If you’re craving a comforting, timeless dessert that feels like a warm hug from your childhood, then you’re in for a treat with this Amazing Old Fashioned Rice Pudding Recipe. It’s a luscious, creamy dish that brings together simple pantry staples and a tender hint of spice, creating a dessert that’s both cozy and nostalgic. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or chilled, this pudding’s subtle sweetness and delicate texture make it an all-time favorite to return to whenever you need a little something special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this delightful pudding is a joy because it uses basic ingredients you likely have on hand, each carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, richness, and that signature creamy texture.
- Minute Rice (2/3 cup): The quick-cooking texture makes the process smooth without sacrificing the classic feel of traditional rice pudding.
- Milk (2 3/4 cups): Provides the creamy base, allowing everything to meld into that luscious, comforting custard.
- Sugar (1/3 cup): Balances out the mildness of the rice and milk, adding the perfect touch of sweetness.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): Enriches the pudding and gives it a silky finish that you’ll love.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): A pinch that enhances all the flavors and prevents it from being one-dimensional.
- Vanilla (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the pudding with a warm, fragrant aroma that’s simply irresistible.
- Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Introduces a gentle spice that elevates the dish without overpowering it.
- Cinnamon (to sprinkle): Adds a striking visual and a classic spice note when served.
- Raisins (1/2 cup): Provide bursts of natural sweetness and a lovely texture contrast.
How to Make Amazing Old Fashioned Rice Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 1-quart baking dish thoroughly, which ensures your pudding doesn’t stick and creates a subtle richness along the edges as it cooks.
Step 2: Combine All Ingredients
Into your prepared dish, pour the Minute Rice, milk, raisins, sugar, butter, salt, vanilla, and nutmeg. Gently stir everything together so the flavors can start mingling and build that comforting aroma right from the start.
Step 3: Bake and Stir
Bake the mixture for a full hour. Don’t worry, the patience pays off! After the first 15 minutes, give everything a gentle stir to make sure the pudding cooks evenly. Once the hour is up, give it another good stir—the texture should be perfectly creamy and thickened.
Step 4: Final Touch and Serving
Remove the pudding from the oven and sprinkle generously with cinnamon. This spice tops off the flavor and makes the presentation extra inviting. Serve warm to enjoy that melty softness, or chill it for a firmer texture that’s just as delightful.
How to Serve Amazing Old Fashioned Rice Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling freshly ground cinnamon or even a pinch of nutmeg on top enhances the warm spice notes wonderfully. For a touch of freshness, you could add a few slivers of toasted almonds or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the creaminess with a little texture and richness.
Side Dishes
This pudding pairs beautifully with a crisp fruit salad to cut through its richness or a simple cup of black coffee to complement its comforting sweetness. It’s versatile enough to be a standout dessert or a luxurious part of a brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the rice pudding in charming ramekins or glass jars for a quaint personal touch. Layer it with fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce to surprise your guests. For a festive twist, top with toasted coconut flakes or a sprinkle of crushed pistachios to add color and crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Amazing Old Fashioned Rice Pudding Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container to maintain its creamy texture and lovely flavors.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this pudding later, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Use a freezer-safe container and leave a little room for expansion. When ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge for the best consistency.
Reheating
Warm your leftover pudding gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to help restore its silky texture. You can also microwave single servings briefly, just until heated through, but be sure to stir well to redistribute any separated moisture.
FAQs
Can I use regular rice instead of Minute Rice?
You can, but cooking times will be longer and you’ll need to precook the rice or adjust liquid quantities. Minute Rice makes this Amazing Old Fashioned Rice Pudding Recipe quick and consistent, perfect for busy days.
Is this pudding gluten-free?
Yes! Rice and the other ingredients in this pudding are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and comforting dessert option for those avoiding gluten.
Can I substitute the sugar with a natural sweetener?
Absolutely. Using honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar can add unique flavors, but you might need to slightly adjust the amount to taste and keep the texture balanced.
Why do I need to stir the pudding during baking?
Stirring helps to evenly distribute heat and prevents the rice from clumping or sticking to the sides, ensuring a smooth, creamy consistency throughout the pudding.
Can this pudding be served cold?
Definitely. While it’s delicious warm, chilling it allows the pudding to thicken and develop a firmer texture, which many people also enjoy. Just sprinkle cinnamon right before serving for added flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason this Amazing Old Fashioned Rice Pudding Recipe has stood the test of time. It’s heartwarming, easy to make, and uses simple ingredients that create something truly magical together. Whether you’re making it to chase away a cold night or just to treat yourself, it’s bound to become a beloved staple in your dessert rotation. Give it a try—you’ll feel like you’ve discovered a little piece of delicious history in every spoonful.
Print
Amazing Old Fashioned Rice Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic old fashioned rice pudding combines the creamy texture of cooked Minute Rice with warm spices and sweet raisins. Baked to perfection in the oven, this comforting dessert is easy to make and can be enjoyed warm or chilled, making it the perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Rice Pudding Ingredients
- 2/3 cup Minute Rice
- 2 3/4 cups milk
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup raisins
- Cinnamon, to sprinkle
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously butter a 1-quart baking dish to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
- Combine ingredients: In the buttered baking dish, mix together the Minute Rice, milk, raisins, sugar, butter, salt, vanilla extract, and nutmeg until evenly distributed.
- Bake the pudding: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. Stir the pudding once after the first 15 minutes to ensure even cooking, and again briefly once the pudding is finished baking to distribute the texture.
- Finish and serve: Remove the pudding from the oven and sprinkle the top with cinnamon. Serve warm for a creamy texture, or chilled once it thickens for a firmer consistency.
Notes
- Stirring during baking helps prevent the pudding from drying out and creates a creamier texture.
- The pudding will thicken as it cools; if you prefer a thinner consistency, serve it warm immediately after baking.
- Substitute raisins with other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped apricots for variety.
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk or a combination of milk and cream.
- To make it gluten-free, verify that your Minute Rice is labeled gluten-free.
