There’s just something so incredibly comforting about old fashioned rice pudding. I remember as a kid, my grandma would whip up a pot on chilly afternoons, filling the house with that sweet, creamy aroma. It was a simple dessert, but it always felt like a warm hug in a bowl! Whether you’re enjoying it as a cozy treat after dinner or serving it at a family gathering, this rice pudding hits the spot every time. It’s rich, velvety, and oh-so-satisfying, making it perfect for any occasion. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it again and again. Let’s dive in and create some delicious memories together!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients to make your old fashioned rice pudding perfectly creamy and delicious:
- 1 cup of short-grain rice (rinsed under cold water)
- 2 cups of milk (whole or your favorite kind)
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs (lightly whisked)
(Tip: Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, which helps create that creamy texture we all love in rice pudding!)
How to Prepare Old Fashioned Rice Pudding
Making old fashioned rice pudding is a delightful journey that’s simple and rewarding! Let’s walk through the steps together so you can create this comforting dessert with ease.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Rice
First things first! Rinse 1 cup of short-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step is key because it washes away excess starch, which can make your pudding too gluey. You want that lovely creamy texture, not a sticky mess!
Cooking the Mixture
Next, in a medium pot, combine the rinsed rice, 2 cups of milk, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it comes to a gentle boil. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Keep stirring every now and then to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot—nobody wants burnt rice pudding!
Incorporating the Eggs
While the rice is cooking, whisk together 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon in a separate bowl. To avoid scrambling the eggs, you’ll need to temper them. Gradually add a few spoonfuls of the hot rice mixture into the egg mixture while whisking continuously. This warms the eggs slowly, then pour the egg mixture back into the pot with the rice. Stir well to combine.
Finishing Touches
Cook everything together for another 5 minutes over low heat, stirring often until the pudding thickens up nicely. Once it’s done, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. You can serve it warm, or chill it in the fridge for a refreshing treat later. Don’t forget to sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top before serving—yum!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a simple dessert.
- The creamy texture is pure comfort in a bowl, making it a cozy treat for any occasion.
- With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up something truly special that feels like a warm hug.
- It’s versatile! Enjoy it warm, chilled, or with your favorite toppings like cinnamon or fruit.
- This old fashioned rice pudding is a nostalgic dessert that brings back fond memories for many, making it perfect for family gatherings.
- It’s a delightful way to use pantry staples, so you can satisfy your sweet tooth without needing a trip to the store!
Tips for Success
To make sure your old fashioned rice pudding turns out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips to keep in mind:
- Watch your heat: Cooking over medium heat is ideal, but once it starts boiling, don’t forget to reduce it to low. If the heat is too high, the milk can scorch, and we definitely don’t want that!
- Stir, stir, stir: Remember to stir the mixture frequently while it’s cooking. This helps prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot and ensures even cooking. Think of it as a little workout for your arm!
- Check for doneness: The rice should be tender and the mixture should thicken nicely after about 20 minutes. If it seems too runny, let it simmer a bit longer, but be careful not to overcook it. You want that lovely creamy consistency!
- Tempering the eggs: When you’re mixing the eggs with the hot rice, always whisk continuously as you add the hot mixture. This will keep your eggs from scrambling and give you that smooth texture we’re after.
- Chill it properly: If you prefer your rice pudding chilled, let it cool slightly before refrigerating. This helps it set nicely without turning into a solid block. Serve it with a sprinkle of cinnamon or even some fruit for a delicious twist!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this classic dessert. Happy cooking!
Variations
One of the best things about old fashioned rice pudding is how easily it can be customized to suit your taste. Here are some fun and delicious variations to try:
- Raisin Delight: Add 1/2 cup of raisins to the rice mixture while it’s cooking. The raisins will plump up and add a lovely sweetness to each bite!
- Coconut Cream: Swap out 1 cup of milk for coconut milk for a tropical twist. You can also sprinkle some toasted coconut on top for an extra crunch and flavor boost.
- Chocolate Lovers: Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips right after you remove the pudding from heat. They’ll melt into the warm mixture, creating a rich, chocolatey version that’s hard to resist!
- Maple Syrup Magic: Replace the granulated sugar with 1/3 cup of pure maple syrup for a warm, earthy sweetness. It pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and vanilla.
- Spiced Chai: Add 1 teaspoon of chai spice blend (or a mix of cardamom, ginger, and nutmeg) to the rice mixture for a fragrant, spiced version that’s perfect for cozy nights.
- Fruit Fusion: Top your pudding with fresh berries, sliced bananas, or even a dollop of apple compote to add a fruity kick and a burst of color!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas, and let your creativity shine! Each variation brings its own unique flavor, making this classic dessert even more enjoyable. Happy experimenting!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a general breakdown of the nutritional information for one serving of old fashioned rice pudding:
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
(Please note that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider this as a general guide rather than an exact measurement.)
FAQ Section
Can I store leftovers of old fashioned rice pudding?
Absolutely! You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to let it cool completely before sealing it up. If it thickens too much after chilling, you can stir in a splash of milk to loosen it up when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
How should I serve old fashioned rice pudding?
You can serve it warm or chilled, depending on your preference! I love it warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top, but chilled rice pudding can be a refreshing treat, especially in the warmer months. You can also dress it up with your favorite toppings like fresh fruit, nuts, or a drizzle of honey!
Can I use different types of milk?
Absolutely! While whole milk gives it that rich and creamy texture, you can use any type of milk you prefer, like almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Just keep in mind that the flavor and creaminess might vary a bit, but it’ll still be delicious!
What if I don’t have short-grain rice?
If you only have long-grain rice on hand, you can still use it, but the texture will be a bit different. Short-grain rice is ideal for that creamy consistency, so if possible, try to grab some for the best results!
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can definitely make a vegan version of old fashioned rice pudding! Swap the eggs with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water (this will help thicken the pudding). You can also replace the milk with your favorite non-dairy milk and use a sweetener like maple syrup or coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar!
For more information on the health benefits of rice pudding, you can check out this Healthline article.
For a delicious twist on traditional desserts, explore Christmas dessert recipes that can complement your rice pudding!
Lastly, if you’re interested in more comforting recipes, visit this tortellini soup recipe for a delightful meal idea!
Print
Old Fashioned Rice Pudding: 5 Comforting Steps to Bliss
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic dessert that’s creamy and comforting, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of rice
- 2 cups of milk
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 2 eggs
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water.
- In a pot, combine rice, milk, sugar, and salt.
- Cook over medium heat until it starts to boil, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes until rice is tender.
- In a bowl, whisk the eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Slowly add a bit of the hot rice mixture to the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
- Pour the egg mixture back into the pot and stir well.
- Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring often, until thickened.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Serve warm or chilled, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Notes
- Use short-grain rice for a creamier texture.
- Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
- Adjust sugar based on your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: old fashioned rice pudding, rice pudding recipe, easy dessert
