There’s something so comforting about a warm bowl of rice pudding, especially this Creamy Rice Pudding with Vanilla and Cinnamon Recipe that I keep coming back to. It’s perfect for quiet evenings when you want a soothing treat or a simple dessert that doesn’t feel fussy. Creamy, fragrant, and cozy, this pudding strikes just the right balance between sweet and spiced, making it a timeless classic you’ll want in your recipe arsenal.
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In the Kitchen
This Creamy Rice Pudding with Vanilla and Cinnamon Recipe is a warm hug in a bowl, offering a luscious texture with a kick of fragrant cinnamon and sweet vanilla that instantly comforts. I love making it on slow weekend afternoons or as a quick dessert that feels extra special with minimal effort.
- Juicy and Tender Every Time: Arborio rice’s creamy starch content ensures each spoonful is perfectly tender, not mushy.
- Golden, Satisfying Finish: The slow simmer lets the milk thicken and sweeten, creating that irresistible silky pudding.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Pantry staples like vanilla extract and cinnamon bring warm, familiar aromas that brighten the dish.
- Weeknight to Weekend Ready: Whether warm from the stove or chilled in the fridge, this pudding is incredibly versatile for any time you crave a cozy bite.
Ingredients at a Glance
Choosing quality ingredients pays off big for this Creamy Rice Pudding with Vanilla and Cinnamon Recipe. A few thoughtful touches will elevate your pudding from ordinary to memorable.
- Arborio rice: Its high starch content creates that luxuriously creamy texture you want in rice pudding.
- Whole milk: Use whole milk for richness and a naturally smooth mouthfeel.
- Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla adds aroma and depth; avoid imitation for best results.
- Ground cinnamon: Freshly ground if possible, to impart a warm, vibrant spice flavor.
- Sugar: Balances the natural starchiness and brings sweetness without overpowering.
- Raisins (optional): They plump up beautifully when cooked in the pudding, adding bursts of chewiness.
Heads-Up: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Make Creamy Rice Pudding with Vanilla and Cinnamon Recipe
Step 1 — Gently Simmer the Rice and Milk
Start by combining the Arborio rice, milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan. Place it over medium heat and bring it up to a gentle boil. You’ll notice the milk starts to steam and tiny bubbles form around the edges—that’s your cue to lower the heat. Reducing to a low simmer keeps the milk from scorching while coaxing out that creamy texture as the rice absorbs the liquid.
Step 2 — Stir Often and Watch for Creaminess
Simmer the mixture for about 20 to 25 minutes, stirring frequently. This part is where patience pays off. You’ll see the pudding thicken as the starch from the rice releases, and the grains soften but keep their shape—think tender, not mushy. Stirring helps prevent the rice from sticking and keeps the texture even. If it looks too thick, adding a splash of milk helps keep it luscious.
Step 3 — Infuse the Vanilla and Cinnamon
Once your pudding is thick and the rice fully tender, stir in fragrant vanilla extract and ground cinnamon. This final touch wakes up the entire dish with warm, inviting notes. If you’re using raisins, add them now — they’ll soften slightly as they sit in the pudding’s warmth, becoming juicy little bursts that complement the creamy base. Let it cook for another 5 minutes so all those flavors can meld together beautifully.
Things to Remember
From my kitchen to yours, these tips will help your Creamy Rice Pudding with Vanilla and Cinnamon Recipe come out perfectly every time.
- Doneness Cue: The pudding is ready when the rice is soft but still distinct, and the mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Temperature Trick: Keep the heat low to avoid boiling over and scorching the milk; a gentle simmer is sweetest and creamiest.
- Make-Ahead Move: You can refrigerate leftovers and reheat gently with a splash of milk to refresh the creamy texture.
- Common Pitfall: Skimping on stirring can let rice stick to the pan and give you uneven cooking—keep that paddle moving!
Ways to Serve It
Finishing Touches
I love finishing off this Creamy Rice Pudding with Vanilla and Cinnamon Recipe with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a light dusting of nutmeg for a cozy aroma. A few toasted nuts on top add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the silky pudding. You could also drizzle a little honey or maple syrup if you crave additional sweetness.
Plays Well With
This pudding pairs wonderfully with seasonal fruit compotes—think warm apple or pear—or even fresh berries to cut through the richness. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds an indulgent note that's hard to resist, especially for guests.
Simple Plating Upgrades
For an easy upgrade, serve it in clear glass bowls or vintage ramekins so the creamy layers and cinnamon flecks shine through. Garnish with a cinnamon stick for stirring or a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of color that feels special without fuss.
Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You'll notice it thickens as it chills—don’t worry, just stir in a splash of milk before serving to loosen it back up for that perfect creamy consistency.
Freezing Tips
This Creamy Rice Pudding with Vanilla and Cinnamon Recipe doesn’t freeze perfectly because the texture can become grainy once thawed. If you must freeze, portion into small airtight containers and thaw overnight in the fridge, then stir vigorously and add a bit of milk to revive the creaminess.
Reheating Creamy Rice Pudding with Vanilla and Cinnamon Recipe Without Drying Out
To reheat, I recommend warming the pudding gently over low heat on the stovetop with a splash of milk, stirring often until warmed through. In a microwave, use medium power and heat in short bursts, stirring in between to prevent hot spots and dryness. Avoid high heat to keep it silky and smooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
While Arborio rice is best for its creamy texture, you can use other short-grain rice varieties. Avoid long-grain rice, as they cook up less creamy and more separate.
Cinnamon adds warmth and depth, but you can omit it if you prefer. Some folks swap it for nutmeg or cardamom for a different spiced note.
Stir frequently during simmering, especially towards the end when the pudding thickens. Using a heavy-bottomed saucepan also helps distribute heat evenly to prevent scorching.
Yes! Substitute the whole milk with any creamy plant-based milk, such as coconut or almond milk, though the flavor and richness will vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
Making this Creamy Rice Pudding with Vanilla and Cinnamon Recipe is like inviting a bit of warmth and nostalgia into your kitchen. With simple steps and ingredients that shine, it’s a dessert that feels homemade and special every single time. Whether you serve it fresh and warm or chilled from the fridge, it’s sure to become one of your go-to comfort treats. I hope you enjoy every creamy, fragrant spoonful as much as I do!
PrintFull Printable Recipe
Creamy Rice Pudding with Vanilla and Cinnamon Recipe
This creamy and comforting Rice Pudding recipe uses Arborio rice simmered in milk with sugar and aromatic vanilla and cinnamon, creating a classic dessert that's perfect served warm or chilled. Optional raisins add a delightful burst of sweetness.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ½ cup Arborio rice (or any short-grain rice)
- 4 cups milk
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Raisins (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, add the Arborio rice, milk, sugar, and salt, mixing to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Bring to Boil: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Simmer and Stir: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer, stirring frequently to avoid sticking and clumping, for 25 minutes or until the rice is tender and the pudding has thickened to a creamy consistency.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and raisins if using, integrating them fully into the pudding.
- Final Cook: Continue cooking the pudding for an additional 5 minutes on low heat to meld the flavors and thicken slightly more.
- Serve: Serve the rice pudding warm or chilled according to preference, optionally garnished with extra ground cinnamon for decoration and added aroma.
Notes
- Use short-grain rice like Arborio for the creamiest texture; long-grain rice will be less creamy.
- Stir frequently while simmering to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- For a richer pudding, substitute part of the milk with cream.
- Raisins are optional but provide a nice contrast in texture and sweetness.
- Rice pudding thickens as it cools; thin it with a splash of milk before serving if needed.
- Adjust sugar levels to taste, especially if adding sweet raisins.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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