Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding

This old-fashioned rice pudding is a quick and easy preparation. Cooked rice—leftover or freshly made—makes the recipe a breeze to throw together. While the pudding is perfectly satisfying when made on the stovetop, you can also finish it in the oven with a cinnamon sugar topping for a cozy, golden finish.

The result is rich, creamy, and lightly sweet, with hints of vanilla and cinnamon in every spoonful. Whether served warm on a chilly day or chilled in the summertime, this dessert hits the mark. Add plump raisins or fresh berries if you’d like, or keep it classic—it’s as comforting as it is customizable.

Whether served warm or chilled for a refreshing summer dessert, the pudding is versatile and comforting.

What You’ll Like About This Recipe

• Classic comfort. The creamy texture and gentle sweetness offer that old-fashioned, cozy feel that makes rice pudding such a nostalgic favorite.
• Quick and approachable. Using cooked rice means the pudding comes together in minutes, letting the custard thicken without long simmering.
• Versatile flavor options. Cinnamon, vanilla, raisins, fresh berries, or citrus zest all blend naturally into the recipe and allow easy customization.
• Warm or chilled. The pudding is delicious straight from the pan or served cold the next day, developing deeper flavor as it sits.
• Great for leftovers. A small amount of cooked rice transforms into a dessert that feeds several people, making this a smart way to reduce waste.

Ingredient Notes

• Cooked rice – Long-grain white rice works well, but medium-grain rice creates a slightly creamier pudding because of its natural starch. Leftover rice is ideal.
• Milk – Whole milk yields the richest, smoothest texture. Low-fat milk works but produces a thinner pudding. Plant-based milks can be used but may require extra cooking to thicken.
• Eggs – Beaten eggs enrich the pudding and help it set into a soft custard as it cooks. Tempering prevents curdling and creates a silky texture.
• Sugar – Adds sweetness without overpowering the vanilla or cinnamon. Adjust the amount to taste.
• Vanilla – Enhances the custard flavor and gives depth to the overall dish. Pure vanilla extract is best.
• Cinnamon – Optional but highly recommended for warmth and aroma. Stir into the pudding or sprinkle on top.
• Raisins or berries – Add natural sweetness and texture. Golden raisins stay plump and soft; fresh berries brighten the finished pudding.

How to Make It

1. Warm the cooked rice with milk over gentle heat, letting it loosen and begin to absorb the liquid as it approaches a simmer.
2. Whisk the eggs, sugar, salt, and vanilla together separately so they distribute evenly before being added to the hot mixture.
3. Temper the eggs by adding a small amount of hot rice mixture to the bowl while stirring, gradually raising the temperature to avoid scrambling.
4. Pour the warmed egg mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring continuously until the pudding thickens to a creamy custard-like consistency.
5. Stir in cinnamon or dried fruit once the pudding has thickened so the additions blend evenly without thinning the custard.
6. Serve warm or cool the pudding completely before chilling for a firmer texture.

Pro Tips

• Stir constantly once the eggs are added to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth, creamy finish.
• Temper the eggs slowly to protect the custard; rushing this step can create lumps.
• Use whole milk for the best texture; thinner milks may require additional simmering.
• Add raisins early if you want them soft or stir them in at the end if you prefer a firmer bite.
• Cover the surface with plastic wrap when chilling to prevent a skin from forming on the pudding.

Recipe Variations

• Coconut: Replace part or all of the milk with coconut milk and top servings with toasted coconut flakes.
• Vanilla Bean: Instead of vanilla extract, use a vanilla bean pod. Add the seeds and pod from a vanilla bean to the milk and rice mixture; bring to a simmer, proceed with the recipe, and discard the pod before serving.
• Fruit and Nut: Simmer the pudding with diced dried fruit and chopped pecans or walnuts.
• Rum Raisin: Soak the raisins in rum and replace the vanilla with rum extract.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon or cinnamon sugar for a cozy dessert.
• Add fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a dollop of whipped cream for a more decadent presentation.
• Pair with cookies, shortbread, or biscotti for texture contrast.
• Choose to serve it chilled for a firmer, more custard-like dessert ideal for warm weather.

How to Store

• Refrigerate leftover rice pudding in a sealed container for several days. It will thicken as it chills; stir in a splash of milk before reheating or serving cold.
• Freeze is not recommended, as the texture becomes grainy when thawed.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with added milk to restore creaminess, or enjoy it straight from the refrigerator.