There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of homemade rice pudding. The creamy texture, the delicate sweetness, and the subtle hint of cinnamon evoke memories of home, family, and simple pleasures. For many, rice pudding is more than just a dessert; it’s a nostalgic treat passed down through generations. And if you ask anyone about the best rice pudding they’ve ever had, it often starts with “Mom’s recipe.”
This article takes you through how to make Mom’s Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding, a timeless recipe that’s both simple and indulgent. We’ll guide you through each step, with tips for perfecting the creamy texture and flavor, variations to suit your taste, and storage ideas to keep the pudding fresh. By the end, you’ll be equipped to make a batch that rivals the best childhood memories.
Ingredients
To make Mom’s Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding, you’ll need a few staple ingredients that come together to create a rich and creamy dessert:
- For the Pudding:
- 1 cup white rice (long grain or short grain)
- 4 cups whole milk (for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but highly recommended)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for a warm spice flavor)
- For Garnish (optional):
- Extra cinnamon or nutmeg
- Raisins (if desired)
- A dollop of whipped cream or a few toasted almonds for texture and flair
These ingredients work together to give the rice pudding its signature creaminess and warmth, but don’t be afraid to play around with spices or sweeteners to make it your own!
Instructions
Making rice pudding might seem intimidating, but it’s actually a very straightforward process. Here’s how you can create this delicious dessert from scratch:
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Start by rinsing the rice under cold water to remove excess starch, which helps prevent the pudding from becoming too sticky. After rinsing, combine the rice with 2 cups of water in a medium saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let the rice simmer for about 15 minutes until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Step 2: Add Milk, Sugar, and Salt
Once the rice is cooked, add the 4 cups of whole milk, sugar, and salt to the saucepan. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat. Keep stirring regularly to prevent the milk from scorching at the bottom of the pan. Once it reaches a simmer, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture cook for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The rice should be soft and the mixture will thicken into a creamy consistency.
Step 3: Temper the Egg
While the rice mixture is cooking, you’ll need to temper the egg. This step prevents the egg from curdling when added to the hot mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg until it’s beaten smooth. Gradually add a spoonful or two of the hot rice mixture into the egg, stirring constantly. Slowly pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the rice pudding, whisking continuously to avoid scrambling the egg.
Step 4: Finish Cooking the Pudding
Continue to cook the pudding on low heat for another 5-10 minutes, stirring regularly, until the pudding has thickened to your desired consistency. It should be creamy and smooth, with the rice grains suspended in the rich milk mixture.
Step 5: Add the Cream, Vanilla, and Spices
Once the pudding has thickened, remove it from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream for an extra boost of richness, followed by the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). The spices will add warmth and depth to the flavor, giving your pudding that unmistakable homemade touch.
Let the pudding cool for a few minutes before serving, or chill it in the fridge if you prefer a cold dessert. Garnish with extra cinnamon, a few raisins, or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the flavor and texture.
Tips for Perfecting the Dish
Rice pudding is a dish that benefits from a few key tips to ensure it’s perfectly creamy and flavorful:
- Use Whole Milk: The richness of whole milk is what gives rice pudding its creamy texture. While you can use low-fat milk in a pinch, full-fat milk will yield a much richer and more satisfying pudding.
- Stir Frequently: As the rice cooks with the milk, be sure to stir regularly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot and to help the milk absorb into the rice evenly.
- Don’t Rush the Cooking Time: Be patient! The rice pudding needs time to cook on low heat to achieve the right consistency. If you rush this step by turning the heat too high, you risk curdling the milk and not achieving that silky texture.
- Egg Tempering is Crucial: When adding the beaten egg into the hot milk, do it slowly to temper it and avoid scrambling. Gradually increasing the temperature of the egg will create a smooth, custard-like base.
- Allow to Cool Before Serving: While it’s tempting to dive into a warm bowl of rice pudding right away, giving it some time to cool enhances the flavor and texture. The pudding thickens as it cools, and the flavors meld together beautifully.
Variations
Though Mom’s Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding is perfect as is, there are many ways to add a personal twist or cater it to different tastes:
- Raisin Rice Pudding: Adding raisins to your rice pudding gives it a sweet, chewy contrast to the creamy texture. Simply stir in 1/2 cup of raisins during the last 10 minutes of cooking, or sprinkle some on top before serving.
- Coconut Rice Pudding: For a tropical twist, replace 1 cup of the milk with coconut milk and add a handful of shredded coconut. This will bring a subtle coconut flavor to the pudding, making it feel even more indulgent.
- Maple Rice Pudding: Swap out the granulated sugar for maple syrup to infuse a natural sweetness and depth of flavor. Maple syrup pairs wonderfully with the warm spices, adding complexity to the dish.
- Vegan Rice Pudding: For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk or almond milk instead of whole milk, and replace the egg with cornstarch to thicken the mixture. A bit of coconut cream can be added for richness.
- Chocolate Rice Pudding: Add cocoa powder or melt a bit of dark chocolate into the pudding to create a decadent chocolate version. You can also drizzle some chocolate syrup on top when serving.
Conservation and Storage
Rice pudding can be stored for several days, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert. Here’s how you can store and reheat it:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover rice pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cover it with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent it from drying out.
- Freezing: If you want to keep the pudding for a longer period, you can freeze it. Let the pudding cool to room temperature, then transfer it into an airtight, freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. To thaw, simply place it in the fridge overnight, and reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture.
Serving Suggestions
Rice pudding is a versatile dessert that can be served in various ways depending on the occasion:
- Warm or Cold: Serve it warm for a comforting winter dessert, or chill it for a refreshing treat on a hot summer day.
- Garnishes: Top the pudding with a sprinkle of cinnamon, raisins, or chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios for added texture and flavor. You can even drizzle caramel or chocolate sauce on top for a decadent finish.
- For Special Occasions: Rice pudding can easily be dressed up for holidays or dinner parties. Serve it in individual ramekins for an elegant presentation, or add a dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon for an extra special touch.
Conclusion
Mom’s Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding is a comforting, creamy dessert that’s both nostalgic and satisfying. With just a few simple ingredients and the right techniques, you can create a batch that’s rich in flavor and texture. By following our step-by-step guide, along with tips for achieving perfect creaminess, you can make rice pudding just like Mom did.
Whether you enjoy it warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon, cold with raisins, or even as a special holiday treat, rice pudding is a dessert that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Try experimenting with variations, storing it for later enjoyment, or serving it with your favorite garnishes to make it your own. No matter how you serve it, this timeless dish will always be a hit at the table.
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Mom’s Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding: 5 Tips for Delicious Creaminess
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mom’s Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding is the epitome of comfort food—creamy, rich, and full of nostalgia. This dessert combines simple ingredients like rice, milk, sugar, and spices into a luscious pudding, creating the perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. Whether served warm or cold, it’s sure to bring back fond memories of family gatherings and cozy nights in.
Ingredients
For the Pudding:
1 cup white rice (long grain or short grain)
4 cups whole milk (for extra creaminess)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but highly recommended)
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for a warm spice flavor)
For Garnish (optional):
Extra cinnamon or nutmeg
Raisins (if desired)
A dollop of whipped cream or a few toasted almonds for texture and flair
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Start by rinsing the rice under cold water to remove excess starch. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice with 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Step 2: Add Milk, Sugar, and Salt
Once the rice is cooked, add the 4 cups of whole milk, sugar, and salt to the saucepan. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent the milk from scorching at the bottom. Once it simmers, reduce the heat to low and cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The rice should soften further, and the mixture will begin to thicken.
Step 3: Temper the Egg
While the rice mixture is simmering, whisk the egg in a separate bowl. Gradually add a spoonful or two of the hot rice mixture into the egg, stirring constantly. Slowly pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan, stirring continuously to avoid scrambling the egg.
Step 4: Finish Cooking the Pudding
Continue to cook the mixture on low heat for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring often, until the pudding thickens to your desired consistency. It should be creamy and smooth with the rice fully incorporated.
Step 5: Add the Cream, Vanilla, and Spices
Once the pudding has thickened, remove it from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream for an extra richness, then add the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). The spices will add warmth and depth to the flavor.
Allow the pudding to cool for a few minutes, or chill it in the refrigerator if you prefer it cold. You can garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a few raisins, or a dollop of whipped cream for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
Whole Milk: Use whole milk for the creamiest texture. You can substitute with 2% milk, but the pudding won’t be as rich.
Tempering the Egg: Make sure to temper the egg slowly with hot liquid to prevent it from curdling when added to the mixture.
Flavor Variations: If you enjoy coconut, try substituting part of the milk with coconut milk for a tropical twist. You can also add a handful of shredded coconut for texture.
Serving Options: For an extra indulgence, top with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dusting of cocoa powder.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe (about 1/2 cup of rice pudding)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding, Creamy Rice Pudding, Homemade Rice Pudding, Rice Pudding Recipe, Comfort Food, Easy Rice Pudding, Classic Rice Pudding
