Creamy Rice Pudding is the ultimate comfort dessert—velvety, rich, and nostalgic. Whether warm or chilled, this timeless treat brings together tender rice and cozy spices in perfect harmony.

Simple ingredients come together in a luscious blend of milk, sugar, and vanilla. This sweet, spoonable indulgence is a family favorite that feels both wholesome and luxuriously creamy.

Star Ingredients in This Creamy Rice Pudding

Cooked white rice – The foundation of the pudding, offering texture and body while soaking up all the sweet, creamy flavors.
Whole milk – Adds richness and gives the pudding its silky consistency. Dividing it ensures the egg is tempered smoothly.
Granulated sugar – Sweetens the dish just enough to highlight the warm spices and vanilla.
Large egg – Thickens the pudding to a custard-like creaminess, creating an ultra-smooth mouthfeel.
Golden raisins – A chewy, subtly sweet contrast that bursts with flavor in every bite.
Unsalted butter – Adds a luxurious finish and extra creaminess right at the end.
Vanilla extract – Enhances the pudding with aromatic depth and warm sweetness.
Cinnamon & nutmeg – Classic spices that add a nostalgic warmth and cozy flavor profile.

How to Make Rice Pudding the Easy Way

Start by combining cooked rice, most of the milk, sugar, and salt in a saucepan and gently bringing it to a low boil. Let it simmer and thicken while stirring often to prevent sticking.

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg with the remaining milk. Slowly add a portion of the hot mixture into the egg to temper it, then pour everything back into the saucepan. Stir in raisins and let it cook briefly to thicken.

Once off the heat, add the butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Serve it warm and soft, or let it chill for a firmer texture with a sprinkle of spice on top.

Sweet Secrets & Tasty Twists

For ultra-creamy results, use whole milk and don’t rush the simmer—low and slow yields the best texture. If you’re starting with raw rice, cook it until tender before beginning the pudding process to ensure the grains don’t break down too much.

Not a fan of raisins? Swap them for dried cranberries, chopped dates, or skip them entirely. A swirl of fruit compote, a spoonful of jam, or a handful of toasted nuts can easily turn this humble pudding into a personalized dessert masterpiece.

You can also add a splash of coconut milk or almond extract for a subtle twist. Even a pinch of cardamom works beautifully for something a little different.

Storing This Creamy Comfort

Rice pudding stores well in the fridge for up to four days. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It thickens as it chills, so you might want to stir in a splash of milk when reheating to bring back the original creaminess.

To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. While freezing is possible, the texture can become grainy, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.