Creamy Rice Pudding with Cinnamon and Raisins Recipe is one of those timeless desserts that feels like a warm hug from the inside. It’s rich and velvety, with just the right hint of spicy cinnamon and sweet raisins, making it perfect to enjoy on chilly evenings or any time you crave cozy comfort food. Whether you’re a seasoned dessert lover or a newbie, this recipe is straightforward, forgiving, and always hits the spot.
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What Makes This So Good
This Creamy Rice Pudding with Cinnamon and Raisins Recipe is a soul-soothing delight thanks to its comforting texture and aromatic spices that mingle in every spoonful. It’s easy to love because it transforms simple pantry staples into a luscious dessert or snack that feels like a special occasion without any fuss.
- Big Flavor, Minimal Fuss: Uses basic ingredients you probably already have, but yields a rich, creamy pudding infused with warming cinnamon and sweet bursts from raisins.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike swoon over the creamy texture and mild sweetness — a great way to sneak in some wholesome snacks too.
- Simple Ingredients: Rice, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and raisins come together beautifully, making this recipe accessible anywhere.
- Works Any Night: Whip it up after dinner for a comforting dessert or prepare in advance to enjoy chilled as a midday treat.
Ingredient Guide
Choosing the right ingredients will make all the difference for your Creamy Rice Pudding with Cinnamon and Raisins Recipe. Let’s talk about what to look for so you get that perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spiced.
- White Rice: I recommend using short-grain or medium-grain white rice because it gets soft and releases starch as it cooks, creating that dreamy creamy texture.
- Milk: Whole milk is ideal for richness, but you can use 2% or even a non-dairy milk like almond for a different twist — just expect a slight change in creaminess.
- Granulated Sugar: Classic and straightforward, but feel free to swap for brown sugar if you want a deeper caramel flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon: Fresh ground cinnamon works wonders here — it brightens the pudding and pairs perfectly with raisins.
- Raisins: Always optional, but they add juicy little bursts of sweetness. If you prefer, try chopped dried apricots or cranberries for a fun variation.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle warmth and rounds out the flavor. Don't skip it — I always keep a bottle handy in my pantry.
Quick Reminder: Full measurements are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Creamy Rice Pudding with Cinnamon and Raisins Recipe
Step 1 — Prep & Ready
Start by measuring your rice and milk carefully before you heat anything — it makes the process smoother. No rinse is needed if you want maximum starch for creaminess, but a quick rinse for a less sticky version is fine too. Gather your sugar, cinnamon, salt, vanilla, and raisins so everything is within easy reach. If you’re adding raisins, having them ready to stir in will prevent any last-minute scrambling.
Step 2 — Cook with Confidence
Place the rice, milk, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat and bring it to a gentle boil. You’ll start to notice the cozy aroma of cooking rice almost immediately — it’s one of my favorite kitchen smells! Turn the heat down to low and let it simmer, stirring occasionally so the rice cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom. Be patient here; in about 25 to 30 minutes, the rice will soften, and the milk will thicken into a creamy sauce. You’ll know it’s ready when the consistency feels rich and pudding-like but still spoonable.
Step 3 — Finish & Serve
Once the rice is tender and creamy, remove the pan from heat and stir in the cinnamon, vanilla extract, and raisins if using. The cinnamon will wake up the flavors, and the vanilla adds that cozy warmth we love in desserts. Give it a good stir, then let it rest for a few minutes to cool slightly and thicken even more. You can serve it warm for that freshly made comfort or chill it in the fridge for a couple of hours if you like a cool, refreshing treat. Either way, it’s a winner every time.
Extra Helpful Tips
I’ve found that a few small tweaks make the experience even better. Don’t worry if your first batch isn’t perfect — there’s room to adjust sweetness or creaminess as you go!
- Watch for This Sign: The pudding should be thick enough to coat a spoon but still soft and spoonable — if it’s too stiff, add a splash of warm milk when reheating.
- Temperature Trick: Stir often during simmering to avoid sticking and create the smoothest texture.
- Prep-Ahead Option: This pudding actually tastes better after a day in the fridge, so feel free to make it ahead and let flavors deepen overnight.
- Avoid This Common Mistake: Resist the urge to rush the cooking; undercooked rice means a grainy texture instead of silky creaminess.
Serve & Enjoy
Easy Enhancements
Want to jazz up your Creamy Rice Pudding with Cinnamon and Raisins Recipe? Try sprinkling toasted chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios on top for crunch, or drizzle a little honey or caramel sauce for extra sweetness. If you're feeling adventurous, a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom alongside the cinnamon gives a lovely aromatic lift.
Tasty Pairings
This pudding pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of chai tea or coffee, making it a cozy afternoon snack or dessert. For something more indulgent, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside turns it into a celebration treat.
Quick Plating Tips
Serve your pudding in pretty ramekins or glass cups, then add a cinnamon stick or dust a little extra cinnamon on top for instant charm. Toss in a few whole raisins or fresh mint leaves for color contrast — small touches that make your dessert look as inviting as it tastes.
Store, Freeze & Reheat
Fridge Storage
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You’ll notice it firms up as it cools, which is normal — the pudding thickens and flavors meld even more deliciously.
Freezer Friendly?
Freezing rice pudding isn’t the best idea as the texture changes when thawed. The rice can get mushy and the creaminess might break down, so I usually recommend enjoying it fresh or refrigerated.
Reheat Like New
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a small splash of milk while warming helps bring back that creamy texture and keeps it tender without drying out.
Creamy Rice Pudding with Cinnamon and Raisins Recipe FAQs
You can, but brown rice takes longer to cook and has a firmer texture, so the pudding won’t be as creamy. If you do try it, allow extra simmering time and expect a nuttier flavor.
Not at all! Raisins add sweetness and texture, but you can omit them or substitute with your favorite dried fruit or nuts depending on your preference.
Stir frequently during simmering and maintain a low heat once it comes to a boil. Using a heavy-bottomed pan helps distribute heat evenly and reduces sticking.
Yes, substituting the milk with a plant-based option like coconut or almond milk works well. Just keep in mind the flavor will vary slightly depending on your choice.
Final Flavor Thoughts
I love how this Creamy Rice Pudding with Cinnamon and Raisins Recipe brings back memories while still feeling fresh and indulgent. Give it a try, and when you do, take a moment to enjoy that warm, comforting aroma filling your kitchen. If you have a favorite twist, I’d love to hear about it in the comments — whether it’s a secret spice or a creative topping. And if this recipe made you smile, please leave a star rating to help others discover its cozy goodness!
Print📖 Recipe
Creamy Rice Pudding with Cinnamon and Raisins Recipe
This classic rice pudding recipe is a comforting and creamy dessert made by simmering white rice in milk with sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Optionally enriched with raisins, this easy-to-make pudding can be served warm or chilled, making it a versatile treat for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Ingredients
- ½ cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups milk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, mix the uncooked white rice, milk, granulated sugar, and salt together to begin the pudding base.
- Cook and Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low heat. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the pudding thickens—this typically takes about 25 to 30 minutes.
- Add Flavorings: Once thickened, stir in the ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and raisins if you’re using them, mixing well to combine the flavors evenly.
- Serve: The rice pudding can be enjoyed warm straight from the stove or chilled in the refrigerator for a refreshing cold dessert.
Notes
- Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, you can stir in a little cream or evaporated milk toward the end of cooking.
- Adjust sugar to taste depending on your preference for sweetness.
- For a vegan version, substitute the milk with almond, soy, or coconut milk.
- Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can provide a nice spice variation.
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