If you’re craving a comforting, warm dessert that feels like a big, cozy hug in a bowl, you absolutely must try this Amazing Old Fashioned Rice Pudding Recipe. With its creamy texture, subtle vanilla sweetness, and just the right touch of cinnamon and nutmeg, this classic dessert has a nostalgic charm that never fades. Whether you serve it warm on a chilly night or chilled for a refreshing treat, this rice pudding always delivers that perfect balance of simplicity and indulgence. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare, and how each spoonful brings back memories of home-cooked goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Amazing Old Fashioned Rice Pudding Recipe, you’ll only need a handful of straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a key role: the rice adds body, the milk brings creaminess, and the spices create that signature aromatic flavor you’ll adore.
- 2/3 cup Minute Rice: Quick-cooking rice saves time while still giving you that lovely pudding texture.
- 2 3/4 cups milk: Whole milk works best for richness, but you can adjust based on your preference or dietary needs.
- 1/3 cup sugar: Just enough sweetness to complement the natural flavors without overpowering them.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds a silky smooth finish and enhances the overall richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and accentuates the other flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla: Infuses the pudding with that classic warm, fragrant note.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Brings a subtle spice that perfectly complements the cinnamon.
- Cinnamon, to sprinkle: The final touch, adding both aroma and a gentle kick of warmth.
- 1/2 cup raisins: For little bursts of sweetness and texture throughout the pudding.
How to Make Amazing Old Fashioned Rice Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously buttering a 1-quart baking dish. This little step ensures the rice pudding won’t stick and helps create those slightly caramelized edges that make it extra special.
Step 2: Combine Your Ingredients
In your buttered baking dish, mix together the Minute Rice, milk, raisins, sugar, butter, salt, vanilla, and nutmeg. Make sure everything is well combined so that the flavors meld beautifully during baking.
Step 3: Bake Your Pudding
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 1 hour. Be sure to give the pudding a good stir after the first 15 minutes, and once more when it’s done baking. Stirring helps distribute heat evenly and keeps the pudding wonderfully creamy throughout.
Step 4: Add the Final Touch
Once out of the oven, sprinkle cinnamon over the top while the pudding is still warm. This not only adds a lovely aroma but also a burst of warm spice to complement the comforting flavors. Serve it warm for a cozy treat or chill it to enjoy later—the pudding thickens as it cools, offering a different but equally delightful texture.
How to Serve Amazing Old Fashioned Rice Pudding Recipe

Garnishes
Enhance your pudding with a sprinkle of toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts for a crunchy contrast. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream also pair wonderfully, adding bursts of freshness and creaminess that elevate every spoonful.
Side Dishes
This pudding shines as a standalone dessert, but if you want to create an entire meal experience, serve it alongside a lightly spiced chai tea or a cup of freshly brewed coffee. The warm spices in your drink will beautifully complement the flavors in the pudding.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the pudding in elegant glass jars or ramekins for a charming individual dessert presentation. You can also layer the pudding with fruit compotes or caramel sauce to add visual appeal and extra layers of flavor that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover rice pudding keeps very well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when covered tightly. The flavors actually deepen after sitting for a day, making your next serving just as delightful as the first.
Freezing
You can freeze rice pudding, but keep in mind the texture may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze in airtight containers and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat your pudding on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of milk as needed to loosen the texture and bring back that creamy consistency you love.
FAQs
Can I use regular rice instead of Minute Rice?
Yes, but keep in mind regular rice will require a longer cooking time and may need adjustments in the liquid amount. Minute Rice is recommended for convenience and consistent results.
Is this rice pudding dairy-free?
This recipe uses milk and butter, so it is not dairy-free as written. However, you can substitute plant-based milk and vegan butter to create a dairy-free version with similar creamy results.
Can I add other dried fruits instead of raisins?
Absolutely! Chopped dried apricots, cranberries, or cherries make wonderful alternatives or additions, giving your pudding a unique twist that’s just as delicious.
Should the pudding be stirred during baking?
Yes, stirring after the first 15 minutes and once again at the end helps keep the pudding creamy and prevents any rice from sticking or clumping.
Is the Amazing Old Fashioned Rice Pudding Recipe suitable for kids?
Definitely! It’s a gentle, sweet dessert that kids often love. Just be mindful if you add spices or any garnishes they might not enjoy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Amazing Old Fashioned Rice Pudding Recipe—a timeless dessert that brings comfort and joy with every bite. Whether it’s your first time making it or you’ve grown up enjoying it, this pudding continues to delight and satisfy. So gather your simple ingredients, follow these easy steps, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a bowl of pure, creamy happiness. You won’t regret it!
Print
Amazing Old Fashioned Rice Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Amazing Old Fashioned Rice Pudding is a comforting and classic dessert made with Minute Rice, milk, raisins, and warm spices. Baked to creamy perfection, it can be enjoyed warm or chilled, offering a nostalgic, sweet treat that’s easy to prepare and satisfyingly rich.
Ingredients
Rice Pudding Ingredients
- 2/3 cup Minute Rice
- 2 3/4 cups milk
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Cinnamon, to sprinkle
- 1/2 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 1-quart baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and to add a slight buttery flavor to the edges of the pudding.
- Combine Ingredients: In the buttered baking dish, mix together the Minute Rice, milk, raisins, sugar, butter, salt, vanilla extract, and nutmeg. Make sure all ingredients are evenly distributed for uniform flavor and texture.
- Bake the Pudding: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. Stir the mixture carefully after the first 15 minutes to prevent the rice from clumping and to evenly distribute the heat. Stir again once the pudding is done baking to incorporate any surface ingredients.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the rice pudding from the oven and sprinkle cinnamon over the top for an aromatic finish. Serve the pudding warm for a creamy, comforting experience, or chill it to enjoy its thickened texture as a cool dessert.
Notes
- Stirring during baking helps prevent rice from clumping and ensures even cooking.
- For a creamier pudding, you can substitute part of the milk with cream.
- Adjust sugar to your taste or use a sugar substitute to reduce sweetness.
- Raisins can be soaked in warm water or rum before adding for plumper, softer bites.
- This pudding thickens as it cools—serve chilled if you prefer a firmer texture.

