🍚 Creamy Vanilla Rice Pudding – A Timeless Comfort Dessert
🥄 A Classic Dessert That Never Gets Old
Few desserts are as comforting and nostalgic as vanilla rice pudding. Whether it reminds you of your grandmother’s kitchen or just hits the spot on a chilly evening, this creamy rice dessert is the ultimate in timeless simplicity.
Made with short-grain rice, whole milk, and a real vanilla bean, this classic rice pudding recipe delivers cozy warmth in every spoonful. Enjoy it warm and soothing or chilled and silky—either way, it's a satisfying sweet that never goes out of style.
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🛒 Ingredients
- 3/4 cup short-grain rice (such as Arborio or pudding rice)
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 fresh vanilla bean (or 1.5 tsp pure vanilla extract)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: ground cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish
🔪 Instructions
1. Rinse the Rice
Place the rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch and helps achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
2. Infuse the Milk
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, pour in the milk and add a pinch of salt.
Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Add both the seeds and the pod to the milk. (If using vanilla extract, add it later after cooking.)
Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the milk reaches a gentle simmer.
3. Cook the Rice
Stir the rinsed rice into the hot milk. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and scorching.
Cook for 30–40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the mixture has thickened to a pudding-like consistency.
4. Sweeten the Pudding
Once the rice is soft and the mixture is creamy, remove the vanilla pod and stir in the sugar. If you're using vanilla extract, add it now.
Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently. If the pudding becomes too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen the texture.
5. Serve and Garnish
Remove from heat and spoon into bowls. Garnish with a dusting of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a warming touch.
Serve warm for classic comfort or chill for a few hours to enjoy as a refreshing dessert.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Vanilla Rice Pudding
✅ Naturally Gluten-Free
✅ Simple Pantry Ingredients
✅ Real Vanilla Flavor
✅ Perfect Hot or Cold
✅ Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing
🔄 Optional Add-Ins and Variations
🍇 Stir in raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dates.
🍫 Add dark chocolate chips just before serving for a twist.
🥥 Use coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative with tropical flair.
🍊 Add a strip of orange zest to the milk for a citrus note.
🍽 Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen if needed.
💬 Final Thoughts
This homemade vanilla rice pudding is a cozy reminder of simpler times—an old-fashioned dessert that’s always in season. Whether you serve it for a family dinner, holiday table, or lazy weekend treat, its creamy texture and warm vanilla aroma will have everyone asking for seconds.
📌 Pin it for your "Comfort Food Desserts" board, and tag it under "Gluten-Free Sweets" or "Traditional Favorites."
