There’s something magical about the creamy, dreamy texture of rice pudding with cooked rice. Each spoonful is a comforting hug on a chilly evening, where the sweet aroma of cinnamon and vanilla wafts through the house, making your taste buds dance with joy. Imagine sinking into your favorite chair, a bowl of this deliciousness cradled in your hands, as you savor each bite—pure bliss.
This delightful treat isn’t just for cold days, though. It’s perfect for cozy gatherings with friends or family celebrations when you want to impress without the fuss. I remember serving this at my cousin’s birthday party; the kids gobbled it up faster than I could serve it. Trust me, you’ll want to whip this up for any occasion where happiness is on the menu.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This rice pudding with cooked rice is exceptionally easy to prepare, making it a go-to dessert for busy nights
- The rich flavors blend beautifully, providing a comforting experience in every bite
- Its creamy texture makes it visually appealing and perfect for impressing guests
- You can customize toppings like fruits or nuts for added versatility!
I once made this rice pudding for my family reunion, and you could hear the spoons clinking against bowls as everyone eagerly dug in.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Cooked Rice: Use leftover rice or freshly cooked; ensure it’s fluffy and not overly sticky for best results.
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Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess, but feel free to use almond or oat milk if you’re dairy-free.
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Sugar: Granulated sugar enhances sweetness; adjust based on personal preference and taste.
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Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon brings warmth and depth; consider using freshly grated nutmeg for an extra kick.
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Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract elevates flavor; avoid imitation vanilla for the best results.
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Salt: A pinch of salt balances sweetness perfectly; don’t skip this essential ingredient!
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Butter: Adding butter at the end makes this dish decadently rich and creamy; use unsalted butter for control over seasoning.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Combine Ingredients for Creaminess: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine cooked rice, milk, sugar, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir well until everything is mixed together well.
Simmer and Stir Away: Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer while stirring frequently to prevent sticking. You’ll know it’s ready when it thickens slightly and bubbles start appearing around the edges.
Add Butter for Richness: Once thickened to your liking (about 10 minutes), stir in butter until melted completely. This step adds that luxurious creaminess we all crave.
Cool and Serve Warm or Chilled: Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy it warm right away or chill it in the fridge if preferred.
Customize Your Toppings!: Top with your choice of fruits like berries or bananas, a sprinkle of nuts or more cinnamon. Get creative—it’s your dessert!
Now you’ve mastered this delightful dish that turns simple ingredients into pure comfort!
You Must Know
- Rice pudding with cooked rice is a delightful treat that brings comfort and nostalgia
- The creamy texture and sweet aroma will transport you back to childhood days, making it an ideal dessert for any occasion
- Plus, it’s incredibly simple to whip up!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by simmering milk and sugar before adding your cooked rice. This ensures even creaminess while preventing clumping, giving you that dreamy texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize this dish with fruits like raisins or berries, or sprinkle cinnamon for an extra flavor kick. Personalize it based on what makes your taste buds dance!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover rice pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For an unbeatable flavor boost, use whole milk instead of skim
- Adding a pinch of salt enhances sweetness too!
- Don’t rush the cooking process; allowing it to simmer increases creaminess significantly
It was a rainy afternoon when I first made rice pudding with cooked rice for my family. The joy on their faces as they took their first bites was priceless and reminded me why I love cooking.
FAQ
Can I use leftover rice for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rice is perfect for making delicious, creamy rice pudding.
What type of milk works best?
Whole milk provides the richest flavor and creaminess, but feel free to experiment!
How do I prevent my pudding from being lumpy?
Stir continuously while simmering and ensure you add cooked rice gradually for optimal texture.

Rice Pudding with Cooked Rice
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Rice pudding with cooked rice is a comforting dessert that combines creamy texture and sweet flavors, perfect for any occasion. This easy-to-make treat features warm cinnamon and vanilla notes, making it an ideal choice for chilly evenings or festive gatherings. Top it with fresh fruits or nuts for added flair and enjoy a nostalgic taste of childhood.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine cooked rice, milk, sugar, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir well until combined.
- Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Cook until slightly thickened (about 10 minutes).
- Stir in butter until fully melted for extra creaminess.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving warm or chilling in the fridge.
- Customize with your favorite toppings like fruits or nuts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg