Table of Contents
Pudding is such an EASY dessert and one we all LOVE.
We have everything from a Chocolate Pudding Recipe to a Vanilla Pudding Recipe and everything in between – like this easy rice pudding.
This classic pudding is probably the one we make the most – because it’s delicious and easy! It uses super simple and inexpensive ingredients, and it preps in only 10 minutes. This is also a great way to use up your leftover rice.
We must LOVE rice pudding because we have a variety of recipes, including Slow Cooker Rice Pudding, Baked Rice Pudding, and even a Mexican twist in Arroz con Leche.
Why we think you’ll love it:
- A light dessert. It’s sweet and smooth and makes the perfect little after-dinner dessert.
- Budget-friendly. This easy dessert recipes for kids uses simple, inexpensive ingredients and pantry staples! It can also be adjusted to feed a crowd.
- Versatile. This recipe can be served hot or cold, making it perfect for any season or occasion. So eat some now, and enjoy cold leftovers later!
Easy Rice Pudding Ingredients and Substitutions
- ¾ cup uncooked medium grain white rice – Jasmine rice and basmati are popular varieties. Calrose, bomba, and arborio rice are also great options that produce a creamy pudding without getting mushy. Medium-grain rice will make it a little stickier and give it that creamy texture.
- 1½ cups water
- 2½-3 cups half and half, divided – You can use whole milk or 2%, but note that the less fat content the milk contains, the less creamy the pudding will be.
- ⅓-½ cup sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – or use other flavorings like orange or almond extract
How to Make Easy Rice Pudding
- RICE. In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, stir in rice. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Make sure the rice is thoroughly cooked.
- SEASON. Transfer the cooked rice into a clean saucepan. Add half and half, sugar, and salt. Cook over medium heat until creamy. About 15-20 minutes.
- Stir in the rest of the half and half. Add the beaten egg mixture. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from the heat and stir in butter and vanilla. Pour the rice mixture into individual servings and top with cinnamon.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- Once the sugar is added, the rice will not continue to soften, so be sure to add it at the correct time.
- We like to use half and half for the creamiest pudding, but whole milk or 2% can be used in a pinch.
- You can easily adjust the flavor by replacing the vanilla extract with other flavorings like orange, coconut, or almond extract.
- The best rice pudding requires time to simmer and thicken. Don’t rush the process and stir often to keep the rice on the bottom of the pan from scorching.
Easy Rice Pudding
Ingredients
- ¾ cup uncooked medium grain white rice
- 1½ cups water
- 2½-3 cups half and half, divided
- ⅓-½ cup sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a saucepan, bring the 1½ cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, stir in the rice. Reduce the heat to low and cover. Simmer for 20 minutes. Make sure the rice is thoroughly cooked*
- Transfer the cooked rice into a clean saucepan. Add 1½ cups half and half, sugar, and salt. Cook over medium heat until creamy. About 15-20 minutes
- Stir in the rest of the half and half, then add the beaten egg and raisins. Cook for another 2 minutes. Stirring constantly.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla.
Notes
- Once the sugar is added, the rice will not continue to soften, so be sure to add it at the correct time.
- We like to use half and half for the creamiest pudding, but whole milk or 2% can be used in a pinch.
- You can easily adjust the flavor by replacing the vanilla extract with other flavorings like orange, coconut, or almond extract.
- The best rice pudding takes time to simmer and thicken up. Don’t rush the process and stir often to keep the rice on the bottom of the pan from scorching.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months!
The quickest method to reheat is the microwave. Heat in 30-second increments until warm. For the stovetop, cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until warm throughout.
Yes, begin by reviving the rice; place the leftover rice in a microwave-safe bowl, add a bit of water, cover, and steam it. Once the rice is hot and soft, continue with step 2 of the recipe.
More Like This
Warm Pudding Recipes
Easy Bread Pudding Recipe
1 hr 10 mins
Sticky Toffee Pudding
1 hr 50 mins
Baked Rice Pudding
1 hr 35 mins
Slow Cooker Rice Pudding
2 hrs 5 mins
Warm Desserts
Recipe For Apple Crisp
1 hr 5 mins
Easy Peach Cobbler
45 mins
Pumpkin Custard
1 hr 10 mins
Chocolate Lava Cake
23 mins
This recipe is perfect. The pudding is creamy and tastes delicious! I used half whole milk and half heavy cream and I also added cinnamon to it. It is absolutely amazing!
So creamy and delicious and just the right amount of sweetness!
The best rice pudding recipe, ever.
Absolutely delicious! I made a different recipe several times in the past, and this one is less time consuming, most consistent, and tastier. Thank you!
Oh that makes me so happy to hear!! So glad this recipe is a hit!
Absolutely perfect. The key to creamy not liquid is really stirring long enough. Great recipe!
Somehow my comment only left one star, here are the five it deserves!
The best use of my half and half that was expired but still good. Just needed to add a little cinnamon
The taste is awesome, but it is liquidy
What did I do wrong? I followed the recipe exactly
Absolutely delicious! Was definitely a comfort desert for me. Will be making again 😋
So happy to hear that!! I’m glad the rice pudding was a hit!
I have tried several rice puddings and this is the best by far. It is very creamy and delicious. Thank you for sharing.
Delish!
Delicious Rice Pudding. I added an extra egg and grated fresh nutmeg on top.
Yummy!! So glad you enjoyed the rice pudding!
Really good, custard like. I used a half cup of sugar as my wife and I like things sweet, however I think it would be equally enjoyable with less.
So glad to hear you enjoyed the recipe!! Thanks for giving it a try.
I just loved this recipe. Just like mom made while I was growing up. I did alter it a bit. I took 2 cups of water and microwaved for 3 min. Put a heaping cup of raisins in hot water, stir and set aside 30 to 40 min. The longer they sit the plumper they get.. follow rice pudding recipe till the end, when you add the vanilla and butter add the drained plumped raisins. Raisins add another level of sweetness to a wonderful rice pudding.
Perfect! Thank you for sharing what you did! Sounds good!
aBsolutely Delicious and easy to make! This was my first time making rice pudding. I had a lot of half & Half that I would have had to throw away so I was looking for something to use it on and came across this recipe. I will DEFINITELY make this again and again. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe.
You are so welcome! Glad you found this recipe & tried it! Thank you!
Does this need to be stirred at all during step 2?
It could be stirred occasionally during step 2 but not constantly, like in step 3. Hope this helps!
I am just looking for a way to make Sweet rice the way my mom does and I thought yours was just like my Mom’s way is,and and your mom is a lunatic too, lol,my moms maiden name is Luna also,my grandpas name was Santos Luna, well maybe were related that would be a trip, oh my grandmother was named Daisy she lived on the central coast, I know that my mother was raised in the Fresno area a tiny place named planada,well if you e-mail me that’s my address just use all small letters, [email protected] thanks for the recipe, just like mama made it.Rudy
Well, maybe we are? Glad you found this recipe 🙂
This is similar to your Arroz con leche, which I love. Just a simple warm treat
I grew up on rice pudding! It was our dessert. Its one of my most favorite things to eat.
My family loves rice pudding!! It’s been a while since I made it..I’m thinking it’s time. Warm rice pudding sounds so comforting! Love the hint of cinnamon!
I am so happy you posted this recipe! I forgot how much I love Rice Pudding. The flavor is wonderful in this recipe!
I haven’t made this in a while, but came across the recipe & need to make it again. It is very smooth & creamy! Love it warm!