Old Fashioned Creamy Rice Pudding: A Timeless Comfort Food Treat

Name: Old Fashioned Creamy Rice Pudding
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup Arborio rice; 2 cups whole milk; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon; 2 eggs (optional)

Posted on February 21, 2026

Bowl of old fashioned creamy rice pudding topped with cinnamon and raisins

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This Old Fashioned Rice Pudding comes together in about 30 minutes and is made all in one pot for a easy dessert that your family will love! Switch up the ingredients to suit your tastes or use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal to use up leftovers and odds and ends hanging out in your pantry!

Ingredients Breakdown

To make this creamy rice pudding, gather up the following simple ingredients:

1 cup rice
2 cups milk
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
2 eggs (optional)

Let’s Get Cooking!

Are you ready? Let’s dive into the deliciousness!

Combine the Goodness: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup rice, 2 cups milk, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to mix everything well.
Reduce Heat and Simmer: Once it’s boiling, be sure to reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently. You’ll want to stir frequently for about 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the mixture becomes thick, like a cozy hug in a bowl!
Flavor Boost: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. If you’re using the eggs, beat them well in a separate bowl and temper them by gradually mixing in a bit of the hot pudding, then whisk back into the saucepan. This step adds a luscious creaminess!
Serve It Up: Let the pudding cool slightly, then serve it warm or chill it in the fridge. I personally love it warm, but nothing beats a cold bowl on a hot day!

Why I Love This Recipe

This is my go-to recipe when I want something warm, comforting, and ridiculously easy to whip up. I’m a real sucker for classic comfort food, and rice pudding just hits the spot! The best part is you can truly make it your own with whatever you have on hand. Leftover rice? Toss it in! Got some dried fruits or nuts? Add those too! It’s just one of those dishes that can adapt to your pantry.

If you loved this Old Fashioned Creamy Rice Pudding, be sure to check out my Moe’s Seasoned Rice, my Louisiana Dirty Rice, or my Filipino Garlic Fried Rice recipe for more delicious and comforting meals!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

Talk about a win-win! This creamy rice pudding comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect dessert for those busy weeknights after you’ve put the kiddos to bed or had a long day at work.

One Pot Wonder

Minimal cleanup required! Everything fits into one cozy saucepan, so you can whip up this treat without worrying about a mountain of dishes piling up afterwards.

Budget-Friendly

This recipe utilizes affordable, everyday ingredients! You probably already have rice, milk, and sugar in your kitchen. Literally just a couple pantry staples, and you can have a delicious dessert!

Customizable

Not only is this recipe versatile, but it’s super forgiving, too! If you want to switch up the flavor, toss in some chocolate chips, fresh berries, or even a swirl of caramel. The secret to a delicious rice pudding is creating it in a way that makes your heart sing.

Comfort Food

There’s just something about rice pudding that warms your soul and gives you all the cozy vibes! Plus, it’s loaded with tons of flavor from that balsamic drizzle or sprinkle of cinnamon, giving you all the nostalgic feels.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

How to Serve This Rice Pudding

I recommend serving this rice pudding warm, topped with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of nuts and some extra cinnamon or maybe a dollop of whipped cream, because why not? It’s a delightful treat that’s sure to impress, even the pickiest of eaters!

Storage

This pudding keeps well, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just remember that it may thicken when chilled, so you might want to add a splash of milk when reheating.

Reheating Instructions

To enjoy leftovers, simply warm up a bowl in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between until it’s just warm enough for your liking.

Freezer-Friendly?

You know, I wouldn’t recommend freezing it. The texture tends to change upon thawing, and it loses that creamy deliciousness we all love. However, it’s so quick to make that there’s no need to freeze it in the first place!

Final Thoughts

This rice pudding is more than just a dessert; it’s a dish filled with memories and warmth. Growing up, my grandma used to make this on cold Sunday afternoons, and it always brought the family together. It’s comforting and reminds me of home, which is what food is all about, right?

So why not give this recipe a try? It’s quick, easy, and sure to become a new go-to in your household. Trust me on this, you’ll want to savor every bite!

And there you go! Your Old Fashioned Creamy Rice Pudding is ready to shine at the dinner table or as a sweet midnight snack. A little nostalgia, a lot of flavor, and plenty of versatility, what more could you ask for? Happy cooking! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.