Cinnamon Rice Pudding Recipe

Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rice Pudding Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Cinnamon rice pudding refines ordinary ingredients into a comforting culinary experience that whispers sweet nostalgia.

This classic dessert carries warm memories of childhood kitchens and family gatherings.

Creamy textures blend harmoniously with delicate spice notes, creating a sensory journey through subtle sweetness.

Rich and velvety, the pudding promises a delightful contrast between smooth custard and tender rice grains.

Its aromatic essence fills the room with an inviting warmth that beckons you closer.

Simple yet sophisticated, this dessert elevates humble ingredients into something truly magical.

Generations have cherished this timeless treat for its ability to soothe and satisfy.

Cinnamon Rice Pudding That’s Cozy and Comforting

  • Creamy Comfort Delight: This cinnamon rice pudding transforms simple ingredients into a velvety, smooth dessert that wraps you in pure comfort and warmth.
  • Quick and Easy Treat: With just five ingredients and a simple 15-minute cooking process, anyone can whip up this dessert without complex cooking skills or extensive preparation time.
  • Versatile Temperature Pleasure: Enjoy this pudding warm, straight from the pan, or chill it for a refreshing cold dessert, making it perfect for any season or mood.
  • Aromatic Spice Magic: The gentle swirl of cinnamon adds a cozy, fragrant touch that elevates this classic pudding from ordinary to extraordinary, creating a delightful sensory experience.

Everything That Goes into Cinnamon Rice Pudding

Main Ingredients:

Cooked Rice: Soft, leftover rice provides the perfect base for a creamy and comforting dessert.

Whole Milk: Rich and creamy milk creates the smooth texture of the pudding.

Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the flavors of the pudding.

Flavor Enhancers:

Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth to the pudding with its classic sweet flavor.

Ground Cinnamon: Brings a warm, spicy note that complements the creamy rice perfectly.

Optional Serving Elements:

Serving Dishes: Small bowls or ramekins work best for individual portions of this classic dessert.

How to Make Cinnamon Rice Pudding with Flavor

Step 1: Create Creamy Base

  • Cooked rice
  • Milk
  • Sugar

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and set over medium heat.

Step 2: Stir and Simmer

Cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking and ensure smooth texture.

Step 3: Add Flavor Boosters

Remove the saucepan from heat and mix in vanilla extract and ground cinnamon for a warm, aromatic touch.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the creamy pudding into individual serving dishes. You can savor this treat either warm straight from the pot or chilled after refrigerating.

Serving Tip: For extra indulgence, consider topping with a sprinkle of additional cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream.

Storage: Refrigerate leftover pudding in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Tips to Balance Creaminess and Spice

  • Select Short-Grain Rice: Opt for sticky, starchy varieties like arborio or sushi rice to create a creamier, more luxurious pudding texture.
  • Control Heat Carefully: Maintain a gentle simmer while stirring consistently to prevent scorching and ensure even thickening of the mixture.
  • Adjust Liquid Ratio: Add extra milk gradually if the pudding becomes too thick, creating a silky smooth consistency that coats the spoon perfectly.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast ground cinnamon briefly before adding to release its rich, warm aromatics and intensify the overall taste profile.
  • Experiment with Garnishes: Top with a sprinkle of fresh cinnamon, toasted nuts, or a drizzle of honey to elevate the classic dessert's visual appeal and flavor complexity.

How to Store and Reheat Cinnamon Rice Pudding

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover cinnamon rice pudding in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming and keep moisture locked in.
  • Reheating: Gently warm the pudding in the microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of milk if the pudding seems too thick or dry.
  • Freezing: Transfer the cooled pudding to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and enjoying the creamy dessert.

Best Pairings for Cinnamon Rice Pudding

  • Pair with Spiced Chai: The warming cinnamon in the rice pudding beautifully complements the aromatic spices of a rich, creamy chai tea. Each sip creates a delightful harmony of sweet and spicy flavors.
  • Garnish with Caramelized Pecans: Sprinkle toasted, caramelized pecans on top for a crunchy texture contrast. Their buttery, nutty profile elevates the creamy smoothness of the pudding.
  • Serve with Fresh Berries: Add a bright, tangy element by topping the pudding with fresh raspberries or strawberries. Their natural sweetness and slight acidity cut through the richness, creating a balanced dessert experience.
  • Drizzle with Honey Syrup: A light drizzle of golden honey adds an extra layer of natural sweetness and enhances the warm cinnamon notes, making each spoonful more indulgent and complex.

Warm Variations on Cinnamon Rice Pudding

  • Berry Bliss Pudding: Fold in mixed berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries after cooking for a fruity burst of flavor. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for extra freshness.
  • Tropical Paradise Edition: Replace milk with coconut milk and add diced mango or pineapple chunks. Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for a Hawaiian-inspired dessert.
  • Nutty Caramel Crunch: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the pudding and sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans for added texture and rich, sweet notes. Toast the nuts beforehand to enhance their flavor profile.
  • Chocolate Lovers' Dream: Stir in cocoa powder during cooking and top with chocolate shavings or a dollop of chocolate ganache. Add a touch of espresso powder to intensify the chocolate experience.
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Cinnamon Rice Pudding Recipe

Cinnamon Rice Pudding Recipe


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4.6 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mexican cinnamon rice pudding delights with creamy comfort and sweet nostalgia. Warm spices and rich milk meld together, creating a simple dessert that invites you to savor each luxurious spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups white rice, cooked
  • 2 cups milk
  • ½ cup granulated sugar

Spices and Flavoring:

  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Gather a medium saucepan and combine cooked rice, whole milk (473 milliliters), and granulated sugar, creating a creamy base for the dessert.
  2. Position the saucepan over medium heat, allowing the ingredients to slowly warm and intermingle while maintaining a gentle, consistent stirring motion.
  3. Continue cooking the mixture uncovered for approximately 15 to 18 minutes, stirring attentively to prevent scorching and ensure a smooth, gradually thickening consistency.
  4. Once the rice pudding reaches a rich, creamy texture with a slightly dense appearance, remove the saucepan from the heat source.
  5. Introduce pure vanilla extract and ground cinnamon, gently folding these aromatic ingredients throughout the pudding to distribute their warm, sweet flavors evenly.
  6. Carefully transfer the freshly prepared pudding into individual serving dishes, allowing the dessert to settle and develop its final texture.
  7. Serve the cinnamon rice pudding either warm for a comforting treat or chilled for a refreshing dessert experience, depending on personal preference and temperature desired.

Notes

  • Creamy texture develops when you continuously stir the rice and milk mixture to prevent sticking and burning.
  • Adjust sweetness by gradually adding sugar, tasting as you go to match your preference.
  • Experiment with different milk types like whole, almond, or coconut for unique flavor variations.
  • Cooling time matters: refrigerate for at least 2 hours for a firmer, more set pudding consistency.
  • Garnish with extra cinnamon, chopped nuts, or fresh berries to elevate the dessert’s visual appeal and taste.
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Breakfast
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Liam O'Brien

Liam O’Brien

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Traditional Irish Dishes
  • Farm-to-Table Cooking
  • Recipe Creation
  • Teaching Cooking Skills
  • Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and exploring both Irish and international cuisines.

Ballymaloe Cookery School, County Cork, Ireland

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Farm-to-table cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Liam O’Brien is the co-founder and kitchen soul behind Good Tasting Meals, a chef who believes that cooking shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated.

He earned his culinary stripes at Technological University Dublin and polished his farm-to-table skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School. With over 15 years flipping pans and stirring up stories, Liam has worked in family cafés, bustling bistros, and everything in between.

At Good Tasting Meals, Liam brings you recipes that feel like home: cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

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