Introduction
Few desserts bring back memories of comfort and warmth quite like Old Fashioned Rice Pudding. This timeless recipe has been passed down through generations, often made by grandmothers who knew how to turn simple pantry staples into something truly special. With creamy rice, sweet milk, and a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg, it’s a dessert that feels like a hug in a bowl.
I first learned about Old Fashioned Rice Pudding from my grandmother, who would make it on cool evenings when the house needed a bit of warmth and sweetness. She used leftover rice, slow-simmered with milk and sugar until thick and creamy, then topped it with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Every spoonful carried not just flavor but also tradition and love.
What makes this recipe so wonderful is its simplicity. You only need a handful of ingredients rice, milk, sugar, and eggs—to create a dish that tastes both indulgent and comforting. And unlike complicated desserts, this one doesn’t require fancy equipment or difficult steps. It’s proof that the best recipes often come from the simplest beginnings.
In this version, the recipe is scaled perfectly for three servings, making it ideal for smaller households. It’s creamy, lightly spiced, and versatile you can serve it warm for a cozy evening treat or chilled for a refreshing dessert. Either way, this Old Fashioned Rice Pudding is sure to become a recipe you’ll return to again and again.
The Basics of the Recipe
At its core, Old Fashioned Rice Pudding is one of the simplest yet most satisfying desserts you can make. With roots in home kitchens across Europe and the Americas, this dish has long been a way to transform leftover rice into something creamy, sweet, and comforting. Traditionally, it combines milk, sugar, eggs, and rice, simmered slowly until it thickens into a rich, custard-like pudding.
What makes this recipe different from modern shortcuts is the technique. Instead of relying on instant mixes, Old Fashioned Rice Pudding is cooked low and slow, allowing the rice to absorb the milk and release starch for natural creaminess. A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth, while a handful of raisins can provide sweetness and texture.
This particular version is scaled for three servings, making it perfect for small households or when you just want a cozy dessert without too many leftovers. It’s also versatile you can serve it warm for a winter evening or cold for a summertime treat.
Compared to similar recipes, what makes this pudding unique is its ability to be both simple and indulgent. It’s a classic that never goes out of style, reminding us that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated to be deeply satisfying.
Quick Recipe Snapshot
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 3
- Category: Dessert / Comfort Food
- Cuisine: American / European Classic
Detailed Ingredients List
Core Ingredients
- ½ cup uncooked white rice (short or medium grain for creaminess)
- 2 cups whole milk (can substitute 2% or almond milk)
- ½ cup heavy cream (for extra richness, optional)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten (helps thicken)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon (plus more for garnish)
- Pinch of salt
Optional Add-Ins
- ¼ cup raisins (traditional addition)
- ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for silky texture)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions:
Medium-grain rice works best, but long-grain rice will still work. Coconut milk gives a richer flavor, almond milk keeps it light. Swap sugar for honey or maple syrup. To make it egg-free, skip the egg and cook longer until thickened naturally.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the rice. In a saucepan, add rice and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 15 minutes until tender.
- Add milk and sugar. Stir in milk, cream, sugar, and salt. Cook on medium-low heat, stirring often, for 15 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Temper the egg. Whisk the egg in a bowl, then slowly add a few spoonfuls of hot rice mixture to temper. Pour back into the pot, stirring constantly. Cook 5 more minutes until thicker.
- Flavor it. Stir in vanilla, cinnamon, and optional raisins or nutmeg.
- Serve. Enjoy warm or refrigerate 2+ hours for chilled pudding. Garnish with cinnamon before serving.
Pro Tips, Substitutions & Variations
- Stir often to avoid lumps or sticking.
- Cook low and slow for creaminess.
- Mash some rice while cooking if you like it extra creamy.
- Use almond or coconut milk for dairy-free.
- Swap sugar with brown sugar or honey for deeper flavor.
- Add raisins, spices like cardamom, or even chocolate chips for a twist.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating
Prepare a day in advance and store chilled for deeper flavor. Refrigerate up to 4 days in an airtight container with plastic wrap on top to prevent skin. Freeze up to 1 month, though texture may change slightly. Reheat gently on stovetop with a splash of milk, or microwave in short bursts.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg for classic flavor. Top with berries, bananas, or stewed apples for a fruity twist. Add toasted nuts for crunch. Drizzle with caramel or chocolate syrup for indulgence. Serve with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for ultimate comfort.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 280–320
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Sugar: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
FAQ
Can I make Old Fashioned Rice Pudding without eggs? Yes, skip the egg and cook longer until thickened.
Can I use leftover rice? Yes, simmer with milk and sugar until creamy.
What type of rice works best? Medium-grain rice for creaminess.
Is it served warm or cold? Both! Warm is cozy, chilled is refreshing.
Can I freeze it? Yes, up to 1 month. Stir in milk after thawing to restore texture.
Closing
Few desserts carry the same nostalgic charm as Old Fashioned Rice Pudding. With just rice, milk, sugar, and spices, you can create a dessert that feels like home. Scaled for three servings, it’s perfect for smaller households who want comfort without waste. Serve it warm for coziness or chilled for refreshment either way, it’s a classic worth revisiting.
Share this recipe with friends, or try your own twist. Great recipes like this one deserve to be passed down, just like they’ve always been.