![- 1 cup jasmine or arborio rice - 4 cups whole milk - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract - 2 large egg yolks - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 cup raisins (optional) - Zest of 1 lemon Rice pudding is simple, but the choice of ingredients makes all the difference. I love using jasmine or arborio rice. Both provide a creamy texture. Whole milk gives the pudding its richness. You can also try a mix of milk and cream for a more decadent treat. Granulated sugar adds sweetness. If you're looking for a twist, consider using honey or maple syrup. The salt helps balance the flavors. Vanilla extract brings warmth, while egg yolks add a silkiness. Cinnamon gives rice pudding a warm spice. Raisins add a chewy surprise, but you can skip them if you prefer. Lastly, lemon zest brightens the flavor. It adds a fresh note that cuts through the creaminess. This combination creates a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug. Check the Full Recipe for more details. - Rinse the rice under cold water. This helps to remove extra starch. - Drain the rice thoroughly. This step ensures the rice cooks evenly. - Combine milk, sugar, and salt in a saucepan. Use a medium heat for this. - Bring to a gentle simmer. Watch closely to prevent boiling over. - Add rinsed rice to the simmering milk mixture. Reduce the heat to low. - In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks and set aside. This will help thicken the pudding later. - Gradually add a bit of the hot rice mixture to the egg yolks. Whisk constantly to temper the yolks. This prevents curdling. - Slowly pour the tempered egg mixture back into the pot. Stir continuously to combine everything. - Cook for an additional 5 minutes. This helps the pudding thicken. - Stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, lemon zest, and raisins if you like. - Let the rice pudding cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy it warm or chilled. For the full recipe, be sure to check out the details above. To make great rice pudding, keep a gentle simmer. This slow cooking helps the rice soak up the milk. It gives you soft, creamy rice. If the heat is too high, the rice may burn or turn mushy. Stirring frequently is key. I recommend stirring every few minutes. This helps the rice cook evenly. It also prevents the rice from sticking to the pot. Garnishing your rice pudding makes it look special. Serve it in small bowls or cups. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds color and flavor. You can also add a few raisins for extra sweetness. You can enjoy rice pudding warm or chilled. Warm pudding is comforting on a cold day. Chilled pudding is refreshing in summer. Choose what you like best! If your pudding is too runny, don’t worry. You can fix this easily. Just cook it a little longer over low heat. Stir often until it thickens to your liking. If the rice is overcooked, it may be mushy. To fix this, try adding a bit of extra milk. Stir gently to help the rice absorb the milk. You can also add a touch of cinnamon to enhance the flavor. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} You can add different spices to your rice pudding. Nutmeg gives a warm, cozy touch. It pairs well with the creamy base. You might also try adding cardamom for a fragrant twist. Incorporating fruit is another fun option. Peaches add sweetness and a juicy bite. Berries, like strawberries or blueberries, bring a fresh pop of flavor. You can fold them in before serving. This makes the dish colorful and exciting. If you want a healthier twist, use honey or maple syrup. These sweeteners add depth to the flavor. They also provide a natural sweetness that many love. For those watching sugar, try low-sugar or sugar-free options. Many brands offer sugar substitutes that work well. Just remember to check the conversion for best results. Rice pudding can easily fit many diets. For gluten-free needs, stick with rice and milk. Both ingredients are naturally gluten-free. If you prefer vegan options, swap the milk for almond or coconut milk. You can replace the egg yolks with cornstarch or a flaxseed mixture. This way, you keep the creamy texture without animal products. To keep rice pudding fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to avoid drying out. Cover the top with plastic wrap if you don't have one. This step helps keep the pudding creamy. Do not leave it out for long. Always refrigerate it after serving. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze it. Pour the pudding into a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top, as it will expand when frozen. Label the container with the date. It can last up to three months in the freezer. In the fridge, rice pudding lasts about four days. Check for a change in smell or texture if you’re unsure. Signs of spoilage include mold or an off taste. If you see any of these signs, toss it out. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. Yes, you can make rice pudding in advance. It is a great option for meal prep. I recommend cooking it and letting it cool completely. Then, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Rice pudding stays fresh for about three to four days. Before serving, just reheat it gently. You can add a splash of milk to restore creaminess. For rice pudding, both jasmine and arborio rice work well. Jasmine rice gives a floral aroma and a soft texture. Arborio rice is starchier, making the pudding extra creamy. If you want a richer taste, choose arborio rice. However, if you prefer lighter rice pudding, jasmine rice is your best bet. Rice pudding can be served both hot and cold. Traditionally, it is enjoyed warm, especially in colder months. Some people love it cold, especially during summer. I like to serve it warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon. It’s all about personal choice! To thicken rice pudding, you can use a few techniques. One way is to cook it longer until it reaches your desired thickness. Another method is to add more egg yolks, which enriches the texture. If you prefer a very thick pudding, you can also mix in cornstarch. Just make sure to dissolve it in a little milk first. In this post, I covered how to make creamy rice pudding using simple ingredients. We talked about preparation, cooking steps, and helpful tips. Remember to be gentle while cooking to achieve the best texture. You can also customize flavors with spices or fruits. Store your pudding properly to extend freshness. With these instructions, you can enjoy rice pudding warm or chilled. Dive into this delicious treat and make it your own!](https://homecookingstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/c3132d14-b6f1-4384-ba98-d511dfdd733c-250x250.webp)
Classic Rice Pudding
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of homemade vanilla rice pudding! This easy recipe features simple ingredients like jasmine rice, whole milk, and a touch of vanilla for a delightful dessert that will impress everyone. Perfect for any occasion, you can enjoy it warm or chilled. Click through to discover this comforting recipe and make your own delicious bowl of creamy vanilla rice pudding today!