Name: Creamy Rice Pudding with Cinnamon and Vanilla Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 4½ cups whole milk; 1½ cups water; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 1 cinnamon stick (3 to 4 inches long); 1 cup Arborio rice; 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract; ⅔ cup golden raisins (optional); 1 cinnamon stick or ground cinnamon, for topping

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 11 reviews

If you’re craving a cozy, nostalgic dessert that feels like a warm hug, you’ve got to try this Creamy Rice Pudding with Cinnamon and Vanilla Recipe. It’s got that luscious creaminess with just the right touch of cinnamon spice and comforting vanilla, making it a perfect treat any time. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll find yourself stirring this pot more often than you planned because it’s simply fan-freaking-tastic.

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Why This Recipe Works

Creamy Texture: Using whole milk and slow simmering creates that irresistibly smooth and creamy pudding that clings to the spoon beautifully.
Well-balanced Flavors: The cinnamon stick infuses warmth without overpowering, complemented perfectly by uplifting vanilla for a rich depth.
Simple Ingredients: You don’t need fancy stuff—just pantry staples that come together to make magic.
Flexible and Customizable: You can easily swap in raisins, tweak sweetness, or serve warm or chilled depending on your craving.

Creamy Rice Pudding with Cinnamon and Vanilla, rice pudding recipe, easy rice pudding, comforting dessert recipes, homemade rice pudding - A white pot filled with creamy rice pudding sprinkled with light brown cinnamon powder on top, with a whole cinnamon stick resting on the rim of the pot. A spoon held by a woman's hand lifts a spoonful of the pudding, showing soft, plump rice grains coated in thick, white cream with a light dusting of cinnamon. In the background, another white bowl contains more rice pudding with cinnamon on top, set on a white marbled surface. The scene is softly lit, highlighting the smooth texture and warm tones of the dessert. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here is playing a vital role in the success of this creamy rice pudding. The star is Arborio rice, which might surprise you, but thanks to its high starch content, it cooks up gloriously creamy. Plus, those warm hints of cinnamon and vanilla create a comforting aroma that fills your kitchen.

Creamy Rice Pudding with Cinnamon and Vanilla, rice pudding recipe, easy rice pudding, comforting dessert recipes, homemade rice pudding - Flat lay of a fresh cinnamon stick about 3 to 4 inches long, a small mound of white Arborio rice, a few plump golden raisins, a small white ceramic bowl filled with whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl filled with clear water, a small white ceramic bowl containing granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl with creamy vanilla bean paste showing tiny black vanilla seeds, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Whole milk: It’s the base of creaminess here; don’t skimp by using low-fat milks, or you’ll miss out on that velvety texture.
Water: Used alongside milk to help the rice cook evenly without overwhelming creaminess.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens gently, balancing the spices—feel free to adjust to your taste.
Cinnamon stick: Adds subtle complexity without grit; remember to take it out before serving.
Arborio rice: This is the magic grain! Its texture is perfect for pudding — creamy yet with a slight bite.
Vanilla bean paste or extract: For a fragrant lift and that classic vanilla warmth; if you can get vanilla bean paste, it’s a game changer.
Golden raisins (optional): They plump nicely and bring natural sweetness and texture contrast.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Creamy Rice Pudding with Cinnamon and Vanilla Recipe to fit the mood or occasion. Sometimes I add toasted nuts for crunch, other times fresh fruit on top to brighten it up. The real joy is making it your own.

Variation: Once, I stirred in a splash of coconut milk for a tropical twist—it makes the pudding even creamier and adds a hint of nutty flavor.
Dairy-free: Swap out whole milk for almond or oat milk, but note that it won’t be quite as thick—still delicious though!
Spice it up: Add a pinch of ground nutmeg or cardamom along with cinnamon for an exotic warmth.
Sweetness Adjustment: Feel free to lower sugar for less sweetness or add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup once cooled for natural sweetness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Rice Pudding with Cinnamon and Vanilla Recipe

Step 1: Gather and Combine Your Ingredients

Start with a heavy-bottomed 3-quart saucepan. Combining whole milk, water, sugar, a cinnamon stick, and Arborio rice right away helps everything meld during cooking. Give it a gentle stir to get the rice evenly distributed. This is my “simple but essential” prep to ensure no flaky spots or uneven cooking later.

Step 2: Simmer Slowly and Stir Often

Bring the mixture to an intense simmer over medium-high heat—right below boiling—and then reduce to a steady simmer. Here’s the thing I learned the hard way: stirring often is key to avoiding that stubborn rice sticking and burning on the bottom. You’ll cook this for about 35 to 45 minutes until the rice is tender but still creamy. The consistency should resemble a thin oatmeal because it will thicken up more as it cools.

Step 3: Finish with Vanilla and Raisins

Once your rice is tender and creamy, pull the pot off the heat and toss out the cinnamon stick. Stir in your vanilla bean paste or extract. I swear by the vanilla bean paste for that little extra feel of real vanilla. If you’re a fan of raisins (I am!), fold them in here, so they soften as the pudding cools.

Step 4: Let it Cool and Serve

You can divide the pudding into ramekins for individual servings or leave it in a large dish. I usually let mine cool to room temperature before covering and chilling so it sets perfectly in the fridge for at least an hour. Before serving, sprinkle freshly grated cinnamon or a dusting of ground cinnamon for that extra aroma and eye appeal. Whether you fancy it warm or chilled, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pot: Prevents scorching and ensures even heat distribution for smooth pudding.
Don’t Rush the Simmer: Low and slow brings out the best creaminess and depth of flavor.
Stir Gently but Often: Keeps the rice from sticking while developing a luscious creamy consistency.
Remove the Cinnamon Stick: Leaving it can result in an overpowering woody bite, so pull it out before adding vanilla.

How to Serve Creamy Rice Pudding with Cinnamon and Vanilla Recipe

Creamy Rice Pudding with Cinnamon and Vanilla, rice pudding recipe, easy rice pudding, comforting dessert recipes, homemade rice pudding - Two white small pots filled with creamy rice pudding are placed on a wooden board on a white marbled surface. Each pot is filled with a thick layer of white, slightly textured rice pudding, topped with a sprinkle of light brown cinnamon powder. A whole cinnamon stick rests on top of the pudding in the front pot. Next to the pots are two shiny silver spoons with slender handles. In the background, some cinnamon sticks are scattered. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for freshly grated cinnamon on top—it adds both aroma and a little rustic charm. Sometimes I sprinkle chopped toasted almonds or pistachios for a bit of crunch. For a pop of color and freshness, a few fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream elevate this simple dessert beautifully.

Side Dishes

Since this pudding feels like dessert and a snack all in one, I like pairing it with something light like a crisp green apple salad or a fresh citrus sorbet if you want layers of flavor contrasting the creaminess. It’s also lovely alongside a strong dark roast coffee or chai tea.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special occasions, I love scooping the pudding into pretty glass jars layered with a swirl of homemade spiced caramel sauce or fruit compote. Serving it in mini mason jars with cinnamon sticks tucked on the side makes it feel extra special and gift-worthy. Play around with layering textures and colors for a real wow moment.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I cover the pudding tightly with plastic wrap or use airtight containers to keep it fresh. Stored in the fridge, it lasts beautifully for up to 24 hours without drying out or losing richness.

Freezing

I haven’t frozen this pudding often because it’s best fresh or chilled, but if you do freeze it, use freezer-safe containers and thaw slowly in the fridge. The texture might soften a bit, so I recommend enjoying it warm after reheating.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, I reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk to loosen it back up. The pudding warms evenly without breaking or scorching, keeping that cozy creamy charm.

FAQs

What type of rice should I use for the Creamy Rice Pudding with Cinnamon and Vanilla Recipe?

Arborio rice is recommended because its high starch content helps create the creamy texture essential to rice pudding. You might also see Boomba rice used in paellas, which works similarly due to its starchiness. Avoid long-grain rice as it won’t give the same creaminess.
Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substituting whole milk with unsweetened almond, oat, or coconut milk will work, though the pudding might be slightly less thick and creamy. Using full-fat coconut milk enhances richness, making it a tasty alternative.
How do I store leftover rice pudding?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, covered tightly. It stays fresh and tasty for up to 24 hours. If refrigerated, you can enjoy it cold or reheat gently for a warm treat.
Is it better to eat this pudding warm or cold?

Both ways are delightful and really depend on your mood! Warm pudding feels like a cozy hug on a chilly day, while chilled pudding is refreshing and smooth, perfect for warmer weather or as a make-ahead dessert.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something timeless and comforting about a bowl of creamy rice pudding, and this Creamy Rice Pudding with Cinnamon and Vanilla Recipe really hits all those nostalgic notes for me. I hope you’ll enjoy making and tweaking it as much as I do. It’s easy to love, simple to make, and sure to bring smiles – just like a good friend should. Now grab that cinnamon stick, stir up some creaminess, and dive in!