If you have a soft spot for cozy, comforting desserts that feel like a warm hug in a bowl, then this Homemade Rice Pudding Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Creamy, subtly sweet, and bursting with warm cinnamon and vanilla, this dish combines tender rice with the richness of milk and cream, making each spoonful a luscious delight. Whether you have leftover rice to use or want to whip up a classic treat from scratch, this recipe brings together simple ingredients to create an indulgent, nostalgic dessert that’s perfect any time of year.

Homemade Rice Pudding Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the humble ingredients fool you — each plays an essential role in building the perfect texture and flavor profile for this homemade rice pudding recipe. From the creamy base to the aromatic spices and sweet highlights, these components come together effortlessly.

4 large eggs: Acts as the custard binder to create a silky, set pudding texture.
3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the creamy richness.
3 cups milk: Provides a smooth, mellow base that keeps the pudding comforting and light.
1 cup heavy whipping cream: Brings indulgence and mouthfeel, making every bite luxurious.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses warm, aromatic vanilla flavor to brighten the dish.
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Adds cozy spice that pairs perfectly with creamy rice.
3 cups cooked rice (cooled): The star ingredient — leftover rice works wonderfully for convenience!
1 cup raisins: Offers bursts of sweetness and chewy texture contrast throughout the pudding.

How to Make Homemade Rice Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for baking. This warm environment will gently transform the pudding custard as it bakes for that perfect velvety finish.

Step 2: Mix the Custard Base

In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until they’re well combined and slightly frothy. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while continuing to mix, ensuring everything is smooth and unified — this mix is what creates the rich custard base of your pudding.

Step 3: Add Flavors and Rice

Next, stir in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon to the custard mixture. These spices bring signature warmth and depth of flavor. Then fold in the cooked rice and raisins, being careful to distribute them evenly so every bite is balanced with creamy custard and bursts of sweet raisin.

Step 4: Prepare to Bake

Grease an oven-safe casserole dish, at least 9×9 inches or use individual ramekins for single servings. Pour your rice pudding mixture into it, smoothing out the top gently. This ensures even cooking and a beautiful presentation when it’s finished.

Step 5: Create a Water Bath

To achieve that perfect custard texture, place your filled casserole dish inside a larger oven-proof pan. Carefully add 1-2 inches of hot water to the larger pan so it reaches halfway up the sides of your pudding dish. This water bath method keeps the pudding moist while baking and prevents cracking or drying out.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

If you’re using a 9×13 or similar pan size, bake the pudding for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the top looks set but still jiggles slightly when nudged. For a 9×9 dish, you might need an additional 15 to 20 minutes. The pudding is ready when it’s creamy but firm enough to hold its shape. Serve warm for the ultimate comfort dessert experience.

How to Serve Homemade Rice Pudding Recipe

Garnishes

What really takes this rice pudding to the next level is a thoughtful garnish. Sprinkle a little extra ground cinnamon or nutmeg on top for visual appeal and extra flavor. You could also add a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey to complement the sweetness and creaminess.

Side Dishes

This pudding is perfect on its own, but pairing it with a crisp fruit salad or a small scoop of tart sorbet can balance its rich, creamy texture beautifully. Fresh berries or stewed fruits work wonderfully as refreshing contrasts.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the pudding in individual ramekins topped with toasted coconut flakes or chopped nuts. Or try layering it in parfait glasses with fruit compote or crunchy granola for variety and visual interest — making your Homemade Rice Pudding Recipe special enough for guests or just to spoil yourself.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Homemade rice pudding stores quite well. Keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors will even meld over time, and it can easily be enjoyed cold or gently warmed up again.

Freezing

You can freeze rice pudding, but due to its creamy texture, it may become slightly grainy after thawing. Use airtight containers to freeze individual portions for up to 2 months and thaw slowly in the fridge overnight for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your rice pudding gently on the stovetop over low heat or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or cream if it seems a bit thick to bring back its creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use leftover rice for this recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover cooked rice works wonderfully in this recipe and actually makes preparation quicker. Just be sure the rice is cooled before adding it to the custard mixture.

Is this rice pudding gluten-free?

Yes, this homemade rice pudding recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat or gluten ingredients, making it a safe and delicious option for those avoiding gluten.

Can I substitute raisins with other dried fruits?

Definitely! You can swap raisins for dried cranberries, chopped apricots, or even fresh fruits like blueberries for different flavor variations and textures.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute dairy milk and cream with coconut milk or almond milk, and replace eggs with a plant-based thickener like cornstarch or flax eggs. The texture will differ slightly but will still be delicious.

What’s the best way to achieve a creamy texture?

The key is the water bath during baking, which gently cooks the pudding and prevents it from drying out or cracking, yielding that classic creamy custard consistency.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so wonderfully heartwarming about making this Homemade Rice Pudding Recipe. It’s simple, comforting, and a real crowd-pleaser that never gets old. Whether you’re making it for yourself, family, or friends, this dish reminds you how satisfying homemade treats can be — so go ahead, try this recipe and indulge in a creamy, cinnamon-spiced hug in a bowl.

Homemade Rice Pudding Recipe

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3.9 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Homemade Rice Pudding recipe offers a creamy, comforting dessert made with cooked rice, eggs, milk, cream, and aromatic cinnamon, gently baked to perfection for a custard-like texture. Ideal for utilizing leftover rice, it’s enhanced with sweet raisins and vanilla for a warm, classic treat that serves six.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

4 large eggs
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 cups milk
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Main Components

3 cups cooked rice, cooled (leftover rice works great!)
1 cup raisins

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to prepare for baking the rice pudding.
Mix Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the 4 large eggs together with 3/4 cup granulated sugar until well combined and slightly frothy.
Add Milk and Cream: Slowly pour in 3 cups of milk and 1 cup of heavy whipping cream into the egg mixture, stirring continuously for a smooth blend.
Incorporate Flavorings: Stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon until the mixture is uniform.
Combine Rice and Raisins: Add 3 cups of cooked, cooled rice and 1 cup of raisins to the liquid mixture, stirring gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
Prepare Baking Dish: Grease an oven-safe casserole dish (at least 9×9 inches) or individual ramekins to prevent sticking, then pour the rice mixture into the prepared dish(es).
Set up Water Bath: Place the filled rice pudding dish inside a larger oven-proof pan and carefully add 1-2 inches of hot water to the larger pan, filling about halfway up the side of the pudding dish to create a water bath that will produce a custard-like texture.
Bake Pudding: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes if using a 9×13 inch pan or similar size, until the pudding top has set but still jiggles slightly. For a 9×9 inch pan, you may need to add an additional 15-20 minutes baking time until set.
Serve: Remove from oven and serve the rice pudding warm for the best flavor and texture.
Store Leftovers: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate; they will keep well for up to 5 days.

Notes

Use leftover cooked rice for the best texture and to save time.
Ensure the water bath fills about halfway up the pudding dish to prevent cracking and maintain a creamy custard consistency.
Check the pudding towards the end of baking; it should be set but slightly jiggly in the center.
Serve warm or chilled, depending on preference.
Variations: Add nutmeg, cardamom, or substitute raisins with dried cranberries or chopped nuts for different flavors.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American