The Sweet Magic of Grandma’s Rice Pudding Recipe

Creamy and nostalgic, grandmas rice pudding transports me back to childhood kitchens filled with warm, sweet memories.

Soft grains of rice nestle into a silky custard that whispers comfort with every spoonful.

My grandmother would carefully stir the pot, her wooden spoon creating magic from simple ingredients.

Cinnamon and vanilla dance together, infusing the dessert with rich, aromatic notes that make taste buds sing.

Each bite connects generations through a recipe passed down with love and care.

She knew the secret was patience and gentle heat, transforming humble rice into a luxurious treat.

I promise this pudding will become a cherished tradition in your own kitchen.

Sweet Creamy Rice Treat: Comforts in a Bite

  • Whip Up Comfort: A cozy dessert that wraps you in warm, nostalgic flavors perfect for family gatherings or quiet evenings at home.
  • Customize with Ease: Simple ingredients allow creative twists like adding different dried fruits or spices to match your taste preferences.
  • Quick Preparation Magic: Minimal steps and basic kitchen tools make this recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced bakers.
  • Nourishing Sweet Treat: Combines wholesome rice with creamy texture, offering a delightful balance between nutritious ingredients and indulgent dessert experience.

Creamy Rice Treat – Pantry Musts

Main Ingredients:
  • Rice: A classic pantry staple that provides the hearty base for this creamy dessert.
  • Raisins: Sweet dried grapes that add natural sweetness and chewy texture to the dish.
  • Eggs: Binding agent that helps create a smooth and rich custard-like consistency.
  • Milk: Creamy liquid that ensures a soft and luxurious texture throughout the dessert.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the top of the rice pudding.
  • Nutmeg: Warm and aromatic spice that provides a subtle, comforting flavor profile.
Preparation Essentials:
  • Casserole Dish: Necessary for baking and serving the sweet creamy rice treat.

Making Creamy Rice Treats – Simple Steps

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F, getting ready for some delicious magic.

Step 2: Prep Your Baking Dish

Grab a 1-quart casserole dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Layer Rice and Raisins

Spread your rice and raisins evenly across the bottom of the greased dish, creating a delightful base.

Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Mixture

In a mixing bowl, crack open some eggs and whisk them together with:
  • Milk
  • Sugar
  • Nutmeg

Blend until smooth and silky.

Step 5: Pour and Combine

Gently cascade the creamy mixture over the rice and raisins, making sure everything gets a nice coating.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until it looks golden and set.

Step 7: Test for Doneness

Carefully insert a knife into the center.

If it comes out clean, your pudding is ready to go!

Step 8: Cool and Rest

Let the pudding sit and cool down for a bit before serving to let the flavors meld together.

Step 9: Serve with a Splash

Optional: Add a little extra milk on top of each serving for extra creaminess.

Step 10: Refrigerate Leftovers

Store any remaining pudding in the refrigerator, covered, and enjoy within a few days.

Tips for Dreamy Creamy Rice

  • Pick plump, moist raisins to ensure a sweet and juicy texture throughout the rice pudding.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil if the top browns too quickly during baking to maintain a creamy consistency.
  • Swap nutmeg with cinnamon or add vanilla extract for a more complex and aromatic dessert experience.
  • Adjust sugar levels based on personal preference or use alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for different flavor profiles.
  • Gently fold in whipped cream or Greek yogurt after baking for an extra luxurious and lighter rice pudding.

Creamy Rice – Tasty Style Ideas

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace traditional rice with quinoa or gluten-free rice to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Substitute eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, use almond milk instead of dairy milk, and replace sugar with maple syrup or agave nectar.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener in place of sugar, and reduce overall sweetness while maintaining creamy texture.
  • Fruit-Enhanced Variation: Add different dried fruits like chopped dates, dried cranberries, or apricots to create unique flavor profiles and additional nutrition.

Ways to Serve Creamy Rice Treat

  • Cozy Breakfast Companion: Pair this sweet rice pudding with a steaming cup of cinnamon coffee or hot tea for a warm morning treat.
  • Dessert Elegance: Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cinnamon, a dollop of whipped cream, or caramelized nuts to elevate the dessert's presentation.
  • Fruit Fusion: Top with fresh berries, sliced peaches, or a drizzle of honey to add a burst of natural sweetness and extra flavor complexity.
  • Kid-Friendly Option: Serve in small colorful bowls with fun toppings like mini chocolate chips or colorful sprinkles to make it exciting for children.

Creamy Rice Treat – Storing for Freshness

  • Place leftover rice treat in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
  • Warm individual portions for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating and add a splash of milk to restore moisture.
  • Preheat oven to 325F. Cover dish with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Add a little milk or cream to maintain creamy texture.
  • Wrap tightly in freezer-safe container or wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to preserve original taste and texture.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of rice?

Yes, you can use long-grain white rice, short-grain rice, or even brown rice. Each type will slightly change the texture of the dessert.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

The basic recipe is gluten-free, but always check your specific ingredients to confirm, especially the milk and vanilla.

  • Can I skip the raisins?

Absolutely! You can omit raisins or replace them with other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped dates if you prefer.

  • How can I make this dessert less sweet?

Reduce the sugar amount by 1-2 tablespoons or use a sugar substitute like stevia for a lower-sugar version.

Print
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Grandmas Rice Pudding Recipe


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4.5 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Grandma’s rice pudding whisks comfort through generations of cherished family memories. Sweet creamy grains dance with cinnamon, offering warm nostalgia that embraces you like a gentle culinary hug.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 11/2 cups (360 ml) cooked rice
  • 2 large eggs
  • 11/2 cups (360 ml) whole milk

Sweeteners and Flavoring:

  • 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Add-ins:

  • 1/4 cup (40 g) raisins
  • Extra milk for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 375°F, preparing for a delightful rice pudding creation.
  2. Thoroughly coat a 1-quart casserole dish with a light layer of grease to prevent sticking.
  3. Spread rice and raisins evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish.
  4. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, and nutmeg until smooth and well-combined.
  5. Gently cascade the liquid mixture over the rice and raisins, ensuring complete coverage.
  6. Place the uncovered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld and transform.
  7. Test the pudding’s readiness by inserting a knife into the center – it should come out clean when the dish is perfectly cooked.
  8. Remove from oven and allow the pudding to cool and set for several minutes before serving.
  9. For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle additional milk over individual servings.
  10. Refrigerate any remaining portions, keeping the dessert fresh for future enjoyment.

Notes

  • Enhance flavor by toasting rice lightly before mixing with other ingredients for a deeper, nuttier taste profile.
  • Customize sweetness by adjusting sugar levels or substituting with alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for different dietary needs.
  • Try milk alternatives such as almond, coconut, or oat milk to create dairy-free or vegan-friendly versions of the dish.
  • Add extra texture and nutrition by incorporating chopped nuts, dried fruits, or a sprinkle of cinnamon to elevate the basic recipe.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 263 kcal
  • Sugar: 29 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 93 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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