Old Fashioned Rice Pudding is one of those comforting desserts that feels like it came straight from a handwritten recipe card tucked into a kitchen drawer. Creamy, gently sweet, and warmed with familiar spices, it is the kind of dessert that slows you down and invites you to savor each spoonful.

This classic rice pudding recipe uses simple pantry staples and a patient stovetop method to create a rich, custard like texture. Whether you serve it warm on a chilly evening or chilled the next day, it always delivers that nostalgic homemade taste that never goes out of style.

Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Rice Pudding

This Old Fashioned Rice Pudding is creamy without being heavy and sweet without overpowering the delicate flavor of the rice. It comes together with ingredients you likely already have, and the slow simmer allows the rice to release its starches naturally for that signature velvety texture. It is also incredibly versatile, making it easy to adjust sweetness or spices to suit your taste.

What Makes Old Fashioned Rice Pudding So Creamy

The creaminess comes from cooking the rice slowly in milk while stirring often. This gentle method allows the rice grains to soften fully and thicken the mixture naturally. Using whole milk and finishing with a touch of butter creates a smooth, comforting consistency that defines a true old fashioned rice pudding.

Ingredients for the Old Fashioned Rice Pudding

The beauty of Old Fashioned Rice Pudding is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an important role in building flavor and texture, coming together to create a dessert that feels both humble and indulgent.

White Rice provides the structure of the pudding and releases starch as it cooks, creating a naturally thick and creamy base.
Whole Milk adds richness and body, giving the pudding its classic creamy texture.
Granulated Sugar gently sweetens the pudding without overpowering the comforting flavor of the rice.
Salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Egg helps thicken the pudding slightly and adds a custard like richness.
Unsalted Butter adds a silky finish and deepens the overall flavor.
Vanilla Extract brings warmth and a subtle sweetness that rounds out the pudding.
Ground Cinnamon adds that familiar cozy spice often associated with traditional rice pudding.
Raisins are optional but add bursts of sweetness and texture throughout the pudding.

How To Make the Old Fashioned Rice Pudding

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Begin by cooking the rice in water until tender. The rice should be fully cooked but not mushy, as it will continue to soften when added to the milk.

Step 2: Simmer with Milk and Sugar

Transfer the cooked rice to a saucepan with the milk, sugar, and salt. Simmer gently over medium low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking, until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy.

Step 3: Temper the Egg

Whisk the egg in a small bowl, then slowly add a ladle of the hot rice mixture while whisking constantly. This step prevents the egg from scrambling.

Step 4: Finish the Pudding

Stir the tempered egg back into the saucepan and cook for a few more minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and raisins if using.

Serving and Storing Old Fashioned Rice Pudding

This Old Fashioned Rice Pudding serves about four people generously. It can be enjoyed warm straight from the stove or chilled in the refrigerator for a firmer texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. If the pudding thickens too much, simply stir in a splash of milk when reheating.

What to Serve With Old Fashioned Rice Pudding

Fresh Berries

The natural tartness of berries balances the creamy sweetness of the pudding beautifully.

Stewed Apples

Warm, cinnamon spiced apples pair perfectly with the comforting flavor of rice pudding.

Shortbread Cookies

A buttery cookie adds a pleasant crunch alongside the soft texture of the pudding.

Toasted Nuts

Almonds or pecans add contrast and a nutty depth of flavor.

Caramel Sauce

A light drizzle adds extra richness and turns the pudding into a more indulgent dessert.

Want More Dessert Ideas

If you love comforting desserts like this Old Fashioned Rice Pudding, you may also enjoy trying the rich flavors of Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, the delicate texture of Classic French Butter Cookies, the bright citrus notes in Lemon Truffles, or the cozy sweetness of Baby Lemon Impossible Pies. Each one offers a unique take on classic dessert flavors while keeping that homemade feel.

Save This Recipe For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it anytime. You can find more daily recipe inspiration by visiting my Pinterest page at Janet Dishes on Pinterest. I love seeing how you make these recipes your own, so feel free to share your twists and tips.

Conclusion

Old Fashioned Rice Pudding is proof that simple ingredients and a little patience can create something truly special. Whether it reminds you of family gatherings or becomes a new favorite in your home, this classic dessert is always worth making from scratch.