There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about a bowl of warm, creamy rice pudding. This classic comfort dessert has been loved for generations, and with good reason — it’s simple, cozy, budget-friendly, and deliciously satisfying. Whether you enjoy it warm from the pot or chilled straight from the fridge, this old-fashioned rice pudding is ready in just 30 minutes and uses ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Perfect for busy nights, after-school snacks, or when you just need a taste of home, this easy rice pudding recipe delivers that timeless flavor you crave with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Ready in 30 minutes — no long simmering required
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Creamy, comforting, and lightly sweet
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Made with simple pantry ingredients
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Customize it with raisins, extra cinnamon, or a pat of butter
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Perfect warm or chilled, depending on your mood
Ingredients
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1 cup white rice
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2 cups whole milk
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1/2 cup sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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A pinch of salt
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Raisins (optional)
How to Make Quick & Easy Old Fashioned Rice Pudding
Step 1 — Cook the Rice
In a medium saucepan, combine the white rice with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and fluffy.
(If you already have leftover cooked rice, you can skip this step!)
Step 2 — Add Milk & Sugar
Stir in the whole milk, sugar, and salt.
Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture begins to thicken — usually around 10 minutes.
Step 3 — Add Flavor
Once thick and creamy, remove from the heat and stir in:
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vanilla extract
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ground cinnamon
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raisins, if using
Mix well until everything is combined and fragrant.
Step 4 — Serve Warm or Chill
Enjoy the rice pudding warm with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon…
or refrigerate it for a few hours to enjoy it cold and extra thick.
Tips for the Best Rice Pudding
✔ Use whole milk for maximum creaminess
✔ Stir often to prevent sticking
✔ Add a splash of extra milk if it becomes too thick
✔ Want it richer? Add 1 tablespoon of butter at the end
✔ Prefer extra sweetness? Drizzle with honey or sweetened condensed milk