🍚✨ Old Fashioned Rice Pudding – A Cozy, Creamy Dessert Just Like Grandma Made
If you’ve been craving a dessert that’s warm, nostalgic, creamy, and unbelievably comforting, this Old Fashioned Rice Pudding is exactly what your kitchen needs tonight. This recipe has been passed down through generations in so many families, and each spoonful feels like a warm hug. It’s the kind of dessert that makes the whole house smell like home — sweet vanilla, soft cinnamon, and gently simmered milk.
What I love most about this recipe?
It uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, it’s budget-friendly, and it tastes like you spent hours making it… even though it’s incredibly easy. Whether you enjoy it warm and cozy right off the stove or chilled straight from the fridge, this rice pudding is creamy, silky, and melts in your mouth every single time.
This is the recipe people make once… and then they make it every week. Yes, it’s that good.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Rice Pudding
✔ Ultra-creamy and rich
✔ Perfect sweetness
✔ No fancy ingredients
✔ Great warm OR cold
✔ Kid-friendly and picky-eater approved
✔ Gets even better the next day
✔ Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or simple weeknight treats
🥄 Ingredients
1 cup uncooked white rice (short-grain works best)
2 cups water
4 cups whole milk (or 2% but whole gives creaminess)
½ cup sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp ground cinnamon (plus more for topping)
¼ tsp salt
½ cup raisins (optional but traditional!)
2 tbsp butter
👩🍳 How to Make Old Fashioned Rice Pudding
- Cook the rice
In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add rice and a pinch of salt. Lower heat, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes, until soft and fluffy.
- Create the creamy base
Add milk, sugar, and butter to the cooked rice. Stir well and cook over medium heat, stirring often until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy (about 15 minutes).
- Temper the eggs
In a small bowl, whisk the eggs. Add a few spoonfuls of the hot rice mixture to the eggs slowly while stirring — this keeps the eggs from scrambling.
Pour the egg mixture back into the pot.
- Add flavor
Stir in vanilla, cinnamon, and raisins (if using). Cook for another 2–3 minutes until silky and thick.
- Serve!
Enjoy it warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon… or chill it for a denser, custard-like texture.
💡 Tips for the Creamiest Rice Pudding
✨ Use whole milk for that rich, old-school flavor.
✨ Stir often — it keeps everything smooth and prevents sticking.
✨ Don’t skip tempering the eggs; it makes the pudding luxuriously creamy.
✨ If it gets too thick after cooling, stir in a splash of milk when reheating.
🍯 Variations
Try these if you want to switch it up:
Coconut Rice Pudding: Replace 1 cup of milk with coconut milk.
Golden Raisin + Nutmeg: Adds gorgeous warmth.
Caramel Drizzle: For extra indulgence.
No-Egg Version: Just skip the eggs and simmer longer for thickness.
🌟 Perfect for Every Occasion
Whether you need a comforting weeknight dessert, something nostalgic for the holidays, or a simple sweet treat for guests — this Old Fashioned Rice Pudding never disappoints. It’s classic, creamy, and tastes like something straight from Grandma’s kitchen.
If you try it, be prepared… people will ask for seconds AND the recipe!