Creamy Cinnamon Rice Pudding (Really Easy!) Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that’s cozy, comforting, and utterly irresistible, then this Creamy Cinnamon Rice Pudding (Really Easy!) Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Rich, velvety, and infused with the warm aroma of cinnamon, this homemade rice pudding hits all the right notes without any fuss. The secret lies in perfectly cooked medium grain rice bathed in sweetened milk and finished with a luscious swirl of cream, making every spoonful a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re making a weeknight treat or a crowd-pleaser for guests, this recipe brings simplicity and indulgence together like magic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is the first step toward that dreamy texture and flavor. Each item here plays a crucial role, from the creamy richness of the milk to the sweet bursts of sultanas, all coming together to create the perfect rice pudding.

• Unsalted butter (1 tbsp): Used for greasing the baking dish so your pudding doesn’t stick and gets those lovely edges.
• Milk (4 cups): Full or reduced fat milk provides the creamy base; it’s what makes the pudding silky and rich.
• White sugar (1/3 cup): Sweetens the pudding just right without overpowering the cinnamon.
• Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Adds a fragrant depth that elevates the whole dish.
• Medium grain white rice (3/4 cup, uncooked): The superstar for this pudding—its creamy texture is unbeatable compared to other rice types.
• Sultanas or raisins (1/2 cup): Bring a juicy sweetness and chewy texture contrast.
• Cinnamon (3/4 tsp): Spices things up with warm, comforting notes that pair beautifully with the sweet creaminess.
• Thickened or heavy cream (1/2 cup): Added at the end to boost richness and give the pudding that melt-in-your-mouth finish.

How to Make Creamy Cinnamon Rice Pudding (Really Easy!) Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Oven and Dish Ready

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) and greasing a 10-cup or larger casserole dish with butter. This ensures your pudding cooks evenly without sticking, resulting in that perfect creamy texture.

Step 2: Simmer the Sweetened Milk Base

In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Heat gently until the mixture begins to simmer and the surface becomes foamy, stirring often to dissolve the sugar. Careful not to boil the milk, as that can cause it to split and ruin the texture.

Step 3: Combine Rice, Sultanas, and Cinnamon

Place the uncooked rice, sultanas (or raisins), and cinnamon directly into your greased casserole dish. Pour over the hot milk mixture, give it a quick stir to distribute everything evenly, then cover tightly with a lid or foil to trap moisture during baking.

Step 4: Bake and Stir

Bake in the oven for 1 hour, stirring every 20 minutes. This stirring step is key because it breaks up the rice that settles and starts to set on the bottom, ensuring your pudding cooks uniformly and stays wonderfully creamy through and through.

Step 5: Finish with Cream

Once your pudding is tender and cooked, remove it from the oven and stir in the thickened cream. At this point, the pudding may look a little liquidy, but don’t worry—that liquid quickly evaporates as it cools, leaving behind that luscious creaminess you’re aiming for.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your Creamy Cinnamon Rice Pudding (Really Easy!) Recipe piping hot, or warm, just as it is for a comforting dessert, or jazz it up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-special indulgence.

How to Serve Creamy Cinnamon Rice Pudding (Really Easy!) Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a few extra sultanas on top adds a pop of color and enhances that signature spicy sweetness. For a touch of texture, try toasted nuts like almonds or pecans—crunchy bites against the smooth pudding are divine.

Side Dishes

This rice pudding stands beautifully on its own, but if you’re serving it as part of a larger meal, light fruit salads or citrus segments make refreshing side companions. They help balance the richness and add a fresh contrast to this creamy delight.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming twist, serve the pudding in individual ramekins with a drizzle of honey and fresh berries on top. Or, layer it parfait-style with a bit of apple compote or caramel sauce between spoonfuls. This presentation makes it perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Rice pudding tends to firm up as it cools, so storing leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge is your best bet. It will keep well for up to 3 days, and the flavors deepen nicely overnight.

Freezing

While freezing rice pudding is possible, it may change the texture slightly, making it grainier on thawing. If you want to freeze it, store in a tightly sealed container for up to one month and thaw gently in the fridge.

Reheating

To bring your leftovers back to life, warm the pudding gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of milk or water to loosen it up and stir well to restore its creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice?

Medium grain rice is ideal for this recipe because it creates that creamy texture without getting mushy. While you can try Arborio risotto rice, it needs extra liquid and a bit more cooking time. Avoid long-grain rice, as it tends to stay more separate and less creamy.

Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute dairy milk with coconut milk combined with water. Just skip the cinnamon and add lime zest and tropical fruits for a fun, Southeast Asian-inspired twist. Heavy cream can be replaced with full-fat coconut cream for richness.

Can I prepare this on the stovetop instead of baking?

Absolutely. You can cook this pudding on low heat on your stovetop, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. It will require more hands-on attention but can yield similarly creamy results.

How sweet is this pudding?

The sugar amount in this recipe provides a balanced sweetness that enhances the cinnamon and vanilla without overpowering. You can adjust the sugar up or down depending on your taste preferences.

Why do I need to stir every 20 minutes during baking?

Stirring prevents the rice from settling and sticking to the bottom, which can cause uneven cooking and a crusty layer. It also helps distribute the heat and liquid for a uniformly creamy pudding.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cinnamon Rice Pudding (Really Easy!) Recipe is the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug for your soul. It’s incredibly straightforward, uses everyday ingredients, and delivers such comforting richness that you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds (or thirds!). Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this pudding promises a delicious, fuss-free treat that’s ready to impress. Give it a go and enjoy the cozy magic it brings to your table.

Print