Ultra Creamy Old Fashioned Stovetop Rice Pudding
This recipe unfolds the story of true comfort: an ultra-creamy, old-fashioned rice pudding made simply on the stovetop. It captures the nostalgic flavor you remember, using basic ingredients for a rich, satisfying dessert.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 60 min
- Total Time: 65 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup short-grain white rice (Arborio works well for creaminess)
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Ground cinnamon, for serving
Instructions
- Combine the rice and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes until the water is mostly absorbed.
- Add the whole milk to the saucepan with the rice. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching on the bottom.
- Once simmering, reduce the heat to low. Continue to cook, stirring every few minutes, for 40 to 50 minutes. The rice should soften, and the pudding should thicken considerably. You are looking for a rich, creamy consistency where the milk has reduced and coated the grains.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until dissolved. The pudding will thicken more as it cools.
- Serve the rice pudding warm, sprinkled generously with ground cinnamon, or chill it completely for a firmer texture.
Notes
- For the creamiest texture, use whole milk and stir often. This constant movement releases the starch from the rice, creating a natural thickener.
- If the pudding becomes too thick upon cooling, stir in a splash of extra milk or cream when reheating or serving.
- This classic rice pudding recipe is perfect served warm on a chilly evening or chilled as a refreshing sweet treat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 4.5
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 60
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 10
- Cholesterol: 25