Easy Rice Pudding

I’ve always had a special place in my heart for Easy Rice Pudding. It’s one of those comforting dishes that takes me back to my childhood, where my grandmother would whip up a batch on chilly evenings. The aroma of sweet rice simmering away would fill the house, making it hard to resist sneaking a spoonful before it was even ready. This delightful dessert is not just about flavor; it’s about warmth, nostalgia, and the simple joy of cooking. With just a few pantry staples, you can create this creamy, dreamy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a family gathering, a cozy night in, or just a way to satisfy your sweet tooth, Easy Rice Pudding is sure to impress your taste buds.

Essential Ingredients for Easy Rice Pudding

When it comes to making Easy Rice Pudding, the ingredients are as simple as they are essential. This dish relies on a few key players that work harmoniously to create a creamy and indulgent dessert. Each ingredient contributes not just flavor, but also texture, making every spoonful a delight. Below are the main ingredients you’ll need to create this comforting treat.

• 2 cups water – This is the base for cooking the rice, providing the necessary moisture to achieve the right texture.
• 1 cup long-grain white rice – I recommend using a variety like Jasmine, which adds a subtle floral note to the pudding.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
• 4 cups milk – Whole milk is ideal for a rich, creamy pudding. You can even substitute some with half-and-half for an ultra-luxurious finish.
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar – This sweetens the pudding and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• 1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla adds depth and a delightful aroma.
• Ground cinnamon – For garnish, it brings warmth and a hint of spice to your dessert.

How to Prepare Easy Rice Pudding

Making Easy Rice Pudding is a straightforward process that anyone can master. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a comforting dessert ready to enjoy. Let’s get started!

1. In a large saucepan, bring water to a rolling boil. The key here is to ensure that the water is bubbling vigorously before adding anything else. This step is crucial for cooking the rice perfectly.
2. Once the water is boiling, stir in the long-grain white rice and salt. The rice will start absorbing the water immediately, so give it a good stir to prevent sticking.
3. Cover the saucepan and reduce the heat to low. This is where your rice will slowly simmer. It’s important to not rush this step. Let it cook until the water is mostly absorbed, about 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the rice is tender.
4. While the rice is cooking, you can prepare the milk. Microwave it until steaming, which takes about 1 to 2 minutes. The ideal temperature should be between 140 to 160 degrees – hot but not boiling.
5. Once the rice is ready, stir in the warm milk and granulated sugar. This combination is where the magic happens! Bring it to a slow simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently.
6. Continue to cook the mixture uncovered, stirring occasionally. You want to monitor the pudding closely as it thickens. After about 45 minutes, it should reach a consistency thick enough that a spoon can stand up in it.
7. Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully stir in the vanilla extract. This adds a lovely aroma and depth of flavor.
8. Allow the pudding to cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy it warm right away or refrigerate it for about 2 hours to serve it cold.
9. When ready to serve, dust the top with ground cinnamon for that perfect finishing touch.

Making Adjustments

While Easy Rice Pudding is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your taste. Here are some tips to help you make adjustments:

• Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This pudding holds its flavor well, so it’s perfect for meal prep!
• Freezing: You can freeze rice pudding for later use. Just make sure to allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Pairing: Consider pairing your rice pudding with fresh fruits like berries or bananas for a delightful contrast.
• Spicing it up: Feel free to add other spices, such as nutmeg or cardamom, for a unique twist on the classic flavor.
• Serving warm vs. cold: Some people love their rice pudding warm, while others prefer it chilled. Experiment to see which you like best!

Serve This Easy Rice Pudding With

• A sprinkling of cinnamon: A classic topping that adds warmth and flavor.
• Fresh fruits: Strawberries or blueberries make a refreshing contrast to the creamy pudding.
• Whipped cream: For an indulgent touch, add a dollop of whipped cream on top.
• Cookies: Pair your rice pudding with a side of cookies for a delightful dessert duo.
• Family gatherings: This dish is perfect for celebrations like birthdays or holidays.
• Cozy nights in: Enjoy it while snuggled up on the couch with a good book or movie.

FAQ

Conclusion

This Easy Rice Pudding recipe brings joy and nostalgia into the kitchen with its comforting flavors and creamy texture. It’s the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence, making it a must-try for any dessert lover. So gather your ingredients, and let this delightful treat bring warmth to your table tonight!

Easy Rice Pudding

The ultimate comfort food, Easy Rice Pudding is creamy, rich, and incredibly satisfying. With just a few ingredients, this easy weeknight dessert will become a family favorite. Perfect for sharing or indulging solo, make it tonight!

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Cook Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 200

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups Water
• 1 cup Long-grain white rice I prefer a long-grain variety of white rice, such as Jasmine, Basmati, or American long-grain rice.
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt A pinch enhances the sweetness.
• 4 cups Milk For the best flavor, use whole milk.
• 2/3 cup Granulated sugar
• 1 1/4 teaspoons Vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon For garnish.

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Saucepan
• Frying pan
• Wooden Spoon
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. In a large saucepan, bring water to boil. Stir in long-grain white rice and salt. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until water is mostly absorbed, about 15 to 20 minutes.
2. Microwave milk until steaming (140 to 160 degrees), about 1 to 2 minutes. To the rice, stir in milk and granulated sugar and bring to a slow simmer.
3. Cook, uncovered and stirring occasionally until mixture is thick, about 45 minutes (a spoon should be able to stand up in the pudding).
4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Allow pudding to cool slightly before serving, or refrigerate until chilled to serve cold, about 2 hours. Dust with ground cinnamon.

Notes

• White rice: I prefer a long-grain variety of white rice, such as Jasmine, Basmati, or American long grain rice. But you can also use a medium-grain variety, like Arborio or Valencia. Short grain rice will work as well. Do not substitute sushi rice.
• Milk: For the best flavor, use whole milk if you have it. For even richer Rice Pudding, opt for a combination of milk and butter or half-and-half.
• Yield: This recipe makes about 4 cups of rice pudding, enough for 8 servings ½ cup each.
• Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

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Meet Hailey Anderson

My passion is creating food that nourishes your body without sacrificing flavor. I’m our main recipe developer for vibrant salads, smoothies, and feel-good breakfasts. When I’m not blending or chopping, I’m right alongside Brooke and Jenna, helping to cook and test our new dinner and dessert recipes. I’m a firm believer in balance!