If you’re on the lookout for a dessert that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you’ve just found it with this Creamy Cinnamon Baked Rice Pudding Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that soothes your soul with its velvety texture, subtly sweet cinnamon aroma, and that luscious creaminess that lingers on your palate. Perfect for cozy evenings or a comforting treat any time, this recipe combines simple pantry staples into a truly delightful homemade dessert that’s both nostalgic and indulgent.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up of a hot creamy rice pudding in a white bowl with a thick texture, showing soft rice grains mixed with dark raisins spread throughout. The pudding has a light beige color with a smooth and slightly grainy surface. A wooden spoon is dipped into the pudding on the right side, mixing the contents gently. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with soft natural light highlighting the pudding's creamy and tender texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting ready to whip up this delicious pudding is a breeze thanks to the straightforward, everyday ingredients. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s the creaminess from the milk and cream or the warm spice notes from cinnamon that give this dish its distinctive charm.

Unsalted butter: Used for greasing the dish to prevent sticking and add a subtle richness.
Milk (full or reduced fat): The base of the pudding that creates that smooth, creamy texture.
White sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering.
Vanilla extract: Infuses a fragrant, sweet aroma that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
Medium grain white rice: The star ingredient, chosen for its ability to absorb flavors and create a perfect pudding texture.
Sultanas or raisins: Provide bursts of natural sweetness and chewy texture.
Cinnamon: The warm spice that elevates the flavor profile to something irresistibly cozy.
Cream (thickened or heavy): Added at the end to deepen the richness and give that signature creamy finish.

How to Make Creamy Cinnamon Baked Rice Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish

Start by heating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Take a 10-cup casserole dish and gently grease it with unsalted butter. This ensures your rice pudding will come out clean and smooth without sticking to the sides.

Step 2: Warm the Milk Mixture

In a saucepan, combine the milk, sugar, and vanilla extract over medium-high heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is just foamy on the surface. Be careful not to let it boil, as boiling can cause the milk to separate and change the texture of your pudding.

Step 3: Combine Rice, Fruit, and Spice

In your prepared casserole dish, add the uncooked medium grain rice, sultanas or raisins, and cinnamon. These ingredients form the flavorful base that bakes into a sweet and spicy classic.

Step 4: Pour and Stir

Carefully pour the warm milk mixture over the rice and fruit. Give it a gentle stir to distribute everything evenly, ensuring every grain of rice will soak up the lovely flavors during baking. Cover the dish with a lid or foil to trap the moisture.

Step 5: Bake with Periodic Stirring

Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for one hour. Every 20 minutes, open and give it a good stir to break up rice clumps forming at the bottom. This keeps the texture beautifully creamy and prevents it from sticking or burning.

Step 6: Add the Creamy Final Touch

Once baked, remove the pudding from the oven and stir in the thickened cream. Although it may look a little watery at first, don’t fret—it thickens as it cools, leaving behind that rich, luscious consistency we all crave.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

You can dig right in while it’s warm and creamy or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a decadent treat that feeds the sweet tooth in all of us.

How to Serve Creamy Cinnamon Baked Rice Pudding Recipe

A close-up view of a creamy rice pudding with visible soft rice grains mixed with plump dark raisins scattered throughout. It is served in a white bowl that shows some rice pudding smeared on the inner rim. A wooden spoon is partially submerged in the pudding, showing the thick and smooth texture. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon powder or a few extra sultanas on top before serving to enhance the aroma and add a little texture contrast. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey also makes a wonderful finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This pudding pairs beautifully with fresh seasonal fruit such as sliced apples or berries, which add a fresh, bright note. For a more indulgent pairing, serve alongside buttery shortbread cookies or warm, spiced chai tea.

Creative Ways to Present

Try scooping the creamy pudding into individual ramekins and baking them until just golden on top for a charming presentation. You can also layer it with caramel sauce or toasted nuts for added texture and richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Cinnamon Baked Rice Pudding Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep beautifully for up to 3 days without losing its creamy texture.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this rice pudding freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To bring your pudding back to life, warm individual portions gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of milk or cream while reheating to keep it smooth and creamy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice?

Medium grain white rice is recommended for this recipe because of its ability to cook into a creamy, tender texture. Using long grain or other types may result in a less creamy pudding.

What if I don’t have sultanas or raisins?

If you’re out of sultanas or raisins, dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or even fresh fruit like chopped apples can be great alternatives to add natural sweetness.

Is it necessary to add cream?

The cream adds a luxurious richness and velvety feel, but if you want to keep it lighter, you can omit it or substitute with a splash of milk or even a dairy-free alternative.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

This recipe relies on dairy for its signature creaminess, but you can experiment with plant-based milks such as almond or coconut, and use vegan butter and cream substitutes for a vegan-friendly version.

How do I know when the pudding is done baking?

After one hour, the rice should be tender, and the liquid mostly absorbed. Stirring every 20 minutes helps ensure even cooking and prevents the rice from sticking to the bottom.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cinnamon Baked Rice Pudding Recipe is truly one of those desserts that feels like a cozy embrace, perfect for any time you want comfort food with a simple twist. Don’t hesitate to give it a try and watch how this humble dish turns into a family favorite with each creamy, cinnamon-kissed spoonful.

Creamy Cinnamon Baked Rice Pudding Recipe

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4.3 from 42 reviews

Author: Ava
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 5 servings

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Description

This creamy cinnamon rice pudding is a comforting and easy-to-make dessert that combines tender rice, fragrant cinnamon, and rich cream for a luscious finish. Baked slowly in the oven, it develops a soft texture and warming flavor, perfect for serving warm with optional vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients

For the Pudding

1 tbsp unsalted butter (for greasing)
4 cups milk (full or reduced fat)
1/3 cup white sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup medium grain white rice, uncooked
1/2 cup sultanas or raisins
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup cream (thickened/heavy)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) to prepare for baking the rice pudding evenly.
Prepare the Casserole Dish: Generously grease a 10 cup or larger casserole dish with unsalted butter to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
Heat Milk Mixture: In a saucepan, combine milk, sugar, and vanilla extract over medium-high heat. Warm until it reaches a gentle simmer and becomes foamy on the surface, stirring occasionally to dissolve sugar. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
Combine Ingredients in Dish: Place the uncooked rice, sultanas or raisins, and cinnamon into the greased casserole dish. Pour the hot milk mixture over the rice and gently stir to mix.
Bake the Pudding: Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil, then bake in the oven for 1 hour. Every 20 minutes, remove the dish and stir thoroughly to prevent the rice from settling and creating a crust on the bottom.
Add Cream and Stir: After baking, take the dish out of the oven and stir in the heavy cream. The pudding will appear slightly watery initially but will thicken as it cools and the liquid evaporates, resulting in a creamy texture.
Serve: Serve the rice pudding warm on its own or elevate it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Notes

Use medium grain white rice for the best texture in rice pudding.
Do not allow the milk to boil to prevent curdling or splitting.
Stirring every 20 minutes while baking is essential to achieve a creamy consistency and avoid burning on the bottom.
The pudding may seem watery right out of the oven but will thicken with time.
Optional to serve with vanilla ice cream for added richness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American