What makes a traditional dessert truly unforgettable? It’s the love and simplicity that goes into it, like in mom’s old fashioned rice pudding recipe, made with creamy milk and a hint of cinnamon, perfect as a homemade family favorite or easy weeknight treat, Save this idea

mom’s old fashioned rice pudding recipe

Introduction

This old fashioned rice pudding recipe is a timeless classic that never fails to impress with its simplicity, flavor, and the joy of creating something delicious from everyday ingredients. It’s a dish that evokes memories of comfort and warmth, perfect for chilly evenings or as a sweet treat any time of the year. With its rich, creamy texture and subtle sweetness, this rice pudding is sure to become a favorite in your household. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for a dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is accessible and fun, allowing for plenty of creativity and personal touches along the way.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: This recipe strikes the perfect balance between flavors, with each ingredient complementing the others beautifully. Plus, all the ingredients are easily found in most supermarkets, making it a practical choice for any meal.
Ease of preparation: The steps involved in making this old fashioned rice pudding are straightforward and simple, requiring no special cooking techniques or equipment beyond basic kitchen tools.
Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, the end result is a dessert that looks and tastes like it was made with much more fuss, making it perfect for entertaining or special occasions.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients in this recipe include uncooked white rice, whole milk, sugar, salt, and flavorings such as cinnamon and raisins. The rice provides a nice texture, while the milk and sugar contribute to the creamy sweetness. The cinnamon adds a warm, comforting flavor, and the raisins provide sweet bursts of flavor throughout. For those looking for substitutions, you can experiment with different types of milk (almond, soy, or coconut milk for a non-dairy version) or add other spices like nutmeg for additional depth of flavor. Raisins can also be substituted with other dried fruits like cranberries or cherries for a different twist.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by rinsing the rice in a fine mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs clear. This step helps remove any excess starch, resulting in a better texture in the final pudding. Measure out the milk, sugar, and salt, and have your cinnamon and raisins ready.
Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, milk, sugar, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the milk has been absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Step 3: Once the rice is cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cinnamon and raisins. Let it cool slightly before covering it with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until chilled.
Step 4: Serve the rice pudding chilled, garnished with additional cinnamon if desired. You can also customize your serving with other toppings such as a drizzle of honey, chopped nuts, or fresh fruit, depending on your preferences.

Handy Tips

Stir the pudding regularly while it’s cooking to ensure the rice cooks evenly and to prevent scorching. Using a non-stick saucepan can also help with this.
Avoid overcooking the rice, as it can become mushy and unappetizing. The ideal texture is creamy with a slight bite from the rice.
For a creamier pudding, you can add a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or half-and-half towards the end of the cooking time. This adds richness without making the pudding too heavy.

Heat Control

When cooking the rice pudding, it’s crucial to control the heat to achieve the perfect texture. Start with medium heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low once boiling. This helps prevent the milk from scorching and the rice from cooking too quickly. If you notice the pudding starting to stick or the milk reducing too fast, you can adjust the heat down further or remove it from the heat for a minute before returning it to the stove.

Crunch Factor

This old fashioned rice pudding is all about achieving a smooth, creamy texture with a slight bite from the cooked rice. If you prefer a bit of crunch, you can add chopped nuts (almonds or walnuts work well) or toasted coconut flakes on top of the pudding before serving. For an extra crunchy topping, try sprinkling a bit of granola or cookie crumbs over your pudding.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

Use short grain rice: While any white rice can work, short grain rice (like Arborio) is particularly good for puddings because it’s higher in starch, resulting in a creamier final product.
Cook the rice in stages: If you’re worried about the rice not cooking evenly, you can try cooking it in two stages – first, cook it in water until it’s about halfway done, then finish it off in the milk mixture. This helps ensure the rice is perfectly cooked and the pudding is smooth.
Add flavorings at the right time: Spices and flavorings like cinnamon and vanilla extract are best added towards the end of cooking, so their flavors don’t cook off. However, for deeper flavor, you can also add them at the beginning and let them simmer with the rice.

Storage Tips

Leftover rice pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to store it in airtight containers to keep it fresh and prevent absorption of other flavors from the fridge.
For longer storage, you can freeze the pudding. Transfer it to an airtight, freezer-safe container or freezer bag, making sure to press out as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen rice pudding will keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat it, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and give it a good stir before serving.
Reheating can be done gently over low heat on the stovetop or in short increments in the microwave, stirring between each heating to ensure even warming and to prevent scorching.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This old fashioned rice pudding makes a wonderful gift, especially during the holiday season. Consider packaging it in decorative glass jars or containers, topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few raisins for a pop of color. You can wrap the jars in ribbon or twine and add a gift tag with the recipe or a personal message. For a more rustic look, fill small mason jars and wrap them in a piece of homespun fabric or paper, tied with a string. This homemade dessert is sure to be appreciated by friends and family for its thoughtfulness and delicious taste.

Flavor Variations

Different spices: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to give your pudding a unique twist. Each spice will add a distinct flavor profile, so experiment to find your favorite.
Creative toppings: Beyond the classic cinnamon and raisins, consider topping your pudding with fresh fruits (such as berries, sliced bananas, or diced apples), nuts (like almonds, walnuts, or pecans), or even a drizzle of caramel or honey for added sweetness.
Ingredient swaps: For a non-dairy version, you can substitute the milk with any plant-based milk alternative. You can also use brown rice for a nuttier flavor, though keep in mind it will change the texture slightly.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If your pudding turns out too thick, you can thin it with a bit of milk. If it’s too thin, you can simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid. Scorched pudding can be a problem if you’re not careful; to avoid this, stir frequently and use a non-stick pan.
Ingredient replacements: If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t be afraid to substitute. For example, if you don’t have raisins, you can use other dried fruits or even chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
Over/undercooking signs: The pudding is done when the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. If you undercook it, the rice will be hard; overcooking results in mushy rice and a pudding that’s too thick.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the rice pudding for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to serve.
Is it gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten intolerance or sensitivity.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely. Simply double all the ingredients and cook in a larger saucepan, adjusting the cooking time as needed to ensure the rice is fully cooked and the pudding is smooth.

Conclusion

Mom’s old fashioned rice pudding recipe is a classic for a reason – it’s comforting, delicious, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking for a simple dessert to round out a family meal or a special treat to gift to friends, this recipe delivers. With its rich history and the ease of making it, this pudding is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Feel free to experiment with the recipe, adding your own favorite spices or toppings to make it truly yours. And don’t forget to share it with others – the joy of cooking is often in the sharing, and this old fashioned rice pudding is sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.

Creamy Old Rice Pudding