How do you make rice pudding? The process of making rice pudding is slightly different from how you cook regular white rice. It involves a few simple steps that you can follow; short-grain rice is cooked in milk until it’s nice and creamy, it is then sweetened with sugar and flavored with vanilla extract.
Eggs are beaten and stirred into the pudding towards the end to give it a light and airy texture and a sprinkle of nutmeg and cinnamon adds a warming depth of flavor and takes the whole dish over the top.
This simple mixture is transformed into something luxurious and indulgent and is perfect for those lazy Sunday afternoons or cozy winter nights. You can serve it hot or chilled with some dried or fresh fruits on top.
I love how easy this recipe is to make, but most importantly, I love how delicious it turns out each and every time I made it. If you’re looking for how to make rice pudding at home, give this one a try.
What is rice pudding?
Rice pudding is a classic dessert that can be found in many homes all around the world. Not only is it delicious and simple to make, but it’s also a great way to use up leftover rice. This rice pudding recipe is made with just a few simple ingredients, all of which you probably already have in your kitchen.
Rice pudding is a popular dessert all over the world. It is made with rice, milk, egg, and sugar, and often flavored with vanilla, cinnamon, or other spices. It can either be either baked or cooked on the stovetop.
How do you make rice pudding?
There are two main methods for making rice pudding: stovetop and oven-baked methods. Stovetop rice pudding is made by cooking the rice in milk on the stove until it’s soft and creamy, this method is quicker and simpler. Oven-baked rice pudding is made by cooking the rice in milk in the oven until it’s tender and creamy; this method has a more pronounced flavor and denser texture compared to the stovetop method.
The general steps for making rice pudding involve gathering all the needed ingredients such as long or short-grain rice, whole milk, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, egg, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Once everything’s assembled, you will need to rinse the rice until the water runs clear before adding it to a pot along with the milk and salt.
The mixture is brought to a boil over medium heat and then it is simmered until most of the liquid has been absorbed by the rice. The next step is the addition of sugar and continues stirring to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
Beaten egg is stirred in towards the end to create that custard-like texture. Once your creamy rice pudding has reached your desired consistency- thick enough to coat your spoon but not too dense, remove it from the heat, and stir in a little vanilla extract to give it an irresistible flavor.
Spoon out a generous quantity into small bowls or ramekins, and add a sprinkle of cinnamon for some extra flavor punch before serving.
Video on How to Make Rice Pudding at Home
Ingredients for homemade rice pudding
- 1 cup arborio rice
- 5 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/3 cup raisins
- 1/4 salt
What ingredients do you need to make rice pudding?
- Rice: You will need short-grain rice; it is important to choose this variety as it provides a creamier texture.
- Milk- Whole milk or even heavy cream will result in the best rice pudding recipe, it will give your pudding a rich, creamy taste. For a lighter pudding, you can use lower-fat milk or skimmed milk. Evaporated milk also works well but If you’re looking for a non-dairy alternative you can use coconut milk, soy milk, or almond milk for a vegan version. Keep in mind that each of these milk will affect the consistency and taste of your pudding.
- Sugar- White granulated sugar is the most popular sweetener for rice pudding, it provides a simple sweetness that enhances the natural flavors of the rice and other ingredients. But remember not to go overboard, you don’t want it to be too sweet. If you are looking for a more complex flavor, you can try using maple syrup, honey, or even condensed milk to give your pudding a different taste.
- Egg- While eggs are not strictly necessary, they are often used in puddings to add creaminess, richness, and body. They also help to thicken the dish and help bind other ingredients together. However, you can still make a creamy rice pudding without adding an egg to it.
- Vanilla extract- A little vanilla extract goes a long way in flavoring the pudding.
- Nutmeg- A bit of nutmeg goes a long way too. Nutmeg has a warm and sweet flavor that complements the rice perfectly. It also adds a bit of depth and richness to the pudding, making it more complex and interesting.
- Cinnamon- It has a warm, sweet flavor and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. Adding cinnamon to your rice pudding recipe will give it a warm and inviting aroma and also gives the rice a beautiful golden color.
- Raisins: They add just the right amount of sweetness and chewiness to your already perfect dish.
- Salt- A pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness and enhance the flavor of this pudding.
How to make rice pudding from scratch
Can you believe how easy it is to make rice pudding at home? This dessert sensation has been a staple in my household for years, and I will never get tired of its creamy goodness.
You only need a handful of simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry, and just a few simple steps to make rice pudding’ it is so easy that you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it your whole life. Another best thing about this recipe is that it leaves room for endless creativity.
45 45 minutes
Cook the rice
Rinse the uncooked rice in a fine mesh strainer under a running tap, and set aside. This will help remove any impurities and ensure the final product is as clean as possible. Add 5 cups of milk to a medium-sized saucepan, and bring to a gentle simmer. Once the rice is barely simmering, add the rinsed rice and salt, ground nutmeg, and cinnamon, and bring to a boil over medium heat while stirring intermittently to prevent scorching.
Making the pudding
When the liquid has reduced by half, reduce the heat to low, add the sugar to the rice, and continue stirring until the sugar dissolves nicely. Bring the pudding to a simmer and continue stirring intermittently, until the rice is very tender and the mixture is slightly thickened and creamy, about 35 minutes.
Stir in the tempered egg
Take the rice off the heat then whisk together the egg and 1/3 cup of milk until frothy, add a little amount of the hot pudding mixture, and mix again. Slowly pour the egg mixture over the cooked rice while whisking constantly until completely combined. This will help ensure that the eggs are fully incorporated and you don’t end up with scrambled eggs in your final dish.
Return the pudding back on heat
Place the pot back on the stove and cook for an additional 3 minutes over low heat until it thickens and becomes creamy. Be sure to stir frequently to avoid any lumps from forming.
Stir in the flavoring
Remove the rice from the heat, and stir in the vanilla extract. The pudding doesn’t have to be very thick once it can coat the back of a spoon or reach the consistency of yogurt, you can take it off heat.
Picture showing how to make rice pudding from scratch.
Serve with your favorite toppings
You can serve your rice pudding hot or cold depending on how you like it. Simply scoop it into serving dishes and refrigerate for 30 minutes if you want it chilled. Just before serving homemade rice pudding, top it with raisins, sliced almonds, shredded coconut, and/or cinnamon powder, and enjoy.
Creamy rice pudding.
Tips for making the best rice pudding recipe
- Use either Arborio or short-grained rice for your pudding, as these types of rice, will give the dish a nice, creamy texture.
- Get the ratio of rice to liquid right. For every cup of rice, you’ll need at least 5 to 6 cups of liquid. This may seem like a lot, but remember that the rice will absorb much of the liquid as it cooks.
- Cook the rice in milk instead of water. This will add extra flavor and creaminess to your pudding.
- Cook the rice slowly and patiently until it is very soft. This will help it to break down and release more of its starch, which will in turn make the pudding creamier. Don’t be tempted to increase the heat to speed things as this will only make the pudding become grainy.
- Another important tip for making the best rice pudding recipe is to temper the egg first before adding it to the hot mixture. This will help prevent the egg from scrambling when it is added to the pudding.
- For extra depth of flavor, you could also add some spices to your rice pudding such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom.
- Also, ensure you stir the pudding often to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot or burning.
What can be served with rice pudding after making it?
- Cinnamon sugar: A classic bowl of rice pudding topped with cinnamon and sugar is always a winner.
- Fresh fruits: There are a number of fruit-based toppings that pair so well with this dish. Some of the popular choices include diced apples, peaches, strawberries, blueberries, and bananas. You could also have it with canned fruits, such as mandarin oranges or pineapple chunks.
- Dried fruits and nuts: Raisins or apricots, sliced almonds, and coconut flakes are good options too.
- Cream: If you like your rice pudding on the sweeter side, try serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream for a more decadent treat.
- Chocolate: For a chocolatey twist, add some chopped dark chocolate, chocolate chips, or crumbled cookies to your rice pudding. They’ll melt in your mouth and taste absolutely delicious.
- Nutella: If you’re feeling really indulgent, add a spoonful or two of Nutella to your rice pudding.
- Caramel sauce: Another great option is to top it with a drizzle of caramel sauce for a more decadent treat.
- Other toppings include a splash of rum or brandy, lemon curd, honey, fruit jams, and peanut butter.
Can you use long-grain rice for making rice pudding?
Long-grain rice also makes an excellent rice pudding. It is firm and has a chewy texture that is perfect for holding onto the flavors of the pudding. If you are the type that loves your pudding on the chewy side, then I suggest you use long-grained rice as it tends to hold its shape well when cooked. This means that your pudding will have a nice, creamy texture without turning mushy.
What can I use to thicken my homemade rice pudding?
You can use just about any type of starch to thicken your rice pudding, including cornstarch, tapioca starch, or even potato starch. Just mix a few tablespoons of your chosen starch with an equal amount of water to form a slurry, then add it to the pudding and stir.
Another option is to cook the pudding on low heat for a longer period of time. This will help to evaporate some of the liquid and make the pudding thicker.
Also, you can thicken the pudding with eggs. This is a great way to get a rich and creamy texture without having to add any extra flour or cornstarch. Just be sure to whisk the egg thoroughly into the other ingredients before adding it to the pot to prevent it from scrambling.
Is rice pudding made from raw or cooked rice?
Rice pudding can be made from either raw rice or cooked white rice. If you are short on time, you can turn your leftover rice from dinner into a delicious rice pudding. This will save you some time, but if you want the full flavor of the rice to come through in the puddi chewy texture, then using raw rice and cooking it from scratch is the way to go. Keep in mind that the cooking time will be much longer if you choose to use raw rice.
Why is my rice pudding dry?
There are a few reasons why your rice pudding might be dry. One possibility is that you didn’t add enough liquid when you were cooking the rice. So, to fix this, use the proper ratio of rice to milk, too much rice will absorb all the moisture from the milk, resulting in a dry pudding. You can try adding some more milk to the rice and continue cooking once the previous one dries up until you get your desired softness.
Also, make sure to cook the rice over low heat. If the heat is too high, the water will evaporate too quickly and the rice will become dry. The pudding needs to be cooked slowly and steadily for it to turn out soft, creamy, and delicious. If you don’t cook it long enough, the result will be dry. Finally, don’t forget to stir. Stirring allows the starch molecules in the rice to break down and release their moisture, which helps to keep the pudding from drying out.