A truly special dessert for the holidays, this **Creamy Stovetop Southern Rice Pudding** is lightly sweetened but packs in tons of flavour from an aromatic vanilla bean pod! If you need a one-pot dessert that just requires some patience and love, then this simple rice pudding recipe is perfect for you!

I’m not sure how but we’re already almost halfway through December, and the holidays are just around the corner. That means lots of love and laughter with family and friends, and comfort food all around!

I say this quite often on the blog, but I really stand by the fact that sometimes simplicity really is magical. This certainly applied with a classic Stovetop Rice Pudding. Sure there are ways you can elevate a rice pudding with spices, flavours, and other mix-ins, but to serve a dessert that allows its essential flavours to shine is always welcome, especially when you’re making it over the holidays, where the idea is to be thankful for what we have! The good news is that the hands-on work for this simple rice pudding recipe is very little, and all that I really ask for is care and love when making your simple but truly delicious rice pudding over the stove! No need to cook your rice in advance as we’ll be using raw rice that will cook right into our pudding mixture, making this a one-pot recipe that will give you an easy clean-up!

If you want to put your heart on a plate with a simple but absolutely lip-smacking treat, then you must try this Stovetop Rice Pudding recipe as part of your Live to Cook one-month challenge! You can start your cooking journey for free today by signing up to my email newsletter - the holidays can call for lots of hosting and cooking, so this is the perfect time to dive right in!

Be sure to watch the video at the bottom of this post to follow along with all the steps described in this recipe! If you’re not already, I would really appreciate it if you could please subscribe to my YouTube channel, and don’t forget to press the bell button so you’re notified when all of my video recipes are live! Let’s get cooking!

What Is Rice Pudding?

There are many types of rice pudding. At its core, rice pudding is a dessert that involves cooking rice with milk and sugar. From what I’ve experienced, different countries around the globe have their own rice pudding variations. For example, I grew up eating Chawal ki Kheer, which is an Indian take on rice pudding, adding in green cardamom pods and saffron for aromatics. Additionally, I’ve made Arroz con Leche, which is the Peruvian version of rice pudding. This fall, I prepared a Pumpkin Rice Pudding for Thanksgiving. That rice pudding had the elements of a classic Southern rice pudding, but I elevated it a little bit by making a custard and using pumpkin puree to thicken it up, plus pumpkin spice to really make it an incredible fall-themed treat. The idea behind this simple stovetop rice pudding recipe is to go back to the basics, focusing on the core ingredients for an easy but super delicious classic rice pudding! You’ll see that this simple stovetop rice pudding recipe is made in just one pot with ingredients you most likely already have at home. You don’t need much time or effort to make this either, just a bit of patience and care will go a long way, making this stovetop rice pudding recipe excellent for the holidays!

Why This Creamy Stovetop Southern Rice Pudding Recipe Works!

Easy steps that will guarantee a perfect creamy and thick dessert!
Basic ingredients are used that you most likely already have at home!
Scalable so that you can make a small amount or make a large batch for a holiday party!
Egg-free recipe to be accessible to everyone!
One-pot recipe for an easy clean-up, motivating you to make this rice pudding whenever you’ve got a craving for a comforting treat!
Make-ahead friendly, making it an amazing dessert choice for parties so that you can prepare this the night before the event and focus on dishes that must be served fresh the day of your gathering!

Questions You May Have!

What’s the Best Rice to Use for Southern Rice Pudding?

The traditional choice in an Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding is any long-grain white rice, so if you have basmati rice or jasmine rice, then those would be perfect. Basmati rice is my favourite rice that I always have on hand, so of course that’s what I went for! As I describe in my free motivational guide to explore your potential in the kitchen, Make Cooking Fun!!, using ingredients that you already have when they are a suitable substitute can help you save a trip to the grocery store, space in your fridge and pantry, and money for buying things that aren’t needed! If you’ve got white long grain rice on hand, then you really are good to go!

Some folks use arborio rice or a short-grain white rice in their rice pudding recipes. If you are looking for a thick pudding without the added heavy cream, then using arborio rice, which has a much higher starch content can help add some natural thickness. Something that is also enjoyable is even once well cooked, the rice grains for arborio rice have a slight bite or chew to them. This can add a pleasant contrast with the creamy milk mixture.

Can I Use Brown Rice to Make Old Fashioned Rice Pudding?

At the end of the day, rice is rice, but using different varieties of rice will come with the price of different cooking times and a different final product for your Old Fashioned Rice Pudding in terms of flavour and texture. If you do choose to use brown rice or whatever reason in this Simple Rice Pudding recipe, you’ll have a nuttier, chewy texture compared to the soft, light and fluffy texture using white rice.

It is also crucial to note that brown rice takes much longer to cook. You probably will need to have more and/or water to achieve the desired consistency. Ensure to monitor the moisture level and adjust as needed if using brown rice.

Is Rinsing The Rice For Rice Pudding Necessary?

I would say that rinsing your rice for this Stovetop Rice Pudding isn’t entirely necessary, but it doesn’t hurt to do it to be safe. If you’re using a very starchy rice, then you definitely must rinse the rice so that you don’t end up with a mushy final rice pudding. However, less starchy rices such as basmati rice don’t really require you to rinse the rice prior to cooking, but it can’t hurt to guarantee the smoothest rice pudding!

Can Rice Pudding Be Made Dairy-Free?

A traditional Southern-style rice pudding is not dairy-free/vegan at all since it calls for whole milk and heavy cream. However, if you want to follow this recipe but make it dairy-free, then my recommendation would be to substitute the milk for coconut milk and the heavy cream for coconut cream. I personally have used coconut milk in my Peruvian rice pudding and it really gave incredible results! Coconut milk will give the sweetness and richness comparable to dairy milk. If for whatever reason you need to lighten up the calories, you can use almond milk. However, I caution that your rice pudding may end up being a little thin. If you’re very ambitious, I strongly recommend that you follow my Homemade Almond Milk Recipe!

Can I use Leftover Cooked Rice to Make RIce Pudding?

This Simple Rice Pudding recipe is going to cook the rice directly in the same pot we’re making the final pudding in so that the rice absorbs the milk. This allows the incredible flavours in our rice pudding to evenly distribute throughout. Additionally, when we cook the rice with the milk, we do get a creamy and rich final rice pudding!

Why Is my Rice Pudding Mushy?

The simple answer to this question is because you’ve overcooked the rice. While your final product will still be edible, it won’t be as enjoyable as if you had cooked the rice properly. Additionally, it will just look lumpy. We do eat with our eyes, so I truly believe in making your food look as good as it can be!

How Can I make My Simple Rice Pudding Thicker Or Thinner?

To adjust the texture of your Simple Rice Pudding, there are a couple of points to be mindful of:

Liquid and cooking time: Using more liquid and cooking the rice for a shorter time will yield a thinner pudding. In contrast, if you’re patient and cook the rice for a longer time, you’ll achieve a thicker final rice pudding. I recommend that you try to use the least amount of liquid as necessary to cook the rice until it is soft.
Rice type: Using different types of rices will
Milk and cream fat content: To achieve the thickest and creamiest results, full fat milk and heavy cream are really key. You can use lower fat options, but you won’t get the richest rice pudding possible.

Is this Classic Stovetop Rice Pudding Very Sweet?

There is not much sugar added to this Stovetop Rice Pudding recipe at all. I added just the right amount so that there is some sweetness but it’s not a sugar bomb! Therefore, this means you can enjoy this simple rice pudding recipe as a special breakfast or dessert. If you find that the amount of sugar I use isn’t enough for you, then all you need to do is add some more until you’ve got the desired sweetness!

Do I Serve Southern Rice Pudding Rice Or Cold?

The choice is yours! My preference is to actually enjoy my simple rice pudding directly from the freezer so that it’s at its thickest! I also find that the rice pudding’s flavours come out more when it’s completely chilled. However, you can also enjoy the rice pudding at room temperature if you don’t want it completely cold. If you’re feeling chilly during the holidays and want to warm up, then feel free to serve directly from the pot warm or microwave your portion of rice pudding in a microwave-safe bowl until it’s reached the desired temperature.

Tools Needed to Make Old Fashioned Rice Pudding

Tips for Perfectly Comforting Southern Rice Pudding

Rinsing the rice is an important step in ensuring a creamy texture in the pudding if the rice you are using contains excess starch. It also helps to remove any dirt or foreign objects from the rice.
Allow the milk to simmer gently until thickened completely. Stirring from time to time is important to ensure the milk does not burn during this process.
If using Arborio rice, take extra care to work out any lumps or clumps of rice since its extra starch content can cause the rice grains to bundle up together.
Arborio rice can help give a thicker, creamier pudding while meatballs will give a lighter, aromatic pudding with a delicate texture.
Enjoy this pudding both hot and cold, my preferred way for this recipe is definitely cold, since allowing the pudding to set for at least 6 hours, guarantees a satisfying thick and creamy texture.

Ingredients for Southern Rice Pudding

Scroll to the bottom of this post or by pressing the “Jump to Recipe” button for the FULL PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD which has all ingredients and their quantities listed out, plus you can save the recipe for later. You can also use the recipe card to scale the recipe based on how many portions of Stovetop Rice Pudding you’re looking to make. The quantities listed below will yield 6 portions by default.

Rice: My favourite choice of rice is basmati rice. However, any white long-grain rice variety will yield similar results.
Milk: Full fat cow’s milk is your best bet to get a creamy and rich result. I don’t recommend using 1% milk or skim milk since you won’t get as creamy of a final product.
Water: Added with the milk to cook the rice on the stove.
Heavy cream: For extra thickness and creaminess in your rice pudding.
Vanilla bean pod: A real flavour boost that takes your simple rice pudding to the next level!
Spices: We’ll add in a bit of cinnamon for the main flavouring. For garnish, we’ll freshly grate some nutmeg and add a little extra cinnamon.
Sugar: Just simple table sugar will really go a long way for sweetness!
Salt: A pinch to bring out all the incredible flavours of our rice pudding.
Butter: Add a little bit of butter on top when serving to bring everything together!

How to Make The Best Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding

Rinse the rice well and then add the rice, water, and milk to a large pot or saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Once the milk begins to simmer, reduce the heat to low. Cook the rice gently for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is tender and the milk has thickened.

Stir in the sugar and heavy cream. Slit the vanilla bean pod in half and scrape the seeds out and add to the pot. Add the vanilla pods to the pot along with the cinnamon and stir well.

If the pudding seems too thin, continue to cook it over low heat until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it.

Serve warm with a pat of butter on top, a sprinkle of nutmeg, or a handful of raisins, as preferred. Southern-style rice pudding can also be served chilled, but it’s often enjoyed warm for ultimate comfort.

Toppings For Southern Rice Pudding

There are plenty of topping options you’ve got where you can add a special garnish to your Simple Rice Pudding! Here are some ideas:

Homemade Whipped Cream: For the most professional results, I recommend that you use a whipped cream dispenser!
Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans.
Cinnamon stick
Coconut flakes
Raisins
Caramel sauce: Of course I recommend that you make your own to really keep everything made from scratch, but if you want to use your favourite store-bought caramel sauce to save some time, then go ahead!

How to Serve Simple Creamy Rice Pudding

This rice pudding recipe is definitely a satisfying dessert on its own! However, if you want a true cozy experience for winter, I recommend you pair it with Huge New York Black and White Cookies to add some crunch. It would also be delicious with some coffee, such as a Gingerbread Latte or Caramel Brûlée Latte. If you’re enjoying your rice pudding in the evening, try my White Hot Chocolate or Nutella Hot Chocolate. Tea would also be excellent with rice pudding, such as a Rose Chai or Turmeric Chai Latte.

Variations of Stovetop Rice Pudding

Sweeteners: If you want to sweeten the base of the rice pudding with a sweetener other than sugar, then you definitely can! While using something other than table sugar will no longer be a traditional Southern rice pudding, it’s totally fine! Liquid sweeteners such as maple syrup, honey or agave syrup will be delicious. Other powdered sugars that would make this rice pudding amazing include brown sugar, coconut sugar or cane sugar. For zero calorie options, try out Stevia or Splenda.
Vanilla: If you don’t have vanilla bean pods, using Madagascar bourbon vanilla bean paste will give you similar results to the whole pod.
Zest: You can throw in a bit of orange zest or lemon zest to truly transform the flavour profile of your stovetop rice pudding!
Chocolate: Add a little bit of cocoa powder for a chocolate twist!
Spices: You can explore other aromatics including pumpkin spice, apple pie spice, or gingerbread spice to add a festive flair.
Eggs: This will make your simple rice pudding recipe a little more complex because you will be making a custard and adding it to your pudding. If you don’t eat eggs, then no need to worry about this variation. However, if you want to have a truly decadent delight, then try it out!

Can I Make Classic Southern Rice Pudding In Advance?

Actually, I do recommend you make your Southern Rice Pudding in advance so that the rice pudding has time to thicken up in the fridge before serving. Because this is a make-ahead dessert, it’s an excellent option to make for parties, so you can prepare this rice pudding the night before and prioritize dishes that would need to be served fresh the day of!

Storing Rice Pudding in the Fridge

To store your rice pudding in the fridge, simply transfer the contents into an airtight container. Your rice pudding will last 3 to 4 days in the fridge due to the dairy in the recipe.

Can I Freeze Stovetop Rice Pudding?

If you can’t finish your Stovetop Rice Pudding in the 3 to 4 days mentioned above, then you can freeze it. However, when you defrost the rice pudding, it will lose a little bit of the texture, so I personally would recommend you finish the rice pudding to avoid having to freeze it. If you are going to freeze your rice pudding, then it will last for about 3 months in the freezer. You can allow it to thaw overnight if you want to eat the rice pudding cold or at room temperature or microwave directly from frozen if you are going enjoy it hot.

More Simple Cozy Desserts for Christmas!

Watch How to Make Creamy Stovetop Southern Rice Pudding Here:

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Dessert

American

Yield: 6

Author: Anadi

Super Simple Creamy Stovetop Southern Rice Puddinghttps://youtu.be/TA3ZsXB3IAULearn how to make the creamiest stovetop rice pudding without eggs with this simple old fashioned rice pudding recipe. This stovetop rice pudding recipe is excellent for a cozy dessert or sweet breakfast treat!2024-12-09

Creamy Stovetop Southern Rice Pudding

A truly special dessert for the holidays, this Creamy Stovetop Southern Rice Pudding is lightly sweetened but packs in tons of flavour from an aromatic vanilla bean pod! If you need a one-pot dessert that just requires some patience and love, then this simple rice pudding recipe is perfect for you!

Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 40 MinTotal time: 45 Min

Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

1/2 Cup basmati rice
1/2 Cup water
4 Cups whole milk
1/2 Cup heavy cream
1/2 Cup white sugar
1 vanilla bean pod
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, plus extra for topping
pinch of salt
butter and freshly grated nutmeg for topping

Instructions

Rinse the rice well and then add the rice, water, and milk to a large pot or saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once the milk begins to simmer, reduce the heat to low. Cook the rice gently for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is tender and the milk has thickened.
Stir in the sugar and heavy cream. Slit the vanilla bean pod in half and scrape the seeds out and add to the pot. Add the vanilla pods to the pot along with the cinnamon and stir well.
If the pudding seems too thin, continue to cook it over low heat until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it.
Serve warm with a pat of butter on top, a sprinkle of nutmeg, or a handful of raisins, as preferred. Southern-style rice pudding can also be served chilled, but it’s often enjoyed warm for ultimate comfort.