Comforting Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding Recipe with Cinnamon Charm

Creamy rice pudding sits at the heart of cozy comfort food memories that warm both stomach and soul.

Generations have cherished this simple dessert passed down through kitchens across continents.

Grandmothers carefully stirred pots of sweet, milky goodness with wooden spoons and tender patience.

Soft grains absorb rich dairy, creating a delectable treat that whispers nostalgia with every spoonful.

Cinnamon adds a gentle warmth that transforms ordinary ingredients into something magical.

Humble ingredients dance together, promising pure satisfaction in mere minutes of preparation.

You’ll fall in love with this classic dessert that feels like a sweet embrace from home.

Why Creamy Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding with Cinnamon Is Comfort Food

• Comfort in a Bowl: Dive into a nostalgic dessert that wraps you in warmth and brings back memories of grandma's kitchen with its creamy, rich texture.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Create a delightful treat using simple pantry staples that most home cooks already have on hand, making it incredibly budget-friendly.
• Customize Your Delight: Personalize the pudding with optional raisins, extra cinnamon, or even a dollop of whipped cream to suit your taste preferences and make it uniquely yours.
• Low-Maintenance Cooking: Prepare this dessert with minimal effort and basic cooking skills, perfect for beginners or anyone craving a sweet, satisfying treat without complicated techniques.

Ingredients for Creamy Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding with Cinnamon

• Rice: A classic base that provides a soft and creamy texture for the pudding.
• Milk: Adds richness and creates the signature smooth consistency of the dessert.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps balance the flavors of the pudding.

• Vanilla Extract, Ground Cinnamon: Contribute warm, aromatic notes that enhance the overall taste of the dessert.
• Salt: Balances and elevates the sweet flavors in the pudding.

• Raisins: Offers a sweet, chewy texture and additional flavor dimension to the rice pudding.

• Water: Used to initially cook and soften the rice before adding other ingredients.

Step-by-Step Guide for Creamy Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding with a Hint of Cinnamon

Step 1: Cook The Rice

In a medium saucepan, combine rice and water. Heat the mixture over medium-high flame until it reaches a boiling point. Once boiling, lower the heat, cover the pan, and let the rice simmer gently. Allow the rice to cook until it becomes tender and absorbs all the water, which typically takes around 20 minutes.

Step 2: Create A Creamy Base

• milk
• sugar
• salt
• vanilla extract
• ground cinnamon

Continue cooking the mixture over medium heat without a lid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Watch as the pudding transforms into a luxuriously creamy texture. This process takes approximately 20-25 minutes.

Step 3: Add Optional Sweetness

If you enjoy raisins, gently fold them into the pudding after removing it from the heat. This adds a delightful burst of sweetness and texture.

Step 4: Serve And Enjoy

You can serve the rice pudding warm for a comforting treat or chill it in the refrigerator for a refreshing dessert. For an extra touch of warmth and flavor, sprinkle additional ground cinnamon on top before serving.

Expert Advice for Creamy Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding with a Hint of Cinnamon

• Substitute regular milk with coconut or almond milk for a dairy-free version that's equally creamy and delicious.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg alongside cinnamon to enhance the warm, comforting flavor profile of the pudding.
• Soak raisins in warm rum or vanilla extract before adding for an extra layer of rich, complex taste.
• Control pudding's consistency by adjusting milk quantity – less milk creates a thicker texture, more milk makes it lighter and softer.
• Toast rice briefly in butter before cooking to develop a deeper, nuttier undertone that elevates the entire dessert.

Flavorful Twists on Creamy Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding with a Hint of Cinnamon

• Tropical Paradise Pudding: Replace cinnamon with shredded coconut and mix in diced mango chunks for a refreshing Caribbean-inspired dessert.
• Chocolate Lover's Dream: Add cocoa powder and dark chocolate chips during the last cooking stage, creating a rich and decadent chocolate rice pudding.
• Nutty Caramel Crunch: Stir in chopped pecans and drizzle caramel sauce on top, adding a crunchy texture and sweet caramel flavor profile.
• Berry Bliss Pudding: Fold in fresh mixed berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries after cooking, providing a tangy and colorful variation.

Perfect Complements for Creamy Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding with a Hint of Cinnamon

• Savor Delightful Pairings for Creamy Rice Pudding
• Brew Comforting Chai Tea: Spicy chai perfectly complements the creamy cinnamon notes, creating a warm, aromatic experience that enhances the pudding's sweetness and texture.
• Match with Fresh Berries: Tart raspberries or strawberries cut through the richness, adding a bright, fresh contrast that elevates the dessert's creamy smoothness.
• Pour Sweet Dessert Wine: A light moscato or late-harvest riesling brings out the pudding's subtle cinnamon hints, creating a luxurious dessert pairing that feels indulgent and refined.
• Garnish with Toasted Nuts: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans on top for a delightful crunch that adds depth and nutty complexity to the creamy pudding.

Tips for Storing Creamy Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding with a Hint of Cinnamon

• Transfer cooled rice pudding to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.
• Pack the pudding in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of milk to restore creaminess, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring continuously and adding a little milk to restore the original creamy texture. Stir carefully to prevent scorching.

Common Questions About Creamy Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding with a Hint of Cinnamon

• Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?

Yes, you can use long-grain white rice or short-grain rice. Arborio rice works well for a creamier texture, but avoid brown rice as it takes longer to cook and may change the pudding’s consistency.

• Is it possible to make this dessert dairy-free?

Substitute the milk with coconut milk or almond milk for a dairy-free version. The taste will be slightly different but still delicious.

• How can I prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan?

Stir the pudding frequently, especially towards the end of cooking, and use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to distribute heat evenly. Keep the heat at medium and avoid high temperatures.

Creamy Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding with a Hint of Cinnamon Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting classic “Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding” whispers sweet memories of grandma’s kitchen, blending creamy richness with warm cinnamon notes. Homemade dessert promises pure nostalgia, inviting you to savor each spoonful of this timeless treat.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) white rice
• 2 cups (480 ml) water
• 2 cups (480 ml) milk

Sweeteners and Spices:

• 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-in:

• 1/4 cup (40 g) raisins

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Instructions

1. Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch, ensuring a cleaner flavor and better texture for the pudding.
2. Transfer the rice to a medium saucepan, add water, and heat to a rolling boil over medium-high temperature. Reduce heat to low, cover, and gently simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice absorbs water and becomes tender.
3. Gradually pour in milk, stirring continuously to prevent rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Add sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
4. Maintain medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Allow the mixture to slowly thicken and develop a luxurious, creamy consistency, approximately 20-25 minutes.
5. When the pudding reaches a rich, velvety texture that coats the back of a spoon, remove from heat. If desired, fold in plump raisins for added sweetness and texture.
6. Let the pudding rest for 5 minutes to further set and develop flavors. Serve warm with a delicate sprinkle of cinnamon, or chill in the refrigerator for a refreshing dessert option.

Notes

• Experiment with different rice types like jasmine or basmati for unique flavor profiles and textures.
• Consider using coconut milk or almond milk as dairy-free alternatives for a lighter, vegan-friendly version.
• Toast the rice briefly before cooking to enhance its nutty undertones and add depth to the pudding’s overall taste.
• Add a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg alongside cinnamon for a more complex and aromatic spice blend.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 225 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg