Is there anything more comforting than a spoonful of creamy, sweet Old-fashioned rice pudding? This timeless dessert brings together simple pantry staples and transforms them into a luscious treat that feels like a warm hug from generations past. Each silky bite is packed with nostalgia, crackling with subtle cinnamon spice and the tender pop of raisins. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or a quiet evening at home, Old-fashioned rice pudding is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that makes every occasion a little more special.

Old-fashioned rice pudding Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Old-fashioned rice pudding lies in how humble ingredients weave into a bowlful of pure comfort. Every component serves its purpose — from the creaminess of milk to the warmth of nutmeg — ensuring a depth of flavor that’s as rich as its history.

Minute Rice: The quick-cooking variety delivers soft, plump grains and makes the pudding possible in under an hour.
Milk: Opt for whole milk if you can — it provides the richest, creamiest results and helps the pudding set beautifully.
Sugar: This brings just the right amount of sweetness, complementing the subtle flavors of the rice and spices.
Butter: It lends a lovely richness and a touch of silkiness to the pudding.
Salt: Just a small amount sharpens all the flavors and keeps the sweetness from becoming cloying.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla adds irresistible warmth and an aroma that will fill your whole kitchen.
Nutmeg: Freshly grated, if possible; this spice gives the pudding traditional depth and a hint of complexity.
Cinnamon: Reserved for garnish, it crowns each serving with a hint of spicy-sweet fragrance.
Raisins: They swell up during baking, adding bursts of juiciness and a time-honored chewy contrast.

How to Make Old-fashioned rice pudding

Step 1: Prepare Your Tools

Before you dive in, set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and give a 1-quart baking dish a swipe of butter. The pre-greased dish ensures nothing sticks — and sets the scene for golden edges and an easy serving later on.

Step 2: Mix It All Together

In your prepared baking dish, add the Minute Rice, milk, sugar, softened butter, salt, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and all your raisins. There’s no need to fuss with saucepans or separate bowls. Stir everything together gently until well-mixed — you want each grain of rice and every raisin blanketed in milk and flavor.

Step 3: First Bake and Stir

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for about 15 minutes. At this point, open the oven and give the pudding a gentle stir. This keeps the rice and raisins from sinking and helps distribute the warmth, ensuring a lush consistency throughout.

Step 4: Bake Until Set

Return the pudding to the oven and continue baking for up to an hour. You’ll know it’s done when the rice is tender, the custard is set but still a bit wobbly, and a golden aroma fills your kitchen. If you like, stir again once baking is complete for extra creaminess.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove the baking dish and let your Old-fashioned rice pudding cool slightly. This brief rest allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set up just enough for perfect spoonfuls. Don’t forget to sprinkle each serving with cinnamon before serving — that little extra makes it complete.

How to Serve Old-fashioned rice pudding

Garnishes

A dusting of ground cinnamon is classic for Old-fashioned rice pudding, but you can give it your own twist. Try a flurry of grated nutmeg or even a handful of toasted chopped nuts for crunch. Fresh berries or a drizzle of honey also look beautiful and add brightness to each creamy bowl.

Side Dishes

Although this dessert shines on its own, a dollop of softly whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a handful of shortbread cookies can round out your dessert table. For brunch, pair with cinnamon-spiced baked apples or a fresh fruit salad for balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Old-fashioned rice pudding warm in small ramekins for a cozy dessert or chill it and cut into elegant squares. Layer it into parfait glasses with berries and whipped cream for a modern, make-ahead sweet. You can even stuff it into baked apples for a fun, autumnal twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, simply cool your Old-fashioned rice pudding to room temperature and transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep happily in your refrigerator for up to four days — and some say it’s even better the next day.

Freezing

This pudding freezes surprisingly well for up to two months. Spoon it into individual portions or a single freezer-friendly container. To keep it extra creamy, defrost overnight in the fridge rather than microwaving from frozen.

Reheating

To enjoy Old-fashioned rice pudding warm, spoon it into a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, add a splash of milk, and heat gently until creamy and steamy again. Stir occasionally to avoid scorching and restore that just-baked texture.

FAQs

Can I use regular long-grain rice instead of Minute Rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to pre-cook the rice first, as regular rice takes much longer to soften. Minute Rice makes this recipe especially easy and quick, but you can substitute about 1 cup of cooked regular rice if you prefer.

Is Old-fashioned rice pudding served warm or cold?

It’s delicious both ways! Warm Old-fashioned rice pudding is soothing and creamy, perfect for chilly evenings, while chilled pudding makes a refreshing, custardy treat on a hot day. Try it both ways to find your favorite.

What can I substitute for raisins?

If raisins aren’t your thing, try dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or even bits of dried cherries. These substitutions all work beautifully and lend the pudding their own special twist.

Can I make Old-fashioned rice pudding dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use your favorite non-dairy milk (like almond, oat, or coconut) and a plant-based butter substitute. The result may be a bit less rich, but you’ll still get that creamy, comforting texture.

How do I know when the pudding is done baking?

Keep an eye out for a gently set surface with a slight jiggle in the center, and make sure the rice is fully tender. Overbaking will dry out your pudding, so check at the 1-hour mark and use your senses for guidance.

Final Thoughts

Bring a little nostalgia to your table and treat yourself to the timeless comfort of Old-fashioned rice pudding. Every spoonful is a reminder that the simplest things in life are often the sweetest. Whether you enjoy it piping hot or perfectly chilled, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. Give it a try and let the tradition live on in your kitchen!