How To Make Rice Pudding (Arborio Rice Pudding)

This homemade arborio rice pudding recipe is a delicious comforting dessert, perfect for the winter months. It has a classic flavor and creamy texture made with simple ingredients. 

Why You Will Love This Rice Pudding Recipe

Delicious homemade rice pudding is a rich nostalgic dessert you can make any time of the year, but we love making this recipe during the winter season. The creamy texture of the milk, cream, maple syrup, and warm spices gives this dish a cozy feel. Here are more reasons why you will love this creamy rice pudding recipe:

• Simple ingredients. This is the only rice pudding recipe you will ever need!  It uses simple ingredients cooked in the same pot, with no egg mixture required. 
• Easy to make comfort food. This creamy rice pudding is a one-pot dish that can be prepared in advance, served chilled or warm. 
• Customizable to your liking.  There are many variations of flavors and toppings you can add to this classic rice pudding recipe to make it your own.

Rice Pudding Ingredients 

This old fashioned rice pudding recipe has minimal ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredient Notes

• Milk: Similar to my gluten-free fruit tart with vanilla pastry cream, combining whole milk and heavy cream creates an ultra-creamy pudding with a rich decadent flavor.
• White Rice: For the perfect texture, I recommend using arborio rice. This short grain rice is naturally starchier and more plump than long grain rice. 
• Sweetener: Organic pure maple syrup gives this recipe the right amount of natural sweetness.
• Flavor Enhancers: Vanilla extract or fresh vanilla bean, a touch of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt make this old-fashioned rice pudding extra cozy. 

Find the printable recipe card with measurements below.

How To Make Rice Pudding 

Step-by-step instructions for making the best rice pudding recipe:

• Step 1: Stir together the ingredients. Add the milk, heavy cream, uncooked rice, and maple syrup to a large saucepan on the stove. Stir it all together and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
• Step 2: Simmer the rice pudding on low heat. Reduce the heat to low, partially cover with a lid allowing some steam to vent, and let the pudding cook for 30 minutes. You want to remove the lid and whisk the pudding every few minutes so that the rice doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan! Watch the rice pudding closely as it tends to bubble up quickly. If this happens, remove the lid and give it a good whisk.
• Step 3: Allow the pudding to thicken. After 30 minutes, remove the lid and continue to simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. Whisk continuously until the rice is tender and the pudding starts to thicken. (The rice pudding will continue to thicken as it cools. If the pudding becomes too thick, add a little more milk). 
• Step 4: Stir in the flavor enhancers. Once the desired texture is reached, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract, a little cinnamon, salt, and raisins. Let the rice pudding cool for a few minutes, then transfer to a serving dish and serve warm. 

Substitutions & Variations

Now that you know how to make classic rice pudding, let’s talk about variations, toppings, and mix-ins! Here are a few delicious ways to change up this simple dessert:

• Dairy-free rice pudding: For a dairy-free version, I recommend using full-fat canned coconut milk (not coconut cream) combined with almond milk (or any other plant-based non-dairy milk) to help balance the flavor. 
• Add fresh fruit: Top your pudding with fresh mango or mixed berries for a natural subtle sweetness.
• Add zest: Freshly grated orange zest would give this creamy pudding a citrusy twist.
• Add dried fruit: Raisins, sultanas (golden raisins), cranberries, or even toasted coconut flakes would make great additions. 
• Add boozy raisins: A great way to add depth to the flavor of this recipe, is to soak the raisins or any dried fruit in a few tablespoons of alcohol. Grand marnier, rum, or brandy would all make great options. 
• Use different spices: Other cozy spices including ground nutmeg, cardamom, pumpkin pie spice, or cinnamon sticks can be added to the rice mixture.

Storage Tips

• Storage: Allow the leftover rice pudding to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for 3-4 days. 
• Rheating: You can eat cold rice pudding straight from the refrigerator or warm the rice pudding on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the pudding becomes too thick overnight, add a little more milk before reheating. 

Expert Tips

This classic stovetop rice pudding is a comforting easy recipe that everyone will love. Here are some tips for the best results when making rice pudding:

• Don't take your eyes off the saucepan. Occasionally you'll see the milk bubble up, and when that happens, remove the lid and give the pudding a good stir to prevent any overflow. Additionally, keeping the heat at a low gentle simmer will help ensure the milk does not burn, and whisking occasionally will help the rice not stick to the bottom of the pot.
• Use short grain rice. My favorite rice to use is Arborio rice. It gives the rice pudding a plump chewy texture. 
• Add flavor enhancements at the end of cooking. Vanilla extract is typically added at the end because the alcohol in it can burn off if exposed to high heat for too long. If the spices are added too early, they can overpower the rice pudding and change its color. Therefore, I recommend adding the flavor enhancers at the end of the cooking and adjusting them to your liking.
• Rice pudding is too thin. If the rice pudding appears too thin you may have added too much milk. Continue cooking on the stovetop until it reaches the desired texture.
• Rice pudding is too thick. The rice pudding will continue to thicken as it cools. If it becomes too thick before or after refrigeration, add a little extra milk to thin it out.

FAQ

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I hope you enjoy this rice pudding recipe! If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comments section below. Your review will help other readers in the community.

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