Creamy Vanilla Rice Pudding
There’s something about the simple joys of comfort food that can turn any day into a better one. For me, Creamy Vanilla Rice Pudding has been a beloved dessert in my household—a recipe that takes me straight back to childhood with each spoonful. I first made this recipe when my oldest came home from school one day, sharing how her teacher talked about classic desserts around the world. My initial thought? Why not recreate this nostalgic treat for the whole family?
What I love most about this pudding is how it transforms the humblest ingredients into a velvety, sweet delight. There’s a beauty in the simplicity of rice, milk, and vanilla, melding together to create something truly special. Watching my kids’ eyes light up when they take that first creamy bite is the highlight of my day. My husband, who usually isn’t one for desserts, always sneaks back for seconds.
The best part is that this pudding is so versatile. Whether it’s a cozy dessert after dinner or a midday pick-me-up, it fits every occasion. And while it may be quick and easy to make, the results are anything but ordinary. This recipe has become a regular on our menu because it’s just that good. Trust me, one spoonful of this creamy, perfectly spiced pudding, and you’ll understand why it’s such a hit with my family. Let’s dive into how to make it, so you can enjoy it with your loved ones too!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Can I use leftover rice for this recipe? Absolutely! Leftover cooked rice works beautifully, and it’s a great way to reduce waste.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Yes, you can substitute regular milk with almond, coconut, or oat milk. Just ensure it’s unsweetened.
How long does rice pudding keep? Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Can I add other flavors to this pudding? Certainly! Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a splash of rum extract for a fun twist.
What’s the best type of rice to use? Short-grain rice like Arborio or sushi rice is ideal because it becomes soft and creamy when cooked.
What You Need to Make Creamy Vanilla Rice Pudding
Ingredients:
1 cup uncooked short-grain rice (or 2 cups cooked rice)
4 cups whole milk (or dairy-free alternative)
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
Optional: ground cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish
Tools:
Medium saucepan
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Mixing bowl (optional, for prepping ingredients)
How to Make Creamy Vanilla Rice Pudding
Prepare the Rice: If using uncooked rice, rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook the rice according to package instructions and set aside.
Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the cooked rice, milk, sugar, and salt. Stir to mix.
Simmer: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Cook for about 25-30 minutes or until the pudding thickens to your desired consistency.
Add Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
Serve: Spoon the pudding into bowls and sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg if desired. Serve warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
Tips for Making the Best Creamy Vanilla Rice Pudding
Use Fresh Vanilla: Pure vanilla extract or a scraped vanilla bean makes all the difference for flavor.
Keep Stirring: To avoid sticking or burning, stir frequently, especially as the mixture thickens.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, start with ¼ cup sugar and adjust to taste.
Chill for a Twist: While warm pudding is comforting, chilled pudding has a wonderfully creamy texture that’s equally delicious.
Add a Topping: Top with raisins, toasted nuts, or fresh berries for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Reader Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect for a chilly evening! My kids loved it, and I loved how easy it was to make.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Very tasty, but I think I’ll use coconut milk next time for a tropical twist.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This recipe brought back so many memories of my grandmother’s kitchen. Absolutely delicious!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “It was good, but I found it a bit too sweet for my taste. I’ll cut back on the sugar next time.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Best rice pudding I’ve ever made! I added a sprinkle of nutmeg on top, and it was divine.”
Printable Recipe
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Creamy Vanilla Rice Pudding
Indulge in the creamy, sweet comfort of this Vanilla Rice Pudding! Perfect for cozy evenings or as a midday treat, this easy recipe uses simple ingredients to create a decadent dessert your whole family will love. Serve it warm or chilled for a nostalgic taste of home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked short-grain rice (or 2 cups cooked rice)
- 4 cups whole milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional: ground cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish
- Tools:
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl (optional, for prepping ingredients)
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: If using uncooked rice, rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook the rice according to package instructions and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the cooked rice, milk, sugar, and salt. Stir to mix.
- Simmer: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Cook for about 25-30 minutes or until the pudding thickens to your desired consistency.
- Add Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
- Serve: Spoon the pudding into bowls and sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg if desired. Serve warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it on your social media! I would love for more people to try this delicious and easy-to-make recipe. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! Shhh… Join our secret foodie group on Facebook
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