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Old-Fashioned Ultra Creamy Stovetop Rice Pudding

A creamy bowl of old-fashioned rice pudding topped generously with ground cinnamon, bathed in natural light.

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Make a rich, comforting, and creamy rice pudding on the stovetop using simple ingredients. This recipe delivers a classic texture perfect for a cozy dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup short-grain white rice
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus extra for topping)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear.
  2. Combine the rinsed rice, whole milk, sugar, and salt in a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
  3. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
  4. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low once simmering begins.
  5. Cook uncovered for 45 to 60 minutes, stirring every 5 to 10 minutes. The pudding thickens as the liquid absorbs and the rice softens. If it thickens too quickly, add a splash more milk.
  6. Remove the saucepan from the heat when the pudding reaches your desired creamy consistency. It will thicken more as it cools.
  7. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  8. Serve warm, sprinkled with extra ground cinnamon, or chill completely for a firmer texture.

Notes

  • For the creamiest result, use whole milk and short-grain rice, like Arborio or Calrose.
  • Stirring often is key to releasing starch and achieving a smooth texture without scorching the bottom of the pan.
  • If you prefer a thinner pudding, add up to 1/2 cup more milk during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

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