If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the past, this Creamy Rice Pudding with Cinnamon Recipe is exactly what you need. With its luscious texture and comforting cinnamon aroma, it’s the perfect old-fashioned treat to cozy up with after a long day. The balance of tender rice swimming in velvety milk, sweetened just right and kissed with fragrant cinnamon, transforms simple ingredients into a dish that feels both nostalgic and indulgent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Sometimes the simplest ingredients come together to create the most memorable dishes. For this Creamy Rice Pudding with Cinnamon Recipe, each component is essential for building its classic flavor, inviting texture, and that beautiful golden hue that makes every spoonful so inviting.
- Rice: Opt for short-grain or medium-grain rice for the best creamy consistency, as their starch release helps thicken the pudding.
- Milk: Whole milk provides richness and smoothness, elevating the comfort factor of your pudding.
- Sugar: Balances the creaminess with just the right touch of sweetness without overpowering the cinnamon.
- Cinnamon: Adds warm, fragrant spice that brings depth and a cozy aroma to every bite.
- Vanilla: A splash of vanilla extract mellows the spices and adds a layer of sweetness that complements the milk and rice beautifully.
How to Make Creamy Rice Pudding with Cinnamon Recipe
Step 1: Simmer Rice with Milk and Sugar
Begin by combining your rice, milk, and sugar in a sturdy pot over low heat. Keep your heat gentle because this slow simmer is what will coax out that luscious creaminess. Stir frequently to keep the pudding from sticking to the bottom, making sure each grain is slowly absorbing the rich milk. This patient cooking builds the dish’s signature texture.
Step 2: Cook Until Thick and Creamy
Keep the mixture on low, stirring often as it thickens. You’ll notice the rice becomes tender and the pudding transforms into a velvety blanket of comfort. This step often takes time but trust that the slow process is worth every minute—it allows the flavors to meld perfectly while avoiding lumps.
Step 3: Add Cinnamon and Vanilla
Once the pudding has reached the right thickness, stir in your cinnamon and vanilla. These simple additions elevate the humble pudding with that irresistible shimmering warmth of spice and fragrance. Mix well to ensure that every spoonful carries the harmonious blend of comforting flavors.
Step 4: Serve Warm or Chilled
This dessert is versatile—feel free to enjoy it right away, warm and soothing, or let it cool in the fridge for a refreshing treat on a warmer day. Both serve-ups promise delight in every creamy bite.
How to Serve Creamy Rice Pudding with Cinnamon Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Creamy Rice Pudding with Cinnamon Recipe by topping it with a light dusting of ground cinnamon or a few toasted nuts for an added crunch. Fresh berries or a drizzle of honey can also bring a lovely contrast, making the presentation as pleasing as the taste.
Side Dishes
This pudding is a standalone star but can also be paired wonderfully with a crisp cookie or a slab of buttery shortbread, adding a contrast in textures and a bit more indulgence to your dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your pudding in elegant glass jars layered with spice-infused whipped cream or fruit preserves for a stunning twist. Alternatively, fill small ramekins and top with a caramelized sugar crust for a pudding-crème brûlée hybrid that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator where the pudding will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors often get even better after a chill as they mingle.
Freezing
While freezing rice pudding is possible, it may affect the texture, making it a bit grainy once thawed. If you decide to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and consume within a month for best quality.
Reheating
To bring your pudding back to life, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. You can add a splash of milk to restore its creamy consistency as it warms. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can heat unevenly and toughen the rice.
FAQs
What type of rice works best for this recipe?
Short-grain or medium-grain rice is preferred because of their ability to release starch, which gives this pudding its creamy, smooth texture. Long-grain rice doesn’t break down as well, resulting in a less creamy pudding.
Can I use non-dairy milk for this rice pudding?
Absolutely! Coconut milk or almond milk can be delightful alternatives and add their own unique flavor, though the pudding might be less rich than when made with whole milk.
Is it necessary to stir the pudding continuously?
Frequent stirring is important to prevent the rice from sticking and burning on the pot’s bottom, and it also encourages the pudding to thicken evenly, creating that signature creamy texture.
How long does it take to cook the pudding?
Typically, simmering on low heat until thick and creamy takes about 30 to 40 minutes, depending on your stove and pot. Patience is key here for the perfect consistency.
Can I add other spices or flavors to this recipe?
Yes! While cinnamon and vanilla are classic, you might enjoy adding a pinch of nutmeg or even a splash of orange blossom water for a fragrant twist. Just be sure to add spices in moderation to keep balance.
Final Thoughts
I promise once you try this Creamy Rice Pudding with Cinnamon Recipe, it will quickly become one of those dishes you crave for comfort or celebration alike. It’s humble but endlessly satisfying, and the perfect way to transform simple pantry staples into something sweet and heartwarming. Go ahead, make a batch, and enjoy the magic that happens when classic flavors come together in creamy harmony.
Print
Creamy Rice Pudding with Cinnamon Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Rice Pudding recipe is an old-fashioned comfort dessert, rich and creamy with the warm flavors of cinnamon and vanilla. Perfectly cooked rice slowly simmered in milk and sugar creates a soothing treat that can be enjoyed warm or chilled, evoking nostalgic memories and delighting your taste buds.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 4 cups whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the rice: Rinse the uncooked rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. This helps achieve a creamier texture.
- Simmer rice with milk and sugar: In a large saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, whole milk, and granulated sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over low heat.
- Cook until creamy: Stir the mixture frequently to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Continue to cook on low heat for about 30-40 minutes until the rice is tender and the pudding has thickened to a creamy consistency.
- Add cinnamon and vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the ground cinnamon and vanilla extract thoroughly, ensuring the flavors are well incorporated.
- Serve: You can enjoy the rice pudding warm directly from the pot or allow it to cool. Chill in the refrigerator for a few hours if you prefer it cold before serving.
Notes
- Use whole milk for a richer and creamier pudding, but you can substitute with 2% milk for a lighter version.
- Stir regularly to prevent the rice from scorching on the bottom of the pan.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt or topping with raisins, nuts, or fresh fruit before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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