Old Fashioned Creamy Rice Pudding
Creamy rice pudding with a rich vanilla flavor, baked to a golden perfection. Perfect for comforting desserts or family gatherings, appealing to those who enjoy classic comfort foods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring 4 cups of milk, sugar, and rinsed rice to a boil in a saucepan.
- Add the well-rinsed rice to the boiling mixture.
- Reduce heat and simmer slowly, covered, for about 1 hour until the rice is tender.
- Pour the cooked rice mixture into a greased 9-inch casserole dish.
- Add the remaining 1 cup of milk and vanilla extract to the casserole.
- Optional: stir in raisins if desired.
- Bake in a 400°F oven until the skin on the pudding is browned.
- Allow the pudding to cool before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk, or add a bit of butter for richness. If you want to reduce the sugar, substitute with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, adjusting to taste. Rinsing the rice thoroughly is crucial to remove excess starch, preventing the pudding from becoming overly sticky.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm or chilled, topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for added flavor. This rice pudding pairs beautifully with Grandma'S Apple-Nut Squares for a comforting dessert experience. Consider serving it alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover rice pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Avoid overheating, as this can cause the pudding to dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Creamy Rice Pudding contains roughly 495 calories, with 8g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (126% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 615mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice for this recipe?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but it will require a longer cooking time, usually about 1.5 hours. Keep an eye on the liquid levels, as brown rice absorbs more liquid. The texture will be slightly different, giving a nuttier flavor.
Is it possible to make this pudding dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the milk with almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. Just be aware that the flavor and creaminess will vary depending on the milk chosen. You may want to add a bit of cornstarch to thicken it up if using a thinner milk.
How can I make this rice pudding more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor, add a cinnamon stick or a few cardamom pods while cooking the rice. You can also mix in citrus zest, like lemon or orange, for a refreshing twist. For a richer taste, a splash of bourbon or rum can be added before serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).