If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Creamy Cinnamon Rice Pudding Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s beautifully rich and luscious, with tender grains of rice soaking up the sweetened milk and spicy cinnamon, all coming together in the most comforting way imaginable. Whether you’re after a cozy treat on a chilly evening or something special to share with friends, this recipe offers a perfect balance of creamy texture and gentle sweetness that will make you want to come back for seconds (or thirds!) every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Cinnamon Rice Pudding Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each component plays a key role—from the wholesome milk that creates a silky base to the fragrant cinnamon that adds warm spice, and the sultanas that bring a subtle burst of sweetness and texture. Let’s dive into the must-haves that make this dish so special.
- Unsalted butter: Used for greasing the baking dish to prevent sticking and add a subtle richness.
- Milk (full or reduced fat): The creamy foundation that softens the rice and delivers that velvety feel.
- White sugar: Sweetens the pudding and helps achieve the perfect balance of flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses a lovely aromatic depth that pairs so well with cinnamon.
- Medium grain white rice: Ideal for puddings, it cooks up tender yet retains just enough bite.
- Sultanas or raisins: Provide natural sweetness and little bursts of fruity chewiness.
- Cinnamon: The key spice that delivers warmth and cozy aroma.
- Thickened or heavy cream: Added at the end for that extra dose of luscious creaminess.
How to Make Creamy Cinnamon Rice Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a roomy casserole dish with the unsalted butter, which ensures the pudding won’t stick and adds a touch of richness right from the start. This simple prep sets the stage for a perfectly baked pudding.
Step 2: Warm Up the Base
Next, combine the milk, sugar, and vanilla extract in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Gently bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally to dissolve all the sugar. The milk will start to foam at the surface—that’s your cue to remove it from the heat. Be careful not to let it come to a full boil, or the milk could split, which we definitely want to avoid.
Step 3: Assemble the Ingredients
In your buttered casserole dish, add the uncooked medium grain white rice, sultanas (or raisins), and cinnamon. Pour the warm milk mixture over the top and give everything a brief stir to combine. Then cover the dish with a lid or foil to keep in the moisture as it bakes.
Step 4: Bake and Stir
Bake the pudding for one hour. Every twenty minutes, open the oven and give it a good stir to break up any rice that starts settling or sticking to the bottom. This step is crucial to keeping the pudding creamy and evenly cooked, so don’t skip it!
Step 5: Finish with Cream
After the hour is up, take your pudding out of the oven and stir in the thickened cream. Right away, it might look a bit watery, but trust that it will thicken as it cools. This last addition transforms it into the ridiculously creamy texture that makes this Creamy Cinnamon Rice Pudding Recipe so unforgettable.
Step 6: Ready to Serve
Serve your rice pudding immediately for the best experience. You can enjoy it just as it is to savor the pure comfort of creamy cinnamon goodness, or take it up a notch with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—either way, it’s bound to delight.
How to Serve Creamy Cinnamon Rice Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a light dusting of cinnamon or a few extra sultanas can enhance the flavor and add a lovely visual touch. For a bit of crunch, toasted nuts such as almonds or walnuts make a fantastic contrast to the silky pudding.
Side Dishes
This pudding pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears, which add a refreshing burst of brightness next to the creamy, rich pudding. A cup of hot tea or a bold coffee also complements it perfectly, especially on cooler days.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, try serving this Creamy Cinnamon Rice Pudding Recipe in individual ramekins topped with cinnamon sticks or a drizzle of honey. For a festive touch, sprinkle edible rose petals or serve alongside spiced biscotti that guests can dunk in the creamy goodness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover rice pudding keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container to preserve that silky texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this pudding freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat your rice pudding gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Stir occasionally and add a splash of milk or cream if needed to bring back that luscious creaminess. It’s just as comforting warm as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?
Medium grain white rice is preferred because it cooks to a soft yet slightly chewy texture that’s perfect for pudding. Using long grain rice might result in a less creamy consistency, while short grain tends to be too sticky.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute dairy milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk, and use a dairy-free cream alternative to keep it creamy and delicious without the dairy.
Can I prepare this rice pudding on the stovetop instead of baking?
Yes, stovetop rice pudding is very common; however, baking allows for even cooking and develops a wonderfully thick texture with minimal stirring. The oven method also frees you up to do other things while it bakes.
What’s the best way to get the pudding extra creamy?
The secret lies in the final step: stirring in thickened cream after baking. Also, choosing full-fat milk over skim will enhance the richness and overall creaminess of your pudding.
How long should I stir the pudding during baking?
Stirring every twenty minutes during the hour-long bake is ideal. This prevents sticking and ensures the rice cooks evenly, producing the smoothest pudding possible.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cinnamon Rice Pudding Recipe is a surefire way to bring joy and comfort to any day. It’s simple to make, utterly delicious, and perfect for sharing—or savoring all by yourself. I hope you give it a try and let this classic dessert warm your heart and brighten your table!
Print
Creamy Cinnamon Rice Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 5 to 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
Description
This Creamy Cinnamon Rice Pudding is a comforting and easy-to-make dessert that blends tender rice, warm cinnamon, and creamy milk baked slowly to perfection. Ideal for serving warm with an optional scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s a classic homemade treat that satisfies with its smooth texture and delicate sweetness.
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 thickened/heavy cream (or a bit of butter)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) to prepare for baking the rice pudding in a casserole dish.
- Grease Baking Dish: Use the unsalted butter to thoroughly grease a 10-cup or larger casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Milk Mixture: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Heat until simmering and the surface becomes foamy, stirring to dissolve the sugar completely. Be careful not to boil the milk, as it can split.
- Combine Pudding Ingredients: Place the uncooked rice, sultanas, and cinnamon into the greased baking dish. Pour the hot milk mixture over the rice and stir briefly to combine evenly. Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil.
- Bake the Pudding: Bake in the oven for 1 hour. Stir the pudding every 20 minutes during baking to prevent the rice from sticking to the base and to ensure even cooking.
- Add Cream and Stir: After baking, remove the pudding from the oven and stir in the thickened/heavy cream. The pudding will seem watery right away but will thicken as it cools.
- Serve: Serve the rice pudding warm immediately. Optionally, enhance it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
Notes
- Note 1: You can use either full-fat or reduced-fat milk depending on your preference for creaminess and richness.
- Note 2: Medium grain white rice is recommended for its ideal texture in rice pudding, as it absorbs liquids well and cooks to a creamy consistency.
- Note 3: Sultanas or raisins add natural sweetness and texture contrast; feel free to omit if desired.
