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    Easy Recipe for Rice Pudding

    Home » Recipes » Dessert » Easy Recipe for Rice Pudding

    Published: Apr 13, 2020 · Modified: Sep 27, 2024 by Jessica · This post may contain affiliate links · 175 Comments

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    If you love homemade Rice Pudding then you'll love this easy stovetop rice pudding recipe - it's a great way to use up leftover cooked rice!

    two cups of rice pudding by two spoons and a blue tea towel

    Easy Rice Pudding

    Okay ladies (and gents, too) today I am sharing with you the most frugal dessert recipe you will ever find. This homemade rice pudding is as easy as it is delicious. We do our budget monthly, and it seems like almost every month by the last week I am completely out of money and we are eating out of the pantry. When this happens, sometimes on the weekend or date night or whatever, I will try to make a treat to liven up the party!

    I love this recipe because I can almost guarantee that I will always have everything I need on hand, and the whole family loves it - even our pickiest kids! If you need a quick and easy rice pudding recipe, look no further, I guarantee you can't beat this one! 

    If you like this recipe you might also like our easy Chocolate Rice Pudding, or our four ingredient Saltine Toffee. In the summer, our Homemade Blackberry Ice Cream cannot be beaten. Or you can find all our yummy dessert recipes here! 

    a glass of rice pudding next to a blue tea towel

    Easy Rice Pudding Recipe Ingredients

    • Cooked Rice
    • Milk
    • Butter
    • Sugar
    • Vanilla
    • Cinnamon
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    How to Make Rice Pudding

    Making rice pudding from home is so easy! All you need is fifteen minutes and a few ingredients! Oh, and did I mention only one pan?! 

    Step One - If you aren't using leftover rice, cook your rice and add it to a medium sized pot. 

    Step Two - Add in your milk, sugar, butter, vanilla and cinnamon and stir to combine. 

    Step Three - Bring to a soft boil and stir constantly (to prevent burning). Cook for fifteen to twenty minutes, or until mixture is thickened. 

    Step Four - Remove from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Sprinkle with more cinnamon, if desired. 

    It's that easy! 

    Rice Pudding Storage

    Rice pudding, like other dairy-based and perishable foods, should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

    Rice pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. To maximize its shelf life and maintain its quality, it's essential to store it properly. Here are some tips for storing rice pudding:

    • Allow it to cool: Let the rice pudding cool to room temperature before refrigerating it. Hot or warm food can raise the temperature inside the fridge, potentially affecting the safety of other foods.
    • Use an airtight container: Transfer the rice pudding to an airtight container or sealable plastic bag. Make sure to cover it tightly to prevent moisture loss and the absorption of odors from the refrigerator.

    Can you freeze rice pudding?

    Yes! When properly stored in an airtight container or freezer bag, rice pudding can be kept in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To thaw it, transfer it to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Reheat the thawed rice pudding on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

    Rice Pudding with Cooked Rice FAQs

    Can you make rice pudding with cooked rice?

    I have been shocked how many people have asked me if you can make rice pudding with cooked rice, and the answer is an absolute YES! Using cooked rice eliminates waste by utilizing leftovers and eliminates valuable time you would spend slaving over a hot stove!

    We typically make this with rice leftover from a previous dinner that week, like our slow cooker Tikka Masala or our Homemade Fried Rice. 

    What Kind of Rice for Rice Pudding?

    The best rice to use for rice pudding is typically a short-grain or medium-grain rice with a high starch content. The starch in these types of rice helps to make the pudding creamy and thick. Arborio rice, which is often used in risotto, is a popular choice for rice pudding due to its high starch content. Other great options include Carnaroli rice and Calrose rice.

    That being said I frequently use regular long grain white rice because that is what I usually have on hand. I have also used basmati, jasmine, arborio, and sushi rice to make this recipe and they have all worked really well. The only kind I use that I don't prefer for this recipe is brown rice or wild rice.

    Ultimately, the choice of rice depends on your personal preference for the texture of the rice pudding. If you prefer a creamier and thicker pudding, opt for one of the high-starch varieties mentioned above. If you prefer a slightly firmer texture, you can use a long-grain rice, but it may not be as creamy as when using short-grain or medium-grain rice.

    Do you eat rice pudding warm or cold? 

    It is honestly delicious served warm or cold! Right after we make it, we eat some warm. Then, the next day, we eat the leftovers straight from the fridge!

    Why is the rice in my rice pudding crunchy?

    It's likely because the rice hasn't been cooked long enough or hasn't absorbed enough moisture. Rice pudding typically relies on rice that is soft and tender. One of the benefits of using previously cooked rice is that this is less likely to occur.

    Mixing Issues: Sometimes, rice pudding can become unevenly cooked if it's not stirred properly during the cooking process. Make sure to stir the pudding regularly to distribute heat and moisture evenly.

    If your rice pudding is already prepared, and the rice is crunchy, you can try fixing it by simmering it on low heat with additional liquid, such as milk or cream, until the rice becomes softer. Keep stirring and monitoring the texture until it reaches the desired consistency.

    What goes with rice pudding?

    Rice pudding is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of toppings to enhance its flavor and texture. Here are some common and delicious options to serve with rice pudding:

    Raisins
    Fresh Fruit
    Chopped Nuts
    Shredded Coconut
    Caramel or Chocolate Sauce

    How do you thicken rice pudding?

    If your rice pudding is too thin and you'd like to thicken it, there are several methods you can use. Here are some common ways to thicken rice pudding:

    Cook it longer: The simplest way to thicken rice pudding is to continue cooking it over low heat. Keep stirring the pudding regularly and allow more moisture to evaporate. This method will help the rice absorb more liquid and thicken over time. Be patient, as it may take some time to reach the desired consistency.

    Add more rice: If you have extra uncooked rice on hand, you can prepare a small batch of rice separately and then mix it into the pudding. Make sure the extra rice is fully cooked before adding it to the pudding.

    Cornstarch slurry: Create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with a small amount of cold milk or water until it forms a smooth paste. Gradually add the slurry to the simmering rice pudding while stirring continuously. The starch in the cornstarch will thicken the pudding as it cooks. Be cautious not to add too much cornstarch, as it can make the pudding overly thick or starchy.

    Egg yolks: In a separate bowl, beat egg yolks with a small amount of milk or cream. Slowly whisk this mixture into the hot rice pudding and continue to cook over low heat. The egg yolks will help thicken the pudding and give it a smoother texture. Be careful not to scramble the eggs; keep stirring constantly.

    *******Please remember that rice pudding will continue to thicken as it cools, so it's a good idea to aim for a slightly looser consistency than your desired final result while it's still hot. If you over-thicken it, you can always add a bit more milk or cream to achieve the desired consistency.

    rice pudding on a white counter by some cinnamon and a blue tea towel

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    If you try this recipe and like it, we would love for you to leave us a positive rating and review! They mean so much to us! 

    rice pudding on a white counter by some cinnamon and a blue tea towel

    Easy Rice Pudding Recipe (with Cooked Rice)

    Easy Rice Pudding is the perfect use for all your leftover rice! Plus I guarantee you have everything you need in the pantry right now! 
    4.95 from 70 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
    5 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes minutes
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 147kcal
    Author: Pretty Providence

    Video

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups cooked white rice
    • 2 cups milk
    • 3 TBS butter
    • ⅓ cup sugar
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla
    • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

    Instructions

    • Dump all of your ingredients into a sauce pan and mix together over medium low heat. 
    • Bring to a soft boil and stir constantly (to prevent burning). Cook for fifteen to twenty minutes, or until mixture is thickened. Let rice pudding cool a bit before serving.

    Notes

    Can you make rice pudding with cooked rice?

    I have been shocked how many people have asked me if you can make rice pudding with cooked rice, and the answer is an absolute YES! Using cooked rice eliminates waste by utilizing leftovers and eliminates valuable time you would spend slaving over a hot stove!
    We typically make this with rice leftover from a previous dinner that week, like our slow cooker Tikka Masala or our Homemade Fried Rice. 

    Which kind of rice is best for rice pudding?

    I typically use regular long grain white rice because that is what I usually have on hand. That being said I have also used basmati, jasmine, arborio, and sushi rice and they all work super well! The only kind I use that I don't prefer for this recipe is brown rice or wild rice.

    Do you eat rice pudding warm or cold? 

    It is honestly delicious served warm or cold! Right after we make it, we eat some warm. Then, the next day, we eat the leftovers straight from the fridge!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 147kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 64mg | Potassium: 102mg | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 250IU | Calcium: 79mg | Iron: 0.1mg
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @prettyprovidenceblog or tag #prettyprovidence!
    I hope you love this rice pudding recipe as much as we do! 
     
    xo,
    jessica-about-1
     
    This recipe was originally published February 17, 2017 and has been updated with video, better photos and more detailed information. 
    Easy Recipe for Rice Pudding
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    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Theresa

      May 05, 2025 at 12:49 pm

      5 stars
      This rice pudding pudding recipe is delicious and simple to make. Exactly the flavor and consistency I was looking for, made with ingredients that are always on hand, sure to please any fan of rice pudding.

      Reply
    2. Michelle L Toppeto

      March 20, 2025 at 8:55 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is simple to make and is really good out of all of them I've tried and cooked! This one is closer to my my grandmother's it's not too sweet it's not overpowering and it's perfect and it makes me miss my grandma but I'm glad that it reminds me of my grandma I just wish I had her actual recipe for when she made this so many recipes out there for rice pudding it's kind of hard to pick and choose from so what I have done is I've tried a couple of them not all the same time but like I took one and after that one was gone try different recipe if I didn't like it and so on and so forth it's really easy to make so and it's really good you can add whatever you wanted it.

      Reply
    3. Madeline

      March 04, 2025 at 6:00 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious made with cooked badmati. I did throw in one well beaten egg to increase the protein and make sure it thickenec

      Reply
    4. Julianne Ramirez

      January 26, 2025 at 11:05 am

      5 stars
      Ive made this recipe so many times! I love eating it for breakfast. I use soy milk & add 1/3 cup hemp seed to boost the protein.and because I Love clove, I throw some of that in with the cinnamon. Also delicious with flavored raisins. 🤤

      Reply
    5. Paula Miller

      January 10, 2025 at 10:01 am

      5 stars
      Should be 1/4 to 1/2 cup of rice!

      Reply
    6. Micki

      December 29, 2024 at 3:48 pm

      5 stars
      So simple & delicious! I use white rice left over from Chinese takeout. One time I was short of butter & milk, so i used French vanilla liquid coffee creamer instead - Worked perfect!

      Reply
      • Jessica

        January 07, 2025 at 2:38 pm

        Sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing!

        Reply
    7. Kelly Anne Dunn

      November 10, 2024 at 5:31 pm

      This was delicious 😋 my hubby enjoyed it as well. This is a definite make again for sure but the next time I'll put some raisins in and maybe top it off with a little more cinnamon before serving..ty for sharing this recipe.

      Reply
    8. Jo Ann

      September 21, 2024 at 7:47 pm

      5 stars
      Super easy! I thought I must have done something wrong. Then I tasted it, yum!

      Reply
      • Jessica

        September 23, 2024 at 9:13 pm

        So so glad you loved it!

        Reply
    9. Ellie Grove

      September 04, 2024 at 8:01 am

      5 stars
      I have never made rice pudding before and this was so easy and delicious to make! The steps were clear and the pudding turned out perfectly! I will be making this again!

      Reply
    10. Tina

      September 04, 2024 at 7:45 am

      5 stars
      I made sure I had leftover rice to make this recipe. It was absolutely the best pudding!!

      Reply
    11. Rina

      September 04, 2024 at 4:38 am

      5 stars
      Had leftover rice yesterday so I decided to make a pudding and it turned out great and delicious, thanks to your recipe!

      Reply
    12. Kay

      August 11, 2024 at 2:10 pm

      4 stars
      A simple straight forward recipe and that was what I was looking for because I wanted to modify it for a kids party. I used chocolate milk, some toasted walnuts and finished with about a half a can of canned cherries. Pretty good, if I do it again I'll back off the sugar.

      Reply
    13. Theresa Daniels

      July 31, 2024 at 8:58 am

      5 stars
      I have made this recipe twice in the last few days. My grandkids love it.

      Reply
      • Jessica

        August 22, 2024 at 2:44 pm

        I am so glad! Thanks for sharing Theresa!

        Reply
    14. Andrea

      July 19, 2024 at 8:29 am

      My first go at rice pudding. Nice and easy recipe though I added more rice and mistakenly added nutmeg. Still great and had a thicker consistency.

      Reply
    15. YaYaCJ

      May 31, 2024 at 10:32 pm

      5 stars
      My first time making rice pudding - so easy and so YUMMY!! My husband and grandkids all loved it. They all sprinkled a bit more cinnamon on top of their bowl of pudding. I don’t need to - perfect for me.

      Reply
      • Jessica

        June 12, 2024 at 3:22 pm

        Oh I am so glad! You just made our day!

        Reply
    16. Val Bellows

      April 01, 2024 at 10:25 pm

      5 stars
      A family favourite, always try to have extra rice leftover 😉👍🏻👍🏻

      Reply
    17. Shar

      February 19, 2024 at 3:40 am

      5 stars
      Glad I saw this recipe! It's indeed a great way to use up leftover cooked rice. So delicious! Highly recommended!

      Reply
    18. Kristen

      February 18, 2024 at 5:26 pm

      5 stars
      This rice pudding was so easy to make and it tasted delicious.

      Reply
    19. Summer

      February 18, 2024 at 2:53 pm

      5 stars
      This was SO GOOD! My mom always made rice pudding when I was sick as a kid so this took me right back. And I couldn't believe how easy it was to make.

      Reply
    20. Jennifer Kendall

      January 03, 2024 at 8:39 pm

      5 stars
      Rice pudding was not something i grew up with, this was only my second go at it. This recipe was simple and direct with the ingredients I had on hand. Exactly what I was looking for! I added toasted coconut and craizins, turned out perfect!

      Reply
      • Jessica

        January 05, 2024 at 11:57 am

        I am so glad!! Thanks so much for letting us know Jennifer!

        Reply
      • Pamela

        June 12, 2024 at 4:27 pm

        5 stars
        I've made this recipe twice so far and it was perfect both times. I used unsweetened vanilla almond milk the first time and was pleasantly surprised that it thickened up just as if I had used regular milk. Thank you for this delicious, easy recipe I am now sharing with my friends and family. I have a feeling we will all be making an extra 2 cups of rice often.

        Reply
    « Older Comments

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