works well. Avoid using long-grain rice as it won’t create the same creamy texture.

• Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute whole milk and half-and-half with coconut milk or almond milk. The consistency might be slightly different but still delicious.

• How can I prevent the rice from burning at the bottom of the pan?

Stir frequently and keep the heat on low-medium. Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan and don’t walk away from the stove while cooking.

• Can I skip the raisins if I don't like them?

Absolutely! You can omit raisins or replace them with other mix-ins like chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or chocolate chips.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 315 kcal

Servings: 7

Classic Rice Pudding Ingredients Breakdown

• Rice: Perfect base for creamy pudding, choose short-grain rice for best texture and absorption.
• Water: Essential for initial rice cooking, helps create soft rice foundation.
• Whole Milk: Provides rich, luxurious creaminess and smooth consistency.
• Half-and-Half: Enhances pudding's velvety texture and deepens flavor profile.

• Sugar: Adds delightful sweetness, balances other flavors.
• Salt: Subtle enhancement that rounds out overall taste.
• Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, aromatic depth and classic dessert flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon: Brings warm, comforting spice note.
• Ground Nutmeg: Optional but adds complex, slightly nutty undertone.

• Raisins: Provides sweet, chewy bursts of flavor and interesting texture variation, choose plump, moist raisins for best results.

Tools to Make Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding Simple

• Medium Saucepan: Essential for cooking rice and creating the creamy pudding base.
• Measuring Cups: Precise measurements for rice, water, milk, and other ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and preventing rice from sticking to the pan.
• Measuring Spoons: Needed for adding vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg accurately.
• Serving Bowls: For presenting and serving the warm or chilled rice pudding.

Rice Pudding Instructions From Start to Spoon

• Kickstart Rice Cooking

Boil water in a saucepan and toss in rice. Lower the heat and let it simmer gently until the rice soaks up all the liquid and becomes tender.

• Create Creamy

Pour whole milk, cream, sugar, and a pinch of salt into the cooked rice. Stir everything together and let it bubble softly over low heat.

• Transform into Pudding

Stir constantly as the mixture transforms into a luscious, thick pudding. Keep an eye on it to prevent any scorching at the bottom of the pan.

• Infuse with Flavor

Splash in vanilla and sprinkle cinnamon and nutmeg. Toss in raisins and let everything mingle and dance together for a few more minutes.

• Dish Out Deliciousness

Scoop the warm, creamy pudding into bowls. Dust with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon for a final touch of comfort. Enjoy it steaming hot or refreshingly cool.

Suggestions for Rice Pudding Texture & Flavor

• Stir the rice constantly during cooking to prevent burning and ensure even, creamy texture throughout.
• Prepare this pudding up to 3 days in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for quick, delicious desserts.
• Swap whole milk and half-and-half with coconut milk or almond milk for a lactose-free version that's equally rich and satisfying.
• Experiment with mix-ins like chopped almonds, dried cranberries, or a splash of rum for an exciting flavor boost that transforms the classic recipe.
• This naturally gluten-free dessert is perfect for those with wheat sensitivities, offering a warm and nostalgic treat without any modifications needed.

Creamy Old Fashioned Rice Pudding Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Classic Old Fashioned Rice Pudding brings creamy comfort from generations past. Grandma’s cherished recipe delivers sweet nostalgia with simple ingredients and heartwarming memories for you.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (480 ml/16 fl oz) whole milk
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml/12 fl oz) half-and-half (or heavy cream for extra creaminess)
• ½ cup (100 g) uncooked white rice (medium or long grain)
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon (plus more for garnish)
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
• ½ cup (80 g) raisins (optional)

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Instructions

1. Rice Foundation: Boil water in a medium saucepan, add rice, and reduce heat to create a gentle simmer. Allow grains to absorb liquid and become tender, cooking for approximately 15 minutes until perfectly soft.
2. Creamy Transformation: Merge cooked rice with whole milk, half-and-half, sugar, and salt. Stir thoroughly and maintain a moderate heat, encouraging a gentle simmering process that develops a rich, smooth consistency.
3. Flavor Infusion: Continuously stir the mixture to prevent burning, watching as the pudding gradually thickens into a luxurious texture. Incorporate vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and raisins, blending all ingredients harmoniously for an additional 5-7 minutes.
4. Serving Artistry: Transfer the pudding into elegant serving bowls, garnishing with a delicate sprinkle of ground cinnamon. Offer the dessert at either a comforting warm temperature or a refreshing chilled state, depending on personal preference.

Notes

• Prevent Rice Sticking: Stir frequently during initial cooking to avoid grains clumping or burning at pan bottom, ensuring even, smooth texture.
• Control Milk Consistency: Watch heat carefully while simmering milk mixture; lower temperature helps prevent scorching and maintains creamy, silky pudding texture.
• Customize Flavor Variations: Experiment with alternative spices like cardamom or orange zest, or swap raisins with dried cranberries or chopped nuts for personalized taste.
• Adjust Dietary Needs: Use lactose-free milk for sensitive diets, replace sugar with honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness, or create dairy-free version using coconut milk.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 315
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg