The moment I stirred the creamy mixture of rice and milk, an aroma filled the kitchen, wrapping me in the warm embrace of nostalgia. This isn’t just any dessert; it’s a bowlful of comfort that makes every spoonful feel like a cozy hug. My journey into making creamy cinnamon rice pudding began on a chilly evening, when my craving for something homemade clashed with the chaos of life. With just a few pantry staples, I transformed simple ingredients into a luxurious treat, inviting the scents of cinnamon and vanilla to dance around my home.

Whether served warm straight from the pot or chilled in the fridge for later enjoyment, this pudding is as versatile as it is delicious. Feel free to give it a personal touch by adding raisins, or experiment with other dried fruits to take this classic dessert to new heights. Join me in discovering how this charming rice pudding can turn any meal into a special occasion, rekindling the joy of homemade goodness right in your kitchen!

Why is Rice Pudding with Cinnamon so special?

Comforting, Nostalgic Flavor: Each bite transports you back to cherished memories, making it the perfect dessert for family gatherings or quiet nights in.
Easy Preparation: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
Delightfully Versatile: Customize with your favorite dried fruits or spices, allowing you to make this pudding truly your own.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying it solo, this dish appeals to all ages.
Perfect for Any Time: Enjoy it warm as a cozy dessert or chilled as a refreshing treat, making it ideal for any occasion! For more inspiration, try adding delightful flavors from a Buddha Bowl Spicy pairing.

Rice Pudding with Cinnamon Ingredients

For the Pudding Base
• Medium-grain white rice – The essential ingredient giving the pudding its creamy texture; short-grain rice can be used for an even silkier outcome.
• Water – Helps to initially cook the rice, softening the grains perfectly.
• Whole milk (divided) – Adds richness and creaminess; substitute with half-and-half for a more indulgent flavor.
• Granulated sugar – Sweetens the puddle, providing a delightful silkiness; consider honey or maple syrup as natural alternatives.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Eggs (lightly beaten) – Brings a custard-like element when tempered; ensure they are at room temperature for better blending.
• Unsalted butter – Contributes a luscious creaminess that melts beautifully into the pudding.
• Pure vanilla extract – Introduces a warm, inviting flavor that enhances the dish.
• Ground cinnamon – Imparts warmth and aromatic spice, making it a cozy delight; nutmeg can be a fragrant substitute.
Optional Additions
• Raisins – Adds sweetness and texture; mix in at the end for plump bites.
• Chopped dried fruits (like apricots, cranberries, or dates) – Great alternatives to raisins, adding a new flavor dimension.

This creamy rice pudding with cinnamon is not only a beloved classic but also a canvas for your culinary creativity!

How to Make Rice Pudding with Cinnamon

Cook the rice: Bring water and a pinch of salt to a vigorous boil in a medium saucepan. Add the medium-grain white rice, cover with a lid, and simmer for about 15 minutes until tender and fluffy.
Create the creamy base: Once the rice is cooked, pour in 3 cups of whole milk, followed by granulated sugar and unsalted butter. Stir gently and let it simmer over medium heat while frequently stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy (about 15-20 minutes).
Prepare the custard: In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining cup of milk with the lightly beaten eggs. Gradually temper the eggs by adding a small amount of the warm rice mixture, whisking continuously to avoid scrambling.
Combine mixtures: Slowly pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the rice. Stir consistently and cook on low heat for an additional 5-8 minutes. The pudding should thicken enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Finish the pudding: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in pure vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and, if using, the raisins. You can serve the pudding warm or chill it in the fridge until set.

Optional: Dust with extra cinnamon before serving for a lovely finish!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

Enjoying creamy rice pudding with cinnamon during a busy week is a breeze with a few make-ahead strategies! You can prepare the entire pudding base up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to develop even further. Simply follow the recipe until you finish cooking it, then cool and refrigerate it in an airtight container. To maintain its luscious creaminess, when you’re ready to serve, gently reheat the pudding on the stove, adding a splash of milk to restore its velvety texture. If desired, you can also stir in any dried fruits at this point for a delightful contrast. With these simple steps, you’ll have a comforting dessert ready to enjoy with minimal effort!

What to Serve with Rice Pudding with Cinnamon?

The perfect meal ends with a comforting dessert that has the power to bring everyone together.

Fresh Berries: Juicy and tart, berries provide a lovely contrast to the creamy sweetness of the pudding, adding a pop of color and freshness to your plate.
Sliced Bananas: Their soft sweetness complements the cinnamon’s warmth beautifully, creating a delightful fruity pairing that enhances every spoonful of rice pudding.
Chocolate Chip Cookies: Enjoying a warm, gooey cookie alongside your pudding adds a crunchy texture and a chocolaty contrast, making your dessert experience even more indulgent.
Herbal Tea: A soothing cup of chamomile or peppermint tea creates a calming ending to your meal and helps cleanse the palate after the rich pudding.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel over the pudding can transform it into an elevated dessert, adding deep, buttery notes that melt beautifully into the creamy cinnamon base.
Nutty Granola: For a delightful crunch, sprinkle some nutty granola on top of the pudding. This elevates the texture and adds nutty flavor, making it truly irresistible.
Toasted Coconut Flakes: Adding toasted coconut provides a sweet, tropical twist that pairs well with the warm spices of cinnamon, giving your rice pudding a sunny vibe.

How to Store and Freeze Rice Pudding with Cinnamon

Fridge: Store your creamy rice pudding in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep it covered to maintain freshness and prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors.

Freezer: Rice pudding can be frozen for about 2 months. Ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container, and allow it to cool completely before sealing to avoid ice crystals.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop. Stir in a splash of milk to restore its creamy texture, ensuring that your rice pudding with cinnamon is as delightful as the first spoonful!

Rice Pudding with Cinnamon Variations

Feel free to add your own twist to this cozy dessert and customize it to your taste!

Dried Fruit Delight: Substitute raisins with dried apricots, cranberries, or chopped dates for a fruity burst in every bite.
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts like almonds or pecans right at the end for delightful texture and an appealing crunch.
Decadent Chocolate: Mix in cocoa powder or chocolate chips just before serving to transform this classic into a luscious chocolate treat.
Spice It Up: Experiment with additional spices such as cardamom, nutmeg, or even a pinch of ginger for a fragrant twist.
Maple Sweetness: Replace granulated sugar with pure maple syrup for a warm, earthy sweetness that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
Coconut Creaminess: Substitute half of the whole milk with coconut milk for a tropical flair that brings extra creaminess.
Fruit-Infused: Cook the rice in apple juice or orange juice instead of water for a fruity essence that pairs wonderfully with the spices.
Savory Twist: For a unique spin, add a sprinkle of sea salt and a touch of grated lemon zest for a contrasting flavor profile that intrigues the palate.

Let your imagination run wild and make this creamy rice pudding your own, creating sweet memories with each delicious bowl!

Expert Tips for Rice Pudding with Cinnamon

Rice Selection: Choose medium-grain white rice for creamy texture; short-grain rice can create a silkier pudding if desired.
Cooking Temperature: Maintain a gentle simmer during cooking to prevent the pudding from sticking or burning on the bottom.
Egg Tempering: Temper the eggs slowly with warm rice mixture, whisking constantly to prevent scrambling and achieve a smooth consistency.
Adjusting Texture: If the pudding thickens too much while cooling, stir in a splash of milk when reheating to regain creaminess.
Flavor Enhancements: Feel free to add nutmeg or cardamom for a unique spin on your classic rice pudding with cinnamon.

Rice Pudding with Cinnamon Recipe FAQs

What type of rice works best for rice pudding?
Using medium-grain white rice is recommended as it produces that creamy texture we’re after without becoming mushy. If you prefer an even silkier result, short-grain rice is a wonderful alternative that many adore. Just keep in mind that different rice varieties may alter the cooking times slightly.

How should I store leftover rice pudding?
Absolutely! Store your creamy rice pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure it’s tightly sealed to maintain freshness and flavor. If it thickens too much after cooling, simply stir in a splash of milk when you’re ready to reheat!

Can I freeze rice pudding with cinnamon?
Yes, you can freeze your rice pudding! Place it in a freezer-safe container, allowing it to cool completely beforehand to prevent ice crystals from forming. It will keep well for about 2 months. To enjoy, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.

What should I do if my rice pudding is too thick?
If your pudding turns out thicker than desired, don’t fret! Simply stir in a bit of milk while reheating on the stovetop until you’ve reached your desired consistency. This step can really help restore that luxurious creaminess we love in rice pudding.

Are there any allergy considerations with this recipe?
Definitely! This rice pudding recipe contains eggs and dairy, so if you or someone you’re serving has allergies, consider substitutions. Use your favorite dairy-free milk alternatives and a suitable egg replacement, like a flax egg or silken tofu blended smooth, to make a delicious and inclusive version for everyone!

Can I add more spices or flavors?
The more, the merrier! Feel free to experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or cardamom to create captivating flavor profiles. You can also fold in chocolate chips for a delightful twist or try mixing in different dried fruits like cranberries or chopped apricots for added sweetness and texture!