If you’ve ever craved a cozy, comforting dessert that wraps you in warm, sweet flavors, then you are going to absolutely adore this Creamy Cinnamon Rice Pudding (Really Easy!) Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a big, comforting hug after a long day, with velvety smooth rice bathed in fragrant cinnamon and luscious cream. What’s best is how incredibly simple it is to prepare, turning humble pantry staples into a soul-soothing treat. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or to indulge your own sweet tooth, this creamy, cinnamon-kissed pudding never disappoints and always brings a smile.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward ingredients is all it takes to create a dessert bursting with flavor and creamy texture. Each plays a crucial role, from the gentle sweetness of the sugar to the fragrant punch of cinnamon, ensuring every spoonful is perfect.
- Unsalted butter: Used for greasing the dish to prevent sticking and add a subtle richness.
- Milk (full or reduced fat): The main liquid, it makes the pudding smooth and creamy while helping to cook the rice gently.
- White sugar: Adds sweetness that perfectly balances the cinnamon and vanilla.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses a fragrant warmth that elevates the flavor depth beautifully.
- Medium grain white rice: The ideal variety to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture without being mushy.
- Sultanas or raisins: Provide little bursts of natural sweetness and texture contrast.
- Cinnamon: The star spice that brings a cozy aroma and warming spice note.
- Thickened/heavy cream: Added at the end for the ultimate creamy finish and luscious mouthfeel.
How to Make Creamy Cinnamon Rice Pudding (Really Easy!) Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish
Start by heating your oven to 180°C (350°F). While it warms up, butter your casserole dish generously — this simple step keeps the pudding from sticking and adds a subtle richness.
Step 2: Simmer the Milk Mixture
In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the milk, sugar, and vanilla. Stir gently as it warms to dissolve the sugar fully and heat until you see a gentle simmer with foam forming on the surface. Be careful not to let it boil, because boiling can cause the milk to split or curdle, which you definitely want to avoid for that smooth pudding texture.
Step 3: Assemble the Rice and Spices
Place the medium grain rice, sultanas (or raisins), and cinnamon directly into your buttered casserole dish. Pour the warm milk mixture over the rice, then stir just a little to combine everything evenly. Cover the dish tightly with a lid or foil to trap the steam inside.
Step 4: Bake and Stir
Pop your dish into the oven and bake for a full hour. Every 20 minutes, take the pudding out to give it a good stir—this is the key to breaking up any rice that starts to cling to the bottom and to help the pudding cook evenly. This slow baking method lets the rice soak up all the creamy, spiced milk, creating that divine consistency.
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Serve
After an hour of baking, take the pudding out and stir in the heavy cream. At this stage, it might look a bit watery, but don’t worry—that extra moisture evaporates quickly, leaving behind a rich, creamy texture that just oozes indulgence with every spoonful. Serve it right away, or for an extra special treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
How to Serve Creamy Cinnamon Rice Pudding (Really Easy!) Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top makes the pudding look inviting and adds a little extra warmth with each bite. If you love texture, toasted nuts like almonds or pecans provide a lovely crunch. For an elegant touch, a few fresh berries or a drizzle of honey make it pop with color and flavor.
Side Dishes
This pudding is rich enough to stand alone but pairs wonderfully with lighter desserts like fresh fruit salad or a tangy citrus sorbet. You can even serve it alongside a cup of strong coffee or chai tea for a cozy dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, individual ramekins or pretty glass jars allow each serving to shine. Layering the pudding with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon turns it into a delightful trifecta of textures and looks stunning on any table. If you’re feeling fancy, a cinnamon stick or edible gold leaf gives that wow factor for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Cinnamon Rice Pudding (Really Easy!) Recipe is a gift you can enjoy later. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. As it chills, the pudding thickens up beautifully, making it even more satisfying when you reheat it.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, spoon portions into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to a month. Just know the texture might be slightly different once thawed, but warming it gently will bring back much of the creaminess.
Reheating
Reheat your pudding gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or burning. Adding a splash of milk or cream while reheating helps revive its silky texture and keeps it luscious and smooth.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of medium grain white rice?
Brown rice has a firmer texture and tight husk, so it won’t become as creamy as medium grain white rice. For the classic smoothness of this recipe, stick to the recommended medium grain white rice.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, replace butter with a vegan alternative, and swap heavy cream for coconut cream. The flavor will be slightly different but still wonderfully creamy and comforting.
Why do I need to stir the pudding every 20 minutes while baking?
Stirring prevents the rice from settling and sticking to the bottom of the dish, which could cause burning. It also helps break up the rice gently, creating that ideal pudding texture throughout.
Can I prepare this rice pudding on the stovetop instead of baking?
Yes, but the slow oven baking method gives the rice time to soak and cook evenly in the milk. Stove-top cooking requires constant attention and stirring to prevent scorching, so the oven method is more foolproof and hands-off.
How do I know when the pudding is done?
The pudding is ready when the rice is tender but still intact, the mixture is thickened, and the surface is slightly set. It should have a creamy consistency that thickens more as it cools after the cream is added.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Creamy Cinnamon Rice Pudding (Really Easy!) Recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to desserts for its unbeatable comfort and simplicity. It’s a dish with heart and soul, made with love and just a handful of everyday ingredients. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a bowl of pure, creamy happiness.
Print
Creamy Cinnamon Rice Pudding (Really Easy!) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
Description
This Creamy Cinnamon Rice Pudding is a comforting and easy-to-make dessert that combines tender rice simmered in a sweetened milk mixture infused with vanilla, cinnamon, and sultanas. Baked to perfection in the oven, it yields a luscious, creamy texture enhanced by the addition of thickened cream. Perfect for cozy nights or as a sweet treat anytime.
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
Finishing
- 1/2 cup thickened/heavy cream (or a bit of butter as alternative)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) to prepare for baking the rice pudding evenly.
- Grease the Baking Dish: Use the unsalted butter to thoroughly grease a 10 cup or larger casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Simmer the Milk Mixture: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir to dissolve the sugar and bring to a gentle simmer until the surface becomes foamy. Avoid boiling as the milk may split.
- Combine Ingredients in Dish: Place the uncooked rice, sultanas, and cinnamon into the greased baking dish. Pour the hot milk mixture over them and stir briefly. Cover with a lid or foil to retain moisture during baking.
- Bake and Stir: Bake the mixture for 1 hour. Every 20 minutes, remove the dish and stir the pudding well to break up any rice that sticks to the base and to ensure even cooking.
- Add Cream and Stir: After baking, remove the pudding from the oven and mix in the thickened cream thoroughly. The pudding will appear watery at first but will thicken quickly and become deliciously creamy.
- Serve: Serve the rice pudding immediately. Enjoy it on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Notes
- Use medium grain white rice for the best texture; other rice types can become either too mushy or too firm.
- Full fat milk produces a creamier pudding, but reduced fat is a lighter alternative.
- Sultanas or raisins add a pleasant sweetness and texture contrast; they can be substituted with other dried fruits if preferred.
- Stirring every 20 minutes during baking prevents rice from settling and burning on the bottom.
- The cream added at the end is essential for achieving the pudding’s signature richness and silkiness.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon for added flavor and indulgence.
