Old Fashioned Rice Pudding

Rice pudding is one of those timeless desserts that brings a sense of comfort, nostalgia, and warmth. With its creamy texture, sweet flavor, and just the right amount of spice, Old Fashioned Rice Pudding has been a beloved dish in households across the world for generations. Whether served as a dessert, snack, or breakfast treat, this dish is a comforting and satisfying indulgence.

The beauty of rice pudding lies in its simplicity. Made with just a handful of basic ingredients—rice, milk, cream, sugar, and eggs—it’s the kind of dish that brings back fond memories of family gatherings, cozy evenings, and simple pleasures. This recipe is a traditional take on Old Fashioned Rice Pudding, offering a creamy, dreamy dessert that’s both comforting and delicious.

In this blog post, we’ll take you step by step through the process of making this Old Fashioned Rice Pudding from scratch. I’ll also share tips on how to make it even more flavorful, variations you can try, and why this dish has remained a staple in kitchens for so long.

Why You’ll Love Old Fashioned Rice Pudding

Rich, Creamy Texture: The combination of whole milk, heavy cream, and eggs results in a luxuriously creamy texture that melts in your mouth. It’s smooth and indulgent, with the rice adding a satisfying bite.

Nostalgic Comfort: Rice pudding has been around for centuries and is often associated with childhood memories, family gatherings, and cozy nights in. It’s the ultimate comfort food.

Simple Ingredients: You only need a few common ingredients to make this dessert, and many of them are already in your pantry. It’s a dessert that you can whip up without a trip to the store.

Versatile Flavors: While the classic recipe is delicious on its own, you can customize it with add-ins like raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a splash of vanilla extract.

Great for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving it for dessert after a hearty dinner, enjoying it for breakfast, or making it for a holiday meal, rice pudding is the perfect dish for any time of day.

Ingredients for Old Fashioned Rice Pudding

The beauty of Old Fashioned Rice Pudding lies in its simplicity. You’ll need only a handful of ingredients, but the results are nothing short of extraordinary. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Rice Pudding:

1 cup white rice (long-grain or medium-grain): This is the base of the pudding. The rice should be tender but still slightly firm to the bite after cooking.

2 cups whole milk: Whole milk provides the creaminess needed for this dish. Using a lighter milk will not give you the same rich texture.

½ cup heavy cream: Adds to the richness of the pudding and contributes to its silky texture.

½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the pudding. You can adjust this to suit your taste, but this amount provides a balanced sweetness.

2 large eggs: The eggs help thicken the pudding and give it a creamy custard-like texture.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a beautiful, aromatic flavor that complements the richness of the pudding.

Pinch of salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

Optional for Extra Flavor:

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Cinnamon pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the pudding and gives it a warm, comforting spice.

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Nutmeg is another classic spice that adds warmth and depth to the flavor.

½ cup raisins: Raisins are a traditional addition to rice pudding, offering a chewy contrast to the creamy texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Old Fashioned Rice Pudding

Now that you have your ingredients, let’s dive into making this delicious Old Fashioned Rice Pudding. The recipe is simple and easy to follow, and with just a little patience, you’ll have a creamy, comforting dessert ready to enjoy.

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Start by rinsing the rice in cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch, ensuring that the rice cooks evenly and doesn’t become overly sticky.

In a large saucepan, combine the rice and 2 cups of whole milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once it starts to boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan. Let the rice simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

If there’s any remaining liquid after the rice is cooked, simply drain it off. You want the rice to be tender and slightly sticky, not soupy.

Step 2: Make the Custard Base

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and a pinch of salt. This mixture will form the custard base of the pudding.

Once the rice is cooked, slowly add a small amount of the hot rice mixture to the egg mixture while whisking constantly. This is called tempering the eggs and helps prevent them from scrambling when added to the hot rice. Gradually add the rest of the rice mixture, continuing to whisk to ensure a smooth consistency.

Step 3: Combine the Rice and Custard Mixture

Once the egg mixture has been tempered, return it to the saucepan with the rice. Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly. Be patient—this process will take 10-15 minutes, but you want to ensure that the custard thickens without curdling.

As the mixture heats up, it will begin to thicken and form a creamy consistency. The pudding is done when it coats the back of a spoon and has a custard-like texture.

Step 4: Add the Cream and Flavorings

Once the pudding has thickened, add the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cream is fully incorporated.

If you’re using cinnamon, nutmeg, or raisins, add them at this point and stir them into the pudding mixture. These additions will infuse the pudding with wonderful flavor and provide a subtle contrast in texture.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Once the pudding is ready, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. You can serve it warm or chilled—both are delicious! If you prefer to serve it cold, let the pudding cool to room temperature before transferring it to individual bowls or one large serving dish. Cover with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent a skin from forming on top.

If you’re serving it warm, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired. This classic rice pudding is just as good on its own, but a little extra topping never hurts!

Tips for Perfect Old Fashioned Rice Pudding

Stir Frequently: Stir the pudding constantly while it’s cooking to ensure that the rice doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan and that the eggs don’t scramble.

Don’t Rush the Process: Cooking the pudding on low heat and slowly adding the egg mixture ensures a smooth, creamy texture. Patience is key to achieving the perfect consistency.

Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less sugar. You can also substitute the sugar with alternatives like honey or maple syrup for a different flavor.

Use Full-Fat Dairy: For the creamiest pudding, use whole milk and heavy cream. Using lower-fat options can result in a less rich and creamy pudding.

Add Toppings: While the pudding is delicious on its own, you can also top it with a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, toasted coconut, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Variations for Old Fashioned Rice Pudding

While the classic recipe is wonderful on its own, you can easily modify the flavors to suit your taste. Here are a few variations to try:

Chocolate Rice Pudding: Add unsweetened cocoa powder or chocolate chips to the rice pudding for a rich, chocolatey twist.

Coconut Rice Pudding: Add coconut milk in place of some of the cream, and top with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical flair.

Pumpkin Rice Pudding: Add pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger) to create a fall-inspired version of rice pudding.

Fruit Rice Pudding: Stir in some raisins, dried cranberries, or fresh berries for an added pop of sweetness and texture.

Conclusion: A Comforting Classic for Every Occasion

Old Fashioned Rice Pudding is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you serve it for dessert, breakfast, or a midnight snack, it’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and bring a sense of nostalgia. With its creamy texture, sweet flavor, and endless customization options, this recipe has stood the test of time for good reason.

Making this rice pudding from scratch is easier than you think, and once you try it, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it more often. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to create a comforting, classic dessert that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Give this Old Fashioned Rice Pudding a try, and you’ll soon be enjoying the creamy, dreamy goodness of this beloved dessert in the comfort of your own home.

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