This simple Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe is the perfect blend of rice, milk, and sugar that’s both comforting and easy to make.
I am making my first attempt at recreating my mom’s rice pudding. This rice pudding is special to me. It is something my mom made seldom but it was always a comforting treat. It is warm, sweet, and creamy and the perfect comfort food for me. I never heard anyone else talk about rice pudding growing up so I thought it was an extra special recipe that only my family had.
With my mom’s help over the phone, I tried to recreate the golden-hued masterpiece that mirrored hers for the first time. I learned a lot about the recipe and what I would do differently next time (I share all of that in this post). I am so grateful to have this recipe stamped here on my site for generations to come. I hope this recipe brings you the same warmth, joy, and a sweet connection as it does me every time I eat it.
Let’s dive in!
Ingredients for Rice Pudding Recipe:
- 1 c. white rice
- 4 c. whole or 2% milk (my mom has used half and half too).
- 2 tsp. vanilla
- 1/2 c. granulated sugar
This rice pudding recipe requires white rice, chosen for its perfect texture. Combine it with velvety whole milk (or the other milk options listed above), sweet granulated sugar, and a hint of vanilla. You can elevate the flavor profile with a touch of cinnamon and, if you desire, the sweetness of raisins or the warmth of nutmeg. My mom has never added these when she makes them but I do add cinnamon to the top of mine when I eat it.
NOTE: My mom said she has also used 2 cups milk and 2 cups water when she didn’t have enough milk for 4 cups. I used whole milk for the first time making this.
Instructions for Rice Pudding Recipe:
- Rinse the rice under cold water and drain.
- Mix all of the ingredients in a bowl.
- Spray a 2-qt. oven-safe bowl with non-stick spray.
- Pour the mixture into the sprayed bowl.
- Cook at 375° for 1 hour (or until rice is done).
Notes: My mom said when she is in a hurry, she cooks the mixture in the microwave first for about 5 minutes to get the rice to start to cook. It lessens the time in the oven. She said it could take up to 2 hours in the oven to get the rice fully cooked. You need to watch it so it doesn’t burn. It will get a darker “crust” on the top in the oven. If you think it is too thick, just stir in milk to the desired thickness (I like mine thicker). To make sure the rice is done before pulling it out, she just sticks a spoon in the bowl to take out some rice and tries it to make sure it is done.
I think I left mine in too long because it was SUPER THICK (it still tasted great). I like it to be more creamy than it came out. Next time, I will take it out sooner than I think. You could always add milk to your bowl when you serve it and stir it around to make it more creamy. Every oven will be different and everyone will like the consistency of their rice pudding differently so it’s hard to put a time on the cooking portion.
There you have got it. The one food that brings me back to my childhood every time my mom makes it. The rice pudding recipe is comfort food to me. It is so simple but yet so good. It always amazes me how food can bring up memories, feelings, and emotions like they do. I have never made the rice pudding but after sharing it on Instagram one time after my mom made me some, so many people asked for the recipe that I had to make it. It is always better when mom makes it but now I have the recipe saved here for years and generations to come.
What is your one comfort food? The food that reminds you of your childhood or a favorite recipe a family member made. I would love to hear about it in the comments. Bonus points for including the recipe!
You can watch me make this in real-time in my YouTube video here:
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