Creamy Cinnamon Rice Pudding Recipe

If you’ve ever craved a warm, comforting dessert that’s both nostalgic and easy to whip up, then this Creamy Cinnamon Rice Pudding Recipe is going to be your new best friend. I absolutely love how this pudding turns out—silky smooth, just the right hint of cinnamon, with juicy sultanas that add the perfect touch of sweetness. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll understand why it’s a kitchen classic that never goes out of style.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a role in creating that dreamy Creamy Cinnamon Rice Pudding Recipe texture and flavor. I always recommend using medium grain white rice specifically for this dessert—it holds its shape nicely without turning mushy. And don’t skip on the cream; it’s the secret to that unbeatable richness.

• Unsalted butter: Great for greasing the dish so your pudding doesn’t stick and gets lovely flavor added at the edges.
• Milk: I use full-fat when I want extra richness, but reduced-fat works just fine too—it simmers beautifully and keeps things creamy.
• White sugar: Just right for sweetness without overpowering the cinnamon or the natural rice flavor.
• Vanilla extract: This elevates the pudding, adding a subtle, fragrant hint that makes each spoonful comforting.
• Medium grain white rice: The star here—definitely my favorite because it absorbs the milk well and keeps a perfect texture.
• Sultanas or raisins: I love these little bursts of sweetness, but you can swap them with dried cranberries or chopped dates if you like.
• Cinnamon: The warm spice that rounds out the flavor—don’t be shy to use fresh ground cinnamon for that extra punch.
• Cream (thickened or heavy): This is what makes the pudding creamy and indulgent. A bit of butter can be a substitute, but cream is my go-to for richness.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Creamy Cinnamon Rice Pudding Recipe is how easy it is to make your own tweaks. Whether you swap out sultanas or add nuts, it adapts perfectly to what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Dairy-Free Version: I once swapped the milk and cream for coconut milk and although it’s a bit different, I still got that silky, cozy feel—great for dairy-free friends!
• Extra Fruity: Adding chopped apples or pears feels like autumn in a bowl—my family goes crazy for this during cooler months.
• Spiced Up: Sometimes I add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom along with cinnamon. It really layers the flavor beautifully if you want something a bit more festive.
• Less Sweet: If you prefer your desserts less sugary, just cut back on the sugar—you’ll still get the creamy magic, just a little lighter on sweetness.

How to Make Creamy Cinnamon Rice Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Dish

Start by heating your oven to 180°C (350°F), which is just the right temperature to slowly cook the rice without scorching the milk. Give your casserole dish a good grease with the unsalted butter—you’ll find this simple step makes cleaning up a breeze and adds a subtle buttery note along the edges.

Step 2: Warm the Milk Mixture

Pop the milk, sugar, and vanilla extract into a saucepan and gently bring it to a simmer over medium-high heat. A quick tip: stir often to dissolve the sugar and watch the surface carefully—it should get foamy but don’t let it boil or the milk might split, and that texture just won’t be the same.

Step 3: Combine Rice, Sultanas, and Cinnamon

Place your uncooked medium grain rice, sultanas, and cinnamon straight into the greased casserole dish. Pour over the hot milk mixture and give everything a gentle stir so it’s evenly mixed. Cover your dish tightly with a lid or foil to trap the steam while baking.

Step 4: Bake and Stir Every 20 Minutes

This is where patience pays off! Bake the pudding for 1 hour, but every 20 minutes, pop the casserole out and give it a good stir to break up any rice settling or sticking to the bottom. This simple trick keeps your pudding uniform and creamy—not clumpy or glued together.

Step 5: Finish with Cream and Serve

Once your hour is up, take the dish out and add the thickened cream. Stir it through well—the pudding might look a bit watery at this stage, but don’t worry, that extra moisture evaporates quickly. I love serving it immediately—it’s irresistibly creamy and just oozes comfort on every spoonful. If you’re feeling indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top really takes it to the next level.

How to Serve Creamy Cinnamon Rice Pudding Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a light dusting of extra cinnamon or nutmeg on top—it adds such a cozy aroma. Sometimes I sprinkle toasted chopped almonds or crushed pistachios to give a crunchy contrast. And if I’m serving guests, a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey makes it feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This pudding is a fantastic standalone dessert, but I love pairing it with fresh berries or a spoonful of tangy fruit compote. For a brunch twist, it goes surprisingly well with a buttery croissant or some lightly toasted brioche on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or special family dinners, I sometimes bake the pudding in individual ramekins—everyone gets their own little warmth of comfort. Another favorite is layering it in glasses with some cinnamon-spiced whipped cream for a pretty parfait look that’s both rustic and elegant.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover rice pudding in an airtight container in the fridge—and it keeps well for about 3-4 days. Before serving leftovers, I give it a quick stir to reincorporate any thickened parts, and it tastes almost as good as fresh.

Freezing

Freezing rice pudding isn’t my first choice, but if you want to save some, freeze in portions with a little extra cream mixed in. When thawed, the texture softens a bit, but warming it gently on the stove with a splash of milk helps bring it back to creamy life.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently over low heat on the stove, stirring often and adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the pudding. Microwave works too, but I prefer stovetop for more control so it doesn’t dry out or get rubbery.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cinnamon Rice Pudding Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s such a simple dessert that delivers big on comfort. Whether you need something soothing after a long day or want to impress guests with minimal fuss, this pudding fits the bill every single time. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming your go-to soul food. And hey, if you add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, you’re officially treat royalty. Enjoy!

Print