If you’re looking for a dessert that tastes like nostalgia in a bowl, look no further than this Amazing Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding. With its creamy texture, whisper of cinnamon, and the rich aroma that fills your kitchen as it simmers, this timeless treat brings instant comfort with every spoonful. Whether served warm on a chilly evening or chilled on a summer afternoon, it’s the sort of recipe you’ll find yourself craving the moment the first batch disappears. Get ready to discover why Amazing Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding has stood the test of time and remains a beloved classic for families everywhere!

Amazing Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe stars a handful of humble, everyday ingredients, but each one plays an essential role in delivering the dreamy creaminess and flavor that makes this pudding so special. Don’t be tempted to skip or skimp—every element helps make your Amazing Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding truly memorable!

Cooked White Rice: Short-grain rice is preferred for its plump texture, but any leftover white rice will do the trick.
Whole Milk: Gives the pudding its signature creaminess and helps the rice become wonderfully tender.
Heavy Cream: Adds extra richness and a luxurious, velvety finish.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dessert just enough, balancing out the spices and dairy.
Unsalted Butter: A touch of butter lends silkiness and a little shine to every bite.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors with deep, fragrant warmth.
Ground Cinnamon: The aromatic backbone, giving the pudding its comforting, familiar spice.
Salt: Just a pinch sharpens all the flavors, elevating both sweet and savory notes.
Egg (beaten): Essential for thickening the pudding and giving it that luscious, custard-like consistency.
Raisins (optional): Provide chewy pops of sweetness and a little old-fashioned charm—feel free to swap or skip.
Ground Nutmeg (optional): Just a sprinkle before serving takes the aroma and flavor totally over the top!

How to Make Amazing Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding

Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients

Start by reaching for a medium saucepan, because everything comes together right in one pot. Add your cooked rice, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, butter, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to mix everything together—this blend is the backbone of your Amazing Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding and lays the foundation for all that luscious, creamy goodness.

Step 2: Simmer Until Creamy

Set your saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring frequently to keep the mixture from sticking or scorching on the bottom. Over the next 15 to 20 minutes, you’ll notice the pudding start to thicken and turn gloriously creamy as the rice soaks up the dairy and the sugar dissolves. Patience here is rewarded by unrivaled texture—the key to an authentic Amazing Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding.

Step 3: Add the Egg for Extra Richness

Turn the heat down to low. Now it’s time for a little magic: drizzle in the beaten egg, stirring constantly so it incorporates smoothly and doesn’t scramble. This step gives the pudding that almost custardy feel that sets the real deal apart from the imitations. Let everything cook just another 2 to 3 minutes—watch as the pudding thickens up beautifully.

Step 4: Finish with Flavor

Take your saucepan off the heat and stir in vanilla extract—the warmth and aroma are absolutely intoxicating. If raisins are your thing, fold them in now so they plump up just a little in the hot pudding. The result? Every spoonful sings with heartwarming flavor and old-school charm.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the pudding cool for a few minutes if you plan to serve it warm (my personal favorite), or transfer to the refrigerator to chill if you prefer it cold. Right before serving, dust it with a bit of nutmeg or more cinnamon for a cozy finishing touch that will make your Amazing Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding extra inviting.

How to Serve Amazing Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding

Garnishes

Give your pudding a little flair with a gentle sprinkle of ground nutmeg or an extra dash of cinnamon just before serving. For extra elegance, top with a few dried cranberries, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a light grating of orange zest to brighten each bite. This is your moment to make the dessert as special as you like!

Side Dishes

While Amazing Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding stands proudly on its own, you can make your dessert spread truly unforgettable by offering a platter of fresh berries, crisp cookies, or a small bowl of stewed fruit. The tartness and freshness offer lovely contrast and keep the flavors lively.

Creative Ways to Present

Individual ramekins always make dessert feel extra fancy, or spoon the pudding into pretty glasses for an old-fashioned parfait look. For a family-style presentation, serve it straight from a beautiful vintage bowl at the center of the table—let guests help themselves for a delightfully communal, cozy vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, simply cover your Amazing Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding tightly and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll keep beautifully for up to 4 days, and the flavors will continue to meld, giving each bite even more mellow depth the next day.

Freezing

If you want to make this ahead for future cravings, you can freeze individual portions in airtight containers. Just be aware that the texture may change slightly—give it a good stir after thawing and consider adding a splash of cream or milk to revive its creaminess.

Reheating

To enjoy your pudding warm, transfer it to a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Gently heat on the stove over low heat, or microwave in brief bursts, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk to bring it back to that luxuriously creamy consistency you love.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and chewier texture to your Amazing Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding. Just make sure it’s fully cooked and be prepared for a slightly earthier taste and a subtle color change in the finished dessert.

What’s the best rice for rice pudding?

Short-grain white rice works best because it provides the perfect creamy, tender texture. However, any leftover white rice (long grain, jasmine, or even basmati) is totally acceptable and will still yield delicious results—just avoid wild or specialty rices that won’t soften enough.

Why add an egg to the pudding?

The egg helps thicken the mixture and gives the pudding that signature custard-like richness. Stirring it in slowly while the pudding is hot, but not boiling, ensures a smooth, creamy texture instead of scrambled bits in your Amazing Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding.

Are the raisins essential?

Not at all—some folks love raisins in their pudding, while others prefer it plain or swap them for dried apricots, cherries, or even chocolate chips. Feel free to customize based on your family’s preferences or just leave them out entirely for a classic version.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the milk and cream with your favorite unsweetened dairy-free alternatives (like coconut or almond milk) and use a dairy-free butter. The texture will change slightly, but you’ll still have a wonderfully comforting Amazing Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding.

Final Thoughts

Trust me—once you try this Amazing Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding, it’ll become one of those go-to desserts that always delivers pure, simple comfort. Whether you’re sharing it with family on a lazy Sunday or sneaking a chilled spoonful right from the fridge, this classic treat brings joy by the bowlful. Give it a whirl and let it work its creamy magic in your kitchen!

Amazing Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the nostalgic flavors of this Amazing Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding. Creamy and comforting, this classic dessert is a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 cup cooked white rice (preferably short-grain)
2 cups whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
⅓ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
1 large egg (beaten)

Additional Ingredients:

½ cup raisins (optional)
ground nutmeg for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Pudding Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the cooked rice, milk, cream, sugar, butter, cinnamon, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture begins to thicken and becomes creamy, about 15–20 minutes.
Add the Egg: Reduce the heat to low. Slowly drizzle in the beaten egg while stirring constantly to avoid scrambling. Continue cooking for another 2–3 minutes until the pudding thickens further.
Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Fold in raisins if using. Let the pudding cool slightly before serving warm, or chill in the refrigerator for a few hours to serve cold. Sprinkle with a dash of nutmeg or extra cinnamon before serving, if desired.