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Old-Fashioned Creamy Stovetop Rice Pudding

Close-up of creamy rice pudding in a white bowl, generously sprinkled with cinnamon.
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Make the creamiest, old-fashioned rice pudding right on your stovetop using just five simple ingredients. This nostalgic dessert is pure comfort in a bowl.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup short-grain white rice (Arborio works well for creaminess)
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus extra for topping)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear. This helps prevent overly sticky pudding.
  2. Combine the rinsed rice and whole milk in a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
  3. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently to stop the rice from sticking to the bottom.
  4. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low. Continue to cook, stirring every 5 to 7 minutes, for about 40 to 50 minutes. The rice should soften, and the milk should thicken into a creamy sauce.
  5. Stir in the sugar and vanilla extract. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the pudding reaches your desired thickness. Remember, it will thicken more as it cools.
  6. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in half of the cinnamon.
  7. Serve the rice pudding warm, or transfer it to bowls and chill completely for a colder dessert. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon on top before serving.

Notes

  • For an ultra-creamy texture, stir the pudding often, especially during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
  • If the pudding becomes too thick while cooling, stir in a splash of milk until you reach the right consistency.
  • This recipe tastes wonderful served warm, but it is also a great make-ahead dessert when chilled.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonswirl.com/creamy-rice-pudding-old-fashioned-stovetop/