Rice pudding has been a beloved dessert for generations, with its creamy texture and comforting flavors. This creamy cinnamon rice pudding is a perfect way to bring a touch of nostalgia to your kitchen. Whether you’re craving a warm dessert for a cold evening or looking for an easy, eggless pudding recipe to serve at a family gathering, this stovetop rice pudding delivers on taste and ease.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make rice pudding on the stove, step-by-step, using simple ingredients like rice, cinnamon, and vanilla. This classic rice pudding recipe with vanilla and cinnamon requires just a few pantry staples and minimal effort—ideal for those who want a delicious, fuss-free treat.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cinnamon Rice Pudding
There’s something special about a bowl of warm creamy rice pudding—it’s like a hug in dessert form. What makes this rice pudding recipe even better is its rich texture, perfectly spiced with cinnamon and vanilla, and its ability to be made on the stovetop.
This easy creamy rice pudding is eggless, making it an ideal choice for those with dietary restrictions. Plus, using evaporated milk helps create a rich, silky texture that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced baker, this simple stovetop rice pudding is a perfect addition to your dessert repertoire.
If you’re looking for another easy recipe to try, check out our Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls or Apple Fritter Donuts for more delicious options!
Who This Recipe Is For
This creamy cinnamon rice pudding is perfect for:
- Families looking for a simple, yet satisfying dessert that everyone can enjoy.
- Beginners in the kitchen who want to make an easy, homemade pudding from scratch.
- Dessert lovers who are looking for a comforting, eggless treat that’s both creamy and flavorful.
- Home cooks who want to use pantry staples like cooked rice, cinnamon, and vanilla in an easy stovetop pudding recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this comforting rice pudding, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of cooked rice (preferably white, long-grain rice for best texture)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- ½ cup sugar (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1 tablespoon butter (for extra richness)
These simple ingredients combine to create a rich and creamy rice pudding that is sure to please!
Looking for other easy recipes? Try our Cheddar Bay Biscuits or Slow Cooker Chicken Stew.
Ingredient Notes and Variations
- Rice: While cooked white rice works best for this recipe, you can also use leftover rice to make your pudding. Just ensure it’s well-cooked and free of excess moisture.
- Milk: If you prefer a lighter version, you can swap out whole milk for 2% milk. However, using whole milk and evaporated milk ensures a thicker, creamier texture.
- Sugar: You can adjust the sweetness to your preference by using less or more sugar. For a healthier twist, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup.
- Cinnamon: If you love the flavor of cinnamon, feel free to add an extra pinch or two to suit your taste.
- Butter: While optional, adding a tablespoon of butter makes the rice pudding even creamier and richer in flavor.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
Before you start making your eggless rice pudding, gather these kitchen tools:
- Medium-sized pot for cooking the pudding
- Wooden spoon or whisk for stirring
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A bowl for serving the pudding (optional)
If you’re interested in more kitchen essentials, be sure to check out our Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers recipe for more delicious meals!
Step-by-Step Preparation: How to Make Creamy Cinnamon Rice Pudding
Now that you have everything ready, follow these easy steps to make the best stovetop rice pudding!
Step 1: Heat the Milk and Evaporated Milk
In a medium-sized pot, pour in the whole milk and evaporated milk. Place the pot over medium heat and stir occasionally. You want the mixture to warm up but not boil, so keep an eye on it to avoid scalding.
Step 2: Add the Sugar and Cinnamon
Once the milk mixture is warm, stir in the sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Keep stirring to dissolve the sugar evenly. The cinnamon will infuse the pudding with that comforting spice, while the sugar will help sweeten it just right.
For another great cinnamon-flavored treat, try our Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Bake!
Step 3: Incorporate the Cooked Rice
Add your cooked rice to the milk mixture, stirring gently to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let the rice cook in the milk for 15-20 minutes. Stir often to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Step 4: Add the Vanilla Extract
Once the rice pudding has thickened to your desired consistency, stir in the vanilla extract. The vanilla will add depth to the flavor, balancing the cinnamon perfectly.
Step 5: Optional Butter for Extra Creaminess
For an ultra-creamy texture, add butter (optional). Stir until it melts and blends into the pudding. This step is perfect if you want a richer, more indulgent dessert.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once the pudding reaches your preferred thickness (it should be creamy but not runny), remove it from the heat. Let it cool slightly before serving, or refrigerate it if you prefer chilled rice pudding.
If you’re in the mood for a sweet breakfast, try our Make-Ahead Breakfast Bowls for a delicious start to your day!
Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Rice Pudding
- Stir frequently: To prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot, stir the mixture often while it cooks.
- Adjust the texture: If your pudding is too thick, add a little extra milk to loosen it up. For thicker pudding, let it cook a little longer.
- Be patient: Rice pudding can take a while to thicken, but don’t rush the process. Low and slow is the key to creamy perfection.
Looking for more easy recipes? Try out our Keto Peanut Butter Chocolate Fat Bombs or Pumpkin Truffles.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Boiling the milk: Always heat the milk gently over medium heat, as boiling can cause it to curdle or scorch.
- Not stirring enough: Rice pudding can easily stick to the bottom of the pot if you don’t stir regularly, leading to burnt rice.
- Skipping the cooling step: For the best texture, allow the pudding to cool slightly before serving so it can firm up a bit.
Serving Suggestions
- Toppings: Top with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, a dollop of whipped cream, or a few raisins for extra flavor.
- Fruit: Add fresh berries or chopped fruit for a refreshing contrast to the creamy pudding.
- Nuts: Toasted nuts like almonds or pecans make a great crunchy topping.
For another fun dessert idea, check out our Apple Nachos recipe!
Creative Presentation Ideas
- Serve the rice pudding in individual bowls or small jars for a charming presentation at a dinner party.
- Layer the rice pudding with fresh fruit in parfait glasses for a more elegant look.
- For a cozy touch, serve warm rice pudding in vintage mugs with a cinnamon stick garnish.
Flavor Variations and Add-Ins
While this recipe is delicious as is, you can also try these variations:
- Chocolate Rice Pudding: Add a few tablespoons of cocoa powder to the milk mixture for a rich, chocolatey twist.
- Coconut Rice Pudding: Swap out whole milk for coconut milk for a tropical flavor.
- Nutmeg: Add a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg for a slightly different spice profile.
How to Store and Reheat
- Storage: Store leftover rice pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen the texture.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prepare this creamy rice pudding in advance and refrigerate it until ready to serve. In fact, some people find that rice pudding tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together!
For another make-ahead idea, try our High Protein Banana Bread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make rice pudding with leftover rice?
Yes, you can easily use leftover cooked rice to make this pudding. Just skip the cooking step and add it directly to the warm milk mixture.
Can I make this rice pudding dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the whole milk and evaporated milk with plant-based alternatives like almond milk or coconut milk.
How do I make my rice pudding thicker?
If your pudding is too runny, let it cook for a few more minutes on low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to your liking.
Final Thoughts: Why This Rice Pudding Recipe Is a Keeper
This creamy cinnamon rice pudding is a timeless dessert that brings comfort and joy to any occasion. It’s easy to make, eggless, and full of warm, cinnamon-infused goodness. Whether served warm or chilled, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. Once you try this stovetop rice pudding, it’ll become a staple in your dessert repertoire!
For more delicious treats, check out our Halloween Brownie Recipe or our Strawberry Cloud Cake!
PrintClassic Creamy Cinnamon Rice Pudding
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Classic Creamy Cinnamon Rice Pudding is the perfect combination of rich texture, cinnamon, and vanilla. It’s easy to make and perfect for breakfast or dessert. Eggless and made with evaporated milk, this pudding is creamy and comforting!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup short-grain rice (or medium grain)
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- ¾ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, whole milk, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender and milk is absorbed.
- Add Evaporated Milk and Sugar: Stir in evaporated milk and sugar. Continue cooking for 5-10 minutes until the pudding thickens.
- Add Vanilla and Cinnamon: Stir in vanilla extract and cinnamon. Taste and adjust sweetness or cinnamon level. Optional: Add raisins or chopped nuts.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from heat and let sit. Serve warm or refrigerate for a cold dessert. Optionally, top with cinnamon or whipped cream.
Notes
- Use short or medium-grain rice: These rice varieties give the pudding its creamy texture.
- Stir regularly: This prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
- Adjust sweetness: Feel free to add more sugar or cinnamon as desired.
- Customize it: Add dried fruit or a splash of your favorite liqueur for a unique twist.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Rice Pudding, Cinnamon Rice Pudding, Creamy Rice Pudding, Dessert, Eggless Rice Pudding, Stovetop Rice Pudding



