Let me tell you, there’s something magical about a warm bowl of easy rice pudding that just wraps you in comfort! This creamy dessert is not only incredibly simple to make but also brings back a flood of sweet memories from my childhood. I remember watching my grandma stir the pot, the sweet aroma filling the kitchen, making it impossible to wait for it to cool down! With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up this delightful treat in no time. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it a regular on your dessert table!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup of rinsed rice: I love using medium-grain rice for that creamy texture, but you can use any rice you have on hand!
- 4 cups of whole milk: For that rich and velvety pudding, whole milk is the way to go. It makes all the difference!
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar: This sweetens the deal! You can adjust it to your taste—if you like it sweeter, go for it!
- 1/4 teaspoon of fine salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance those lovely flavors.
- 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract: Trust me, the vanilla adds a warm, inviting aroma that you just can’t skip!
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon: This gives a cozy, spiced flavor that makes your pudding feel like a hug in a bowl!
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps achieve that creamy texture we’re going for.
- In a medium-sized pot, combine the rinsed rice, 4 cups of whole milk, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of fine salt. Give it a good stir to mix everything together.
- Now, bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Keep an eye on it because you don’t want it to boil over—trust me, it’s quite the mess!
- Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot. You want that creamy goodness to come together nicely!
- After simmering, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. The aroma will make you swoon!
- Let it cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy it warm or chill it in the fridge for a bit if you prefer it cold. Either way, it’s delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what’s not to adore about this easy rice pudding? First off, it has a quick prep time of just 10 minutes! I mean, who doesn’t love getting dessert on the table without spending hours in the kitchen? Plus, the ingredients are so simple—most of them you probably already have in your pantry!
And the best part? It’s super versatile! You can dress it up however you like with toppings. Throw in some plump raisins, crunchy nuts, or even a drizzle of honey for a little extra sweetness. You can also customize it to fit your mood or the season!
Then there’s the texture. Oh my goodness, that creamy goodness is just heavenly! Every spoonful feels like a cozy hug, making it the ultimate comforting dessert. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it at a gathering, this rice pudding is bound to bring smiles all around. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll find yourself craving it again and again!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your easy rice pudding turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite pro tips that’ll have you feeling like a rice pudding pro in no time:
- Rinse the rice thoroughly: Don’t skip this step! Rinsing the rice until the water runs clear removes the excess starch, which is key for that creamy texture we’re aiming for.
- Adjusting sweetness: Taste as you go! If you find that you like your pudding a bit sweeter, feel free to add more sugar. Just remember, you can always start with less and add more later.
- Stirring techniques to prevent sticking: Make sure to stir occasionally while it’s simmering. This not only helps to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot but also keeps everything nice and creamy. If you notice it thickening up too much, you can add a splash more milk to loosen it up!
- Serving suggestions: When it’s time to serve, consider topping your pudding with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a dollop of whipped cream, or even some fresh fruit! You could also swirl in a bit of jam or caramel for an extra special treat.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making a rice pudding that’s not just easy, but utterly delightful! Happy cooking!
Variations
Let’s get creative with your easy rice pudding! There are so many fun ways to change it up and make it your own. Here are a few of my favorite variations that I think you’ll love:
- Spice it up: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique flavor twist. Just a pinch can elevate your pudding to a whole new level!
- Tropical twist: For a deliciously different take, try using coconut milk instead of regular milk. It adds a lovely tropical flavor that’s perfect for warm days!
- Fruit infusion: Incorporate fresh fruit like diced peaches, berries, or bananas right into the pudding for a burst of freshness. You can also top it with fruit after serving for a lovely presentation.
- Chocolate indulgence: If you’re a chocolate lover, fold in some cocoa powder or chocolate chips towards the end of cooking. Chocolate rice pudding? Yes, please!
- Nutty goodness: Add some chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios for a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy texture.
With these variations, you can tailor your easy rice pudding to fit any occasion or craving. So go ahead and let your creativity shine—your taste buds will thank you!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your easy rice pudding is super simple! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I love making a big batch so I can enjoy it throughout the week—it’s the perfect sweet treat to have on hand!
When it comes to reheating, you have a couple of options. If you prefer it warm, pop it in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Just be careful not to overheat it, or it might become a bit too thick!
If you find it has thickened in the fridge, don’t worry! You can easily loosen it up by adding a splash of milk while reheating. This will help maintain that creamy texture we all love. Enjoy your rice pudding warm or cold, it’s delicious either way!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the numbers behind this delicious easy rice pudding! Here’s the estimated nutritional data per serving, which is about 1 cup:
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
Keep in mind that these values are just estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. If you decide to add toppings like nuts or fruits, be sure to account for those too! This pudding is not only comforting and delicious, but it also offers a sweet treat that can fit into a balanced diet. Enjoy every creamy bite guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! You can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it will require a longer cooking time—usually about 40-45 minutes—so just be patient! The texture will be a bit chewier, but it’ll still be delicious and comforting.
How long does easy rice pudding last in the fridge?
Your easy rice pudding will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 4 days when stored in an airtight container. I love making a big batch so I can enjoy it throughout the week!
Can I make easy rice pudding dairy-free?
You sure can! Just swap the whole milk for a dairy-free alternative like almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. The flavor will change a bit, but it can be just as creamy and delicious! Just make sure to check the consistency while cooking, as different milks may require slight adjustments.
Call to Action
I’d love to hear about your experience with this easy rice pudding! Did you add any fun toppings or variations? Or maybe you made it just like the recipe suggests? Whatever it is, drop a comment below and share your thoughts—I can’t wait to read them!
If you enjoyed this recipe, why not share it with your friends on social media? Spread the love for this creamy delight and let others experience the joy of making their own rice pudding! And if you have a moment, please rate the recipe too. Your feedback means the world to me and helps other home cooks find this delicious treat. Happy cooking!
Print
easy rice pudding: 5 steps to creamy perfection
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and creamy rice pudding recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of rice
- 4 cups of milk
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water.
- In a pot, combine rice, milk, sugar, and salt.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and cinnamon.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm or cold.
- Can add raisins or nuts for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: easy rice pudding, simple dessert, creamy rice pudding