Name: Creamy Cinnamon Rice Pudding
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4½ cups whole milk; 1½ cups water; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 1 cinnamon stick (3–4 inches); 1 cup Arborio rice (short-grain); 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract; ⅔ cup golden raisins (optional); Grated or ground cinnamon stick for topping

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A cozy and comforting stovetop dessert, this Creamy Cinnamon Rice Pudding is everything I love in a homemade treat: rich, velvety, lightly spiced with cinnamon, and gently infused with vanilla. Made with simple pantry staples, it’s the perfect warm dish to enjoy on a chilly evening or as a nostalgic, anytime dessert.

Creamy Cinnamon Rice Pudding

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4½ cups whole milk

1½ cups water

¾ cup granulated sugar

1 cinnamon stick (3–4 inches)

1 cup Arborio rice (short‑grain for best creaminess)

1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract

⅔ cup golden raisins (optional)

Garnish:

Grated or ground cinnamon stick for topping

Directions

I start by combining the whole milk, water, granulated sugar, cinnamon stick, and Arborio rice in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. A quick stir ensures everything is mixed evenly.

I bring the mixture to a steady simmer over medium-high heat, stirring often to prevent the rice from sticking.

Once simmering, I reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. I keep stirring frequently for 35 to 45 minutes, until the rice is tender and the pudding thickens nicely.

After removing it from the heat, I discard the cinnamon stick and stir in the vanilla extract (or paste). If I’m adding raisins, this is when I mix them in.

I spoon the pudding into bowls or ramekins and let it cool slightly before serving it warm. If I’m planning to serve it later, I let it cool completely and refrigerate it.

Just before serving, I top it with a dusting of grated or ground cinnamon for an aromatic finish.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 8

Calories per serving: ~250 kcal

Variations

I sometimes swap the golden raisins for chopped dried apricots or dates for a different kind of sweetness.

For a dairy-free version, I’ve used full-fat coconut milk and almond milk in place of whole milk—it’s slightly different but still deliciously creamy.

A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom added near the end of cooking adds another cozy flavor layer.

If I’m feeling indulgent, I drizzle a bit of sweetened condensed milk on top before serving.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm portions gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to loosen the texture. It also tastes great cold if I’m in the mood for a chilled dessert.

FAQs

How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot?

I make sure to stir regularly, especially as the pudding thickens. Using a heavy-bottomed pan also helps distribute heat evenly.

Can I use another type of rice?

Short-grain Arborio rice gives the creamiest result, but I’ve also tried it with jasmine or medium-grain rice. Long-grain rice doesn’t work as well for texture.

Is this pudding gluten-free?

Yes, this rice pudding is naturally gluten-free as long as all the ingredients (like vanilla extract) are verified gluten-free.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely. I often prepare it the day before and store it in the fridge. It’s great cold or gently reheated with a splash of milk.

What can I use instead of a cinnamon stick?

If I’m out of cinnamon sticks, I add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon at the beginning of the cooking process. It works well for flavoring.

Conclusion

This Creamy Cinnamon Rice Pudding is one of those recipes I come back to again and again. Whether I serve it warm on a cold night or chilled as a refreshing treat, it always hits the spot. It’s rich, comforting, and made with love from the simplest ingredients. Perfect for sharing—or keeping all to myself.

📖 Recipe:

Creamy Cinnamon Rice Pudding

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A cozy and comforting stovetop dessert, this Creamy Cinnamon Rice Pudding is rich, velvety, and lightly spiced with cinnamon. Made with Arborio rice for extra creaminess and simple pantry staples, it's perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you crave a nostalgic treat.