Creamy Cinnamon Rice Pudding Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting dessert that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you’ll absolutely love this Creamy Cinnamon Rice Pudding Recipe. It’s effortlessly simple but delivers big on creamy, dreamy flavor with just the right touch of cinnamon and sweetness. When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how the rice stayed tender without turning mushy, and how the raisins add those bursts of chewy sweetness. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll quickly become your go-to dessert for cozy nights in or whenever you want a little indulgence without a fuss.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Creamy Cinnamon Rice Pudding Recipe plays a key role—whether it’s the milk for creaminess, the cinnamon for warmth, or the sultanas for that perfect burst of sweetness. Here are my tips to make sure you get your ingredients right and your pudding flawless.

• Unsalted Butter: Use this both for greasing the dish and a little richness; unsalted gives you control over saltiness.
• Milk: Full fat gives the creamiest result, but reduced fat works fine too if you want to lighten it up.
• White Sugar: Easy to dissolve and sweet enough to balance cinnamon and raisins.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash brightens and deepens the flavor—don’t skip it!
• Medium Grain White Rice: This is the unsung hero; it holds its shape better than long grain and won’t get mushy like short grain.
• Sultanas or Raisins: These soften as they bake and add bursts of natural sweetness and chewy texture.
• Cinnamon: Provides warmth and a cozy autumn vibe that elevates the dish.
• Thickened or Heavy Cream: Stirred in at the end for that dreamy, oozy richness I love.

Variations

I like keeping this recipe pretty classic, but feel free to make it yours! You can swap sultanas for dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for a different fruity twist. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of nutmeg alongside cinnamon for more spice complexity—that little extra goes a long way.

• Dairy-Free Variation: I’ve experimented replacing milk with coconut milk and it’s absolutely delicious, just a bit different texture.
• Brown Sugar Swap: Using brown sugar instead of white adds a subtle molasses richness I really enjoy on cooler days.
• Make it Vegan: Use plant-based milk and cream alternatives – just watch for sweetness and thickness differences.
• Added Crunch: Toasted almonds or pecans on top add contrast to the creamy pudding.

How to Make Creamy Cinnamon Rice Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Oven and Dish Ready

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). I always grease my baking dish — around 10 cups capacity or bigger — with butter to keep the pudding from sticking and add that subtle buttery hint to the crust that forms on top. Trust me, this little step pays off!

Step 2: Warm Milk, Sugar & Vanilla

Pour your milk into a saucepan, add sugar and vanilla extract, then gently heat it on medium-high. Keep stirring until the sugar dissolves and the surface looks foamy—but be patient not to let it boil, or you risk the milk splitting. I learned the hard way that a simmer, not a boil, is what you want here for that silky smooth base.

Step 3: Combine Rice and Flavorings

Place the uncooked medium grain rice, sultanas, and cinnamon directly into your buttered baking dish. Once the milk mixture is ready, pour it over the rice and give everything a brief gentle stir to even out the ingredients.

Step 4: Bake and Stir to Perfection

Cover the dish with a lid or foil and bake in your preheated oven for 1 hour. Here’s the trick: stir every 20 minutes to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom and to help break up any clumps forming. This part really makes the difference between blended creaminess and a lumpy mess—so don’t skip it!

Step 5: Add Cream and Serve

Once baking time’s up, take the pudding out and stir in the cream (or a bit of extra butter if you prefer). It might seem a little watery at first—that evaporates quickly as it cools or when served warm. I absolutely love how this step gives the pudding that oozy, luxurious mouthfeel that keeps my family coming back for more. Serve it straight away, or spoon over some vanilla ice cream for a next-level dessert experience.

How to Serve Creamy Cinnamon Rice Pudding Recipe

Garnishes

I almost always sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top before serving—it amps up that warm aroma and taste. Sometimes, I’ll chop some toasted almonds or pecans and scatter those over for a pleasing crunch contrast. Honestly, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream completes the experience beautifully.

Side Dishes

This pudding is usually a dessert, so I like to serve it as the sweet finish to a cozy dinner. It pairs wonderfully with spiced apple compote or fresh berries if you want a fruit boost. It’s also fantastic on its own after a simple roast or stew meal.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve made this pudding in individual ramekins for dinner parties, letting each guest add their favorite topping. Layering the pudding with thin sliced apples and cinnamon sugar before baking is another trick I’ve tried, turning it into almost a rice pudding crisp. For holidays, a sprinkle of edible gold dust or chopped pistachios adds a festive touch that always wows.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover creamy cinnamon rice pudding keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. I find it thickens as it cools, so give it a quick stir or add a splash of milk when reheating to loosen it back up. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead dessert when you’ve got company coming.

Freezing

I’ve frozen rice pudding a few times and found it still tastes great after thawing, though the texture is a bit less creamy and more grainy. If you’re planning to freeze, portion it into single servings and defrost in the fridge overnight, then gently reheat with a splash of milk or cream.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat leftover pudding is on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently and adding a little milk or cream to bring back its silky texture. Microwaving works too—just heat in short bursts and stir in between to avoid hot spots or drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cinnamon Rice Pudding Recipe has quickly become one of those recipes I keep coming back to time and again. It’s incredibly forgiving, doesn’t require fancy ingredients, and the results are like a warm, cozy hug after a long day. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to throw together with minimal effort but maximum comfort. I really hope you try it out and find it as delicious and soul-soothing as I do – it’s one of those classics that never goes out of style!

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