One evening after work, the weather turned unexpectedly chilly, and the kids came home asking for something warm and comforting. I opened the pantry and spotted a simple bag of rice sitting next to the sugar canister. Seeing it instantly brought back the feeling of those nights when my mom would make warm bowls of rice pudding for us while we talked about our day around the kitchen table. The thought fit the mood of the house perfectly, and I knew exactly what to make.

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So I gathered the ingredients, all humble and familiar, and set a pot on the stove. As the rice simmered and the milk thickened around it, the kitchen filled with that creamy, sweet aroma that pulls everyone toward the stove. My teenagers wandered in first, followed by my husband who claimed he was “just checking on things.” I knew exactly what they were checking on.

By the time the raisins softened and the vanilla melted into the pudding, the pot felt like a little pocket of warmth in the center of the kitchen. I scooped out bowls for everyone, and just like that, the house felt calmer and cozier. It was the kind of simple weeknight treat that brings everyone together without much effort.

Short Description

Fashioned Rice Pudding is a warm, creamy dessert made with tender rice, sweet milk, and fragrant vanilla for a comforting and nostalgic treat.

Key Ingredients

Main Ingredients

¾ cup uncooked white rice
1 ½ cups water
2 cups whole milk plus ½ cup reserved
⅓ cup granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
1 egg beaten

Additional Ingredients

⅔ cup raisins optional
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon optional for garnish

Tools Needed

Medium saucepan
Whisk
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups
Heatproof bowl
Serving bowls

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Rice
Combine ¾ cup uncooked rice and 1 ½ cups water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the water.

Step 2: Prepare the Pudding Base
Stir in 2 cups whole milk, granulated sugar, and salt. Cook over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture thickens into a creamy consistency. If it becomes too thick too quickly, lower the heat slightly.

Step 3: Add Egg and Reserved Milk
In a small bowl, whisk the beaten egg with the reserved ½ cup milk. Pour this mixture slowly into the hot rice mixture while stirring continuously to prevent curdling. Cook for 2 more minutes until the pudding becomes rich and silky.

Step 4: Finish the Pudding
Remove from heat. Stir in raisins, unsalted butter, and vanilla extract. Let the pudding cool slightly to thicken further. Sprinkle cinnamon on top if using. Serve warm or chilled depending on your preference.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Made with simple, inexpensive ingredients

Offers a warm, soothing dessert or snack

Easy to customize with raisins, spices, or your favorite toppings

Stores well for next-day treats or lunchbox desserts

Naturally creamy without any special equipment

Works beautifully as a cozy winter dessert or a chilled summer treat

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Rice sticking to the bottom
This happens when heat is too high or stirring is too infrequent.
Solution: Keep heat on medium low and stir often, especially once milk is added.

Egg curdling in the mixture
If added too quickly, the egg may scramble.
Solution: Whisk egg with reserved milk and add very slowly while stirring constantly.

Pudding too thick
Overcooking or too much rice can make the texture dense.
Solution: Add extra warm milk ¼ cup at a time until you reach your preferred consistency.

Rice undercooked
If simmered too briefly, grains will stay firm.
Solution: Allow the full 15 to 20 minutes of covered simmering before adding milk.

Raisins too chewy
Raisins added too late won’t soften enough.
Solution: Add raisins while pudding is still hot so they plump properly.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a cozy evening dessert

Chill in small bowls and top with fresh berries for a refreshing summer treat

Pair with hot tea, warm milk, or mild coffee

Works well served family style in a large bowl at the center of the table

Add toppings like nuts, toasted coconut, or whipped cream for extra flavor and texture

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days

Stir in a splash of milk before reheating, since the pudding thickens as it chills

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat for 3 to 5 minutes

Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each one

Avoid overheating to prevent the texture from turning grainy

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice
Yes, but increase initial cooking time to 40 minutes and add extra milk as needed.

2. Can I make this dairy free
Use coconut milk or almond milk. The flavor will change slightly but still tastes delicious.

3. Can I leave out the raisins
Absolutely. They’re optional and the pudding tastes great either way.

4. How can I make it thicker
Cook for a few extra minutes or add a small spoonful of cornstarch dissolved in milk.

5. Can this pudding be frozen
It can, but texture becomes slightly softer. Freeze in small containers and thaw overnight.

Tips & Tricks

Use short grain rice for a creamier texture.

Warm the milk before adding to prevent sudden temperature changes.

Add a pinch of nutmeg for a deeper aroma.

Let the pudding rest 10 minutes before serving to thicken naturally.

Stir with a wooden spoon to prevent scratching your pot during long simmering.

Recipe Variations

Coconut Rice Pudding
Use 1 cup coconut milk and 1 cup whole milk in Step 2. Add ¼ cup shredded coconut at the end. The flavor becomes sweeter and tropical.

Chocolate Rice Pudding
Stir ½ cup chocolate chips into the hot pudding at the end until melted. Chill as usual for a rich, chocolatey version.

Maple Vanilla Rice Pudding
Replace granulated sugar with ¼ cup maple syrup. Add extra ½ teaspoon vanilla. This creates a warm, earthy sweetness.

Apple Cinnamon Rice Pudding
Add ½ cup finely diced apple and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon in Step 2. Cook until apples soften for a fruity twist.

Final Thoughts

When this pudding cooled just enough to serve, the kids sat close by with their bowls ready, enjoying each spoonful like it was their own small comfort moment. Watching them lean in happily made the simple act of stirring the pot feel worthwhile after a long day. The warm sweetness filling the kitchen gave the whole house a peaceful pause.

Moments like that make me appreciate recipes that fit easily into everyday life. They bring everyone together without needing anything fancy or complicated. I hope this Fashioned Rice Pudding brings the same gentle comfort to your table.

Cozy Fashioned Rice Pudding