This thick and creamy old fashioned rice pudding is the same recipe that your grandma used to make with warm cinnamon and plump raisins.
We eat rice on a regular basis in our house. For example, I love to serve brown rice with Szechuan Green Beans and Ground Turkey. Or, I use traditional long-grain white to fill Meat Stuffed Grape Leaves. No matter the season, we always have a variety of rice on hand in our pantry.
While I love the traditional savory recipes commonly prepared with rice, I recently decided to switch things up and create a dessert. Using the creamy flavor of milk, rich cinnamon, and sweet sugar, I recreated my mom’s all-time favorite recipe: Old Fashioned Creamy Rice Pudding with Raisins.
However, I altered my mom’s recipe using ingredients I had on hand. For instance, the Middle Eastern version that we grew up eating typically has a splash of orange blossom water. Unfortunately, I didn’t have any. So, I decided to create a more traditional version instead. The end result is a thick and creamy dessert full of flavor that fills the kitchen with luscious aromas.
Cooking Tips:
Do you struggle to create a thick, almost paste-like texture? Let me let you in on a secret. The key to creating the perfect rice pudding consistency is cornstarch! Be sure to mix the cornstarch with water and stir until a smooth paste is formed before adding it to your rice pudding. Then, watch the magic happen as your dessert thickens right before your eyes.
I love the sweetness and extra texture that raisins add, but feel free to use other ingredients. For example, nuts, seeds, and other dried fruits would be delicious as well!
Frequently asked questions:
We love to refrigerate the pudding and serve it cold but it can also be eaten hot or served at room temperature.
Absolutely! This recipe works well with any milk variety you have on hand. However, flavored options such as vanilla almond milk or coconut milks will slightly alter the original taste.
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, rice pudding lasts about four days.
This dish happens to be naturally gluten-free so it’s perfect for entertaining or bringing to a pot luck party where guests may have a gluten intolerance!
Your spoon is waiting.
Old Fashioned Creamy Rice Pudding With Raisins
Ingredients
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup RiceSelect Jasmati rice uncooked
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ cup raisins
Instructions
- Add milk to a large saucepot and whisk in cinnamon, salt and sugar until thoroughly combined. Bring milk to a gentle boil over medium heat, whisking occasionally. Keep a close eye being careful not to scorch the milk.
- Meanwhile, place rice in a mesh strainer and rinse until water comes out clear – about 2 minutes.
- When the milk comes to a boil, add rice then simmer on low for 20-25 minutes until liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Using a fork, mix cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold water then add to the pot. Continue cooking the pudding until the mixture begins to thicken – about 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in raisins then remove from the heat. Divide pudding evenly between 6 small ramekins or dessert dishes. Serve warm, at room temperature or refrigerate until cold.
Mary
Just like my Grandma used to make, I haven’t had this since I was little. Thank you for sharing ❤️
Liz DellaCroce
Awww I hope you love it Mary!
Mary
The kids and I loved it, thank you!
Liz DellaCroce
I’m so glad to hear it!!
kanaisha harris
same here!! my grand mother use to make this when I was little as well, now I’m making some for the first time for my grand children😚
Liz DellaCroce
That makes me so happy!
Miranda
This looks delicious! Thanks for sharing the recipe ????
Liz DellaCroce
I hope you love it!
Liz DellaCroce
My apologies! You add it when you add the cinnamon and salt!
Veronica Garrett
The recipe sounds delicious. Thanks.
April Beverc
Garlic
kelly mcgrew
looks like a great recipe! i’d like to kick up my indian curry with this rice!
Valerie Taylor Mabrey
I am not a real fan of rice , but this might make me one! It really looks yummy!
samantha s
Wow! This seems to be a delicious recipe and a new twist on the rice pudding. I like it. We also eat rice regularly in our house and I have cooked rice in lots of different ways. One way I make rice is as a dessert with a little coconut milk with shredded coconut and also a little crushed pineapple. People aren’t used to seeing that combination but it actually tastes quite good.
Diana Ansari
It looks really good.
s riches
I like to make spicy beans and rice.
Dorothy Sandman
Looks so good Will be sure to try!
Sheri
Love making rice pudding. It’s one of my all time favorite desserts to make. I make different rice pudding flavors such as strawberry and chocolate~
Penny
I only discovered rice pudding a few years ago and it’s the best thing ever.
Bridget Vanover
Rice pudding is one of my family’s favorites as well along with breakfast rice.
steve weber
my dad is a huge fan of rice pudding.. thanks for the recipe.
Lisa F.
This recipe looks delicious! Any of the rice varieties would spice up a vegetarian’s meal choices. Thanks!
jean wagner
love this recipe. reminds me of my childhood. thanks!
Amy Tong
My favorite way to spice up family meals is to add lots of fresh herbs. My favorite exotic rice dish is my Asian tropical fried rice, with shrimp, pineapple, toasted coconut, and cashews.
amy [at] utry [dot] it
jeff taylor
My favorite exotic recipe is thai chicken and rice. Chili powder, peanut butter, chicken chunks and rice! I need to dig that one out and make some soon!
cole
My mom used to make something similar to this minus the raisins. I should really try it!
Kim Henrichs
I learned to love jasmine rice when learning to make Indian food. Currently I use it to accompany homemade Chicken Tikka! Love it!
skyejaden at gmail dot com
Jorge Alexander Granda
Rice pudding has alway been one of my favorite desserts. I was born in Havana, Cuba and my mother makes a pretty good Cuban style rice pudding. This recipe sound very good as well.
Lynda M.
Your rice pudding looks so yummy! My family isn’t into exotic foods too much, so chicken tacos is about as exotic as it gets :)
Martha Franks
I have made this recipe with the Jasmine rice and love it. The scent added to the rich flavor and easy instructions make it one I will make again and again. I used almond milk to make it.
Susan E.
That looks so delicious I’m drooling, lol. I tend to use lots of cayenne and cumin to spice up my dishes.
Julia Baxter
Rice pudding is so good! Especially with berries mixed in!
Martha
Made this for dessert tonight. Delicious!
Diane Vandermast
Duh!! I always have jasmine rice on hand because it has so much more fragrance and flavor than white rice, but it never occurred to me to make rice pudding with it. Thanks for the great idea; cant wait to try it.
Charlotte Padgett
I lkove rice pudding but I’ve not been successful with making it myself. Want to try this recipe!
Vanessa L
I love adding a homemade red curry to basmati or jasmine rice- I make a mild red curry that has a little bit of a kick to it :0)
Nutmeg Nanny
Oh goodness, my husband and I love rice pudding! This recipe looks so delicious, I have to whip this up soon!
Stacie
My husband makes a great rice pudding! This looks yummy too! Does schricca count as a spice because I add it to everything!
Cindy
Your pudding looks delish! We eat brown rice all the time, and I’ll throw in some chicken bouillon to make it a little savory. My kids like to add some honey at the table. We love sweet and savory combined!
Mr. & Mrs. P
What a gorgeous looking rice pudding!!! Rice pudding always remind us of our grandmothers!
Grant
I love to put rice in milk with cinnamon and sugar and put it into the microwave to warm it slightly. Its like the new oatmeal!
Devra
This recipe looks delicious! Can’t wait to try it out. I typically serve rice with a fragrant curry and veggies. While it’s not too exotic, it is certainly delicious! And great for my gluten intolerance.
Martha
Great sounding recipe. Always looking for vegan recipes, I would make this with almond milk.
My favorite new rice recipe came to be when I had left over asparagus. I had a box of rice pilaf. Made this and added cut up asparagus plus a small amound of frozen English peas at the last minute.
Marcia
Rice pudding was one of the treats that I remember my grandma making for us. For some unknown reason, I’ve never even attempted to make it myself. But this recipe looks so easy & delish that I’m printing it out right now….
Erika
Actually one of my favorite ways to eat rice is rice pudding! Probably because I don’t get to eat it too often…so it’s a treat. My first attempt at making it myself when I was much younger was a disaster and I haven’t tried since…not sure why. I will definitely be trying this out!
deb O
LOVE rice pudding!!
I use rice probably at least once a week- nothing too exotic. I frequently steam or stir fry veggies, put over rice and then I spice up my dinner with hot sauce! I make a tex-mex flavored rice dish that is a one pot, spicy accompaniment to many things. I enjoy using a variety of herbs and spices in my cooking.
NEHA DAVID
i spice it up with some cinnamon, nutmeg and even some ginger powder sometimes. it really adds a MMHMMM in the dish =]
Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking
What a delish recipe for rice pudding – it looks so warm, comforting and full of flavor! My favorite way to spice up family meals is by, literally, adding a bit of spice to pasta, pizzas, and even desserts!
Diane
My husband is going to be SO happy when he comes home tonight and gets his favorite dessert. He loves rice pudding and I am excited to try this recipe. It sounds delicious. Thanks for sharing.
Diane
Kelli @ The Corner Kitchen
This looks great! I loovvvveeeee rice pudding, and have not been able to get enough lately.
kelley {mountain mama cooks}
I LOVE rice pudding but never make it at home. I don’t know why. I love the raisins and cinnamon- my favorite way to enjoy!
Tieghan
I love rice pudding!! These looks so yummy!
Vicki S
Ooo, your rice pudding sounds so good! And easy! I have a favorite porkchops and rice recipe. (don’t know how “exotic” it is.)
Ali | Gimme Some Oven
Ooooh, those raisins are calling my name. This looks so yummy!!