Creamy Rice Pudding with Cinnamon
Introduction
Creamy rice pudding with cinnamon is one of those timeless, nostalgic desserts that fills your kitchen with warmth and your heart with comfort. Made with simple pantry staples like rice, milk, sugar, and cinnamon, this dish transforms everyday ingredients into a luxuriously smooth and delicately spiced treat. At Best Bread Machine, we believe in the power of recipes that nourish, comfort, and bring people together. Rice pudding is just that: a quiet, cozy dessert that families have enjoyed across generations and cultures.
Whether served warm in winter or chilled in summer, this creamy rice pudding is a versatile, budget-friendly, and deeply satisfying dessert that can be enjoyed any time of day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Budget-friendly: Uses ingredients most people already have on hand
- Customizable: Serve warm or cold, with different toppings
- Make-ahead friendly: Keeps well in the fridge
- Kid-approved: Simple, sweet, and familiar flavors
- Perfect texture: Rich, creamy, and lightly spiced with cinnamon
This rice pudding isn’t just a dessert—it’s a memory in the making.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe makes about 4–6 servings.
Core Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup uncooked white rice (short or medium grain preferred)
- 4 cups whole milk (or 2% for a lighter version)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick (or 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Enhancements:
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (for extra richness)
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried fruit
- Zest of 1 lemon or orange
- A sprinkle of ground nutmeg on top
Garnish Ideas:
- Ground cinnamon
- A drizzle of honey or maple syrup
- Toasted nuts or coconut flakes
- Fresh berries or jam swirl
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowls or dessert ramekins for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Rinse the Rice
Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch. This helps prevent the pudding from becoming too sticky.
2. Combine and Simmer
In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, milk, sugar, salt, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
3. Simmer and Stir
Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently, uncovered, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or scorching. This process takes about 25–30 minutes.
As the pudding cooks, the rice absorbs the milk and thickens the mixture. Stir more frequently toward the end to ensure even consistency.
4. Finish and Flavor
Once the pudding is thickened and the rice is tender, remove the cinnamon stick. Stir in the vanilla extract (and optional heavy cream, if using).
If using raisins or citrus zest, fold them in now.
5. Serve
Spoon into individual serving bowls. Serve warm for a cozy treat, or cover and refrigerate to enjoy chilled. Dust with ground cinnamon before serving.
Tips for the Best Rice Pudding
- Stir often: Prevents sticking and ensures creamy texture
- Use whole milk: For best richness and mouthfeel
- Short-grain rice: Yields a softer, creamier pudding
- Don’t rush it: Gentle simmering builds flavor and texture
- Sweeten to taste: You can adjust sugar slightly depending on your preference
Make-Ahead and Storage
Rice pudding is an excellent make-ahead dessert:
- Refrigerate: Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen
- Freeze: Not recommended, as the texture may become grainy
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use cooked rice? Yes. Use 1 1/2 cups cooked white rice and reduce the simmering time to 10–15 minutes.
Is it gluten-free? Yes, if using plain white rice and no thickeners. Always double-check packaged ingredients.
Can I use non-dairy milk? Yes. Almond, oat, coconut, or soy milk all work. Texture may vary slightly.
How do I make it thicker or thinner? For thicker pudding, simmer longer or use less milk. For a thinner consistency, stir in a little extra milk at the end.
Flavor Variations
- Coconut Rice Pudding: Replace some or all of the milk with coconut milk
- Chocolate Twist: Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped chocolate or cocoa powder
- Chai-Spiced: Add cardamom, ginger, and cloves with the cinnamon stick
- Apple-Cinnamon: Add diced cooked apples toward the end of cooking
- Persian-Style: Add rosewater and pistachios for a floral finish
Toppings and Pairings
Enhance your rice pudding with:
- A swirl of fruit compote
- A spoonful of peanut butter or almond butter
- Chopped nuts or granola
- Dollop of Greek yogurt for contrast
Pair with:
- Herbal tea or spiced chai
- A slice of homemade bread or a buttery biscuit
- Fresh fruit salad
Making It Kid-Friendly
Rice pudding is naturally appealing to kids. To make it even more engaging:
- Let kids add their favorite toppings
- Serve in colorful cups or jars
- Add mini chocolate chips or crushed cookies
- Use fun spoons and sprinkle cinnamon in shapes
It’s a simple, soothing dessert perfect for school nights or weekend treats.
A Hug in a Bowl
At Best Bread Machine, we believe in recipes that comfort and nourish—like a warm hug at the end of a long day. Creamy rice pudding with cinnamon is exactly that. It’s simple enough to make anytime, yet rich with tradition and warmth. Whether you’re making it for yourself, your children, or a family gathering, this dessert brings a moment of peace and satisfaction to the table.
It’s not just about feeding the body—it’s about feeding the soul.
Conclusion
Creamy rice pudding with cinnamon is one of those desserts that stands the test of time. Simple, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable, it reminds us that the best recipes often come from humble beginnings. Whether served warm by the fire or chilled on a summer afternoon, this dish brings comfort and joy to every spoonful.
Make it once, and it’s sure to become a treasured favorite in your family.
