AMAZING OLD FASHIONED RICE PUDDING Recipe

If you’re ready for a heartwarming dessert that brings back pure nostalgia, you simply have to try this AMAZING OLD FASHIONED RICE PUDDING. It’s creamy, delicately sweet, perfumed with vanilla, and finished with a touch of cinnamon—every bite is a comforting hug in a bowl. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just need a classic treat, this homemade pudding is guaranteed to hit the spot!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity—each ingredient, while humble, plays a vital role in creating the signature taste and dreamy texture of AMAZING OLD FASHIONED RICE PUDDING. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each one matters!

• White rice (1/2 cup, medium or long grain): Provides the soft, tender base that absorbs all the delicious flavors and gives the pudding its signature creaminess.
• Whole milk (2 cups): Adds richness and helps create the luscious texture that makes each spoonful so satisfying.
• Half-and-half (1 1/2 cups) or heavy cream: For extra silkiness—this is the secret to that ultra-creamy old-fashioned consistency.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the pudding perfectly without overpowering the delicate spices.
• Salt (1/4 tsp): Enhances all the flavors and keeps the pudding from tasting flat.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Infuses a gentle floral aroma and deep warmth into every bite.
• Ground cinnamon (1/2 tsp + more for garnish): Adds cozy spice and fragrant complexity that’s simply irresistible.
• Ground nutmeg (1/4 tsp, optional): For extra warmth and a slightly nutty note that complements the cinnamon.
• Raisins (1/2 cup, optional): Little bursts of sweetness for those who love tradition (and a bit of chewy variety in their pudding).

How to Make AMAZING OLD FASHIONED RICE PUDDING

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Start by bringing 1 cup of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Once it’s bubbling, stir in the rice, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it gently simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is just tender and the water is fully absorbed. Cooking the rice first makes sure every grain turns soft and inviting—no crunchy surprises!

Step 2: Add Milk Mixture

Next, pour the whole milk, half-and-half (or heavy cream for an extra plush pudding), sugar, and salt over your cooked rice. Give it a good stir—this is where the pudding magic begins. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Resist cranking up the burner; low and slow is the name of the game for creamy pudding!

Step 3: Simmer the Pudding

The secret to silky AMAZING OLD FASHIONED RICE PUDDING is patient stirring. Let it cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring often. You’ll notice it gradually thickens and transforms into a rich, custardy dream. Scrape the bottom of the pan as you stir to prevent any rice from sticking and browning—it’s worth every arm workout for the results!

Step 4: Add Flavorings

Once your pudding has thickened up beautifully, it’s time to swirl in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if you love a bit of extra spice). If you enjoy little pockets of sweetness, now’s when you toss in the raisins. Keep it on the heat for about 5 more minutes so everything melds together perfectly and thickens to the classic texture you know and love.

Step 5: Serve

Spoon the warm, fragrant pudding into your favorite bowls. Sprinkle with a little extra cinnamon for a pretty and flavorful finish. Some love it piping hot, others prefer it cold from the fridge—either way, this classic recipe delivers a comforting bite every single time.

How to Serve AMAZING OLD FASHIONED RICE PUDDING

Garnishes

For a finishing flourish, dust your pudding with a bit of extra cinnamon or a light grating of nutmeg—both add warmth and color on top. Or take it up a notch with a handful of toasted slivered almonds or a dollop of softly whipped cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent!

Side Dishes

While AMAZING OLD FASHIONED RICE PUDDING is truly a star on its own, it pairs beautifully with fresh fruit like stewed apples or berries on the side. If you’re serving it at brunch, try some crispy bacon or buttery toast for a salty-sweet contrast that’s hard to beat!

Creative Ways to Present

Turn ordinary pudding into a celebration by serving it in vintage teacups, little mason jars, or glass parfait cups for a nostalgic touch. For a party, set up a DIY pudding bar with toppings like toasted coconut, chocolate shavings, or dried cranberries—let everyone customize their own bowl of comfort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover AMAZING OLD FASHIONED RICE PUDDING in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 4 days and actually gets even creamier as it sits, making it a fantastic make-ahead dessert for busy weeks.

Freezing

You can freeze rice pudding in single-serve containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying. Just remember that the texture may change slightly upon thawing—give it a good stir and maybe a splash of milk to bring it back to life.

Reheating

To reheat, simply scoop your pudding into a saucepan and warm it gently over low heat, adding a tablespoon or two of milk to loosen it if needed. Alternatively, microwave individual portions in short bursts, stirring after each until heated through. Enjoy it warm, cold, or anywhere in between!

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Just know that brown rice will give your AMAZING OLD FASHIONED RICE PUDDING a nuttier, chewier texture, and you might need to extend the initial cooking time to ensure it’s sufficiently tender.

Is there a non-dairy version?

You can swap in your favorite unsweetened plant-based milks (like almond or oat) and use coconut cream instead of half-and-half. The result may be slightly less rich, but still delicious and satisfying!

What if my pudding is too thick?

If your pudding thickened a bit too much as it cooled, simply stir in a splash or two of milk to reach your preferred consistency. This trick brings the creamy texture right back!

Can I skip the raisins?

Of course! Raisins are totally optional. If you’re not a fan, leave them out—or replace them with dried cranberries, cherries, or even a sprinkle of chopped dates to make the BEST AMAZING OLD FASHIONED RICE PUDDING for your taste.

How do I keep the pudding from sticking or burning?

Stir frequently, especially as the pudding thickens and the rice absorbs the liquid. Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan over low heat—taking your time ensures perfectly silky, burn-free pudding every time.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a cozy classic that never goes out of style, give this AMAZING OLD FASHIONED RICE PUDDING a try. With humble ingredients and a little stirring love, you’ll have a bowlful of happy memories waiting for you—so gather your spoons and dig in!

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