If you’re craving a dessert that’s comforting, creamy, and downright nostalgic, this Homemade Rice Pudding Recipe is exactly what you need. With simple ingredients that come together into a velvety, subtly spiced treat, it manages to feel like a big warm hug in a bowl. Perfectly cooked jasmine rice soaked in sweetened milk, kissed by cinnamon and enhanced by a splash of vanilla, this pudding is pure magic. Whether you’re serving it warm on a chilly night or chilled as a refreshing delight, this recipe never fails to impress and satisfy cravings for something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the basics right makes all the difference, and with this Homemade Rice Pudding Recipe, each ingredient plays a starring role in creating that luscious texture and mouthwatering flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more.
- Milk: Six cups of milk form the creamy base and keep the pudding smooth and rich.
- Jasmine Rice: Three-quarters of a cup of jasmine rice adds a delicate floral aroma and the perfect degree of softness.
- Sugar: Half a cup of sugar sweetens the pudding just right without overpowering the natural creaminess.
- Cinnamon: Half a teaspoon of cinnamon brings in warm, cozy spice notes that elevate every spoonful.
- Salt: A quarter teaspoon of salt enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Vanilla Extract: One tablespoon of vanilla is the finishing touch that rounds out the flavor with its fragrant warmth.
How to Make Homemade Rice Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients
Start by placing the milk, jasmine rice, sugar, cinnamon, and salt into a large 5-quart pot. This mixture is the foundation of your pudding, so make sure to use a pot that allows plenty of room for stirring and thickening without spills.
Step 2: Bring the Mixture to a Boil
Set the pot over medium-high heat and bring everything to a gentle boil. This step wakes up the rice and begins the process of softening it perfectly, while dissolving sugar and infusing the milk with spices.
Step 3: Simmer Until Creamy
Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it cook uncovered. Stir frequently as the pudding thickens over 30 to 35 minutes. During the last 5 to 10 minutes, stir almost constantly to prevent the rice from sticking and burning on the bottom. Remember, the pudding will thicken even more as it cools, so don’t worry if it looks a bit loose at this stage.
Step 4: Add Vanilla and Finish
Once your pudding is luxuriously thick and creamy, remove it from heat and gently stir in the vanilla extract. This final step adds that irresistible aroma and depth of flavor that makes this Homemade Rice Pudding Recipe unforgettable.
Step 5: Serve Warm or Chilled
You can enjoy this pudding piping hot straight from the pot or chill it in the fridge for a refreshing, cool dessert — both are absolutely delightful!
How to Serve Homemade Rice Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a dusting of nutmeg makes a simple yet stunning garnish. For extra texture and flavor, chopped toasted nuts like almonds or pistachios work beautifully. Fresh fruit also brightens every bite, with sliced bananas, berries, or even a spoonful of fruit preserves adding a lovely contrast.
Side Dishes
This pudding shines on its own but pairs perfectly with crisp cookies or buttery shortbread for a little crunch alongside that creamy goodness. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates it to a special-occasion treat that feels indulgent but never heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your rice pudding in pretty glass jars or small ramekins layered with fruit compote or caramel sauce for a picturesque dessert. For parties, portion it into mini cups and top with edible flowers or a drizzle of honey to impress your guests with both flavor and style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Rice pudding stores wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container to keep it creamy and fresh. It’s an easy dessert to make ahead for busy days.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your pudding, place it in a freezer-safe container leaving some space on top. Frozen rice pudding can last about 1 to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying, though note the texture might be a bit softer after freezing.
Reheating
Warm leftover rice pudding gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently until heated through. Adding a splash of milk while reheating revives its creamy texture beautifully. It’s just as comforting the second time around!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of rice for this Homemade Rice Pudding Recipe?
Yes, you can swap jasmine rice with other medium or short grain rice varieties like arborio or sushi rice for a similar creamy texture, but jasmine offers a lovely fragrance that’s a nice touch. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is this recipe dairy-free friendly?
If you need a dairy-free option, try substituting the milk with coconut or almond milk. Keep in mind the flavor and creaminess may vary, but it’s a tasty alternative for those avoiding dairy.
What does adding cinnamon do to the pudding?
Cinnamon adds warm, aromatic spice that enhances the natural sweetness of the rice pudding and adds depth to every spoonful. It’s a classic pairing that feels cozy and indulgent without being overpowering.
Can I make the pudding ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pudding actually benefits from resting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly. Just stir well before serving and adjust the texture with a splash of milk if needed.
How can I tell when the pudding is done cooking?
The pudding is ready when the rice is fully tender and the mixture has thickened to a creamy, custard-like consistency. Remember, it will thicken further as it cools, so don’t overcook to avoid it becoming too dense.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Rice Pudding Recipe is one of those timeless desserts that never goes out of style and always brings people together. It’s easy to make, wonderfully comforting, and endlessly flexible to suit your taste. I encourage you to try it yourself and discover just how satisfying and delicious homemade rice pudding can be. Once you do, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
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Homemade Rice Pudding Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
Description
This homemade rice pudding is a creamy and comforting dessert made with jasmine rice, milk, and a touch of cinnamon and vanilla. It’s cooked slowly on the stovetop until thick and luscious, perfect served warm or chilled for a delightful treat any time of the day.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 6 cups milk
- 3/4 cup jasmine rice
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a 5-quart pot, mix together the milk, jasmine rice, sugar, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Bring to a Boil: Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmer and Cook: Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the pudding to cook uncovered, stirring frequently. Cook for about 30 to 35 minutes until the pudding becomes thick and creamy. Stir almost constantly during the last 5 to 10 minutes to prevent sticking and burning on the bottom of the pot. Remember, the pudding will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Add Vanilla: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the tablespoon of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- Serve: The rice pudding can be enjoyed hot or cold according to your preference.
Notes
- Use jasmine rice for the best texture and flavor in the pudding.
- Stirring frequently is essential to prevent the rice from sticking and burning at the bottom of the pot.
- For a richer pudding, you can substitute 1 cup of milk with cream.
- Feel free to garnish with nuts or dried fruits for added texture.
- Rice pudding thickens more as it cools, so adjust the cooking time for your desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
