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Quick & Easy Rice Pudding

Jessica T. Brown
This creamy rice pudding combines tender white rice, sweet golden raisins, and rich milk, butter, and vanilla for a velvety, comforting dessert.
Quick and easy to make, it’s perfect for a cozy snack or make-ahead treat, and can be enjoyed warm or chilled, with optional spices for extra flavor
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American, classic food
Servings 4

Equipment

  • 1 Medium Saucepan
  • 1 Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 airtight container
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ cups cold water
  • ¾ cup uncooked white rice
  • 2 cups milk divided
  • ⅓ cup white sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • ⅔ cup golden raisins
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Boil Water and Cook Rice: Pour 1 ½ cups of cold water into a medium saucepan and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat.
    Stir in the uncooked white rice, reduce the heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer.
    Cook until the rice is tender and the water is fully absorbed, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Combine Rice with Milk and Sugar: Transfer the cooked rice into a clean medium saucepan and add 1 ½ cups of milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
    Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula to prevent the mixture from sticking.
    Continue stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy, approximately 15 minutes.
  • Incorporate Egg, Remaining Milk, and Raisins:Gradually stir in the remaining ½ cup milk, beaten egg, and golden raisins into the hot rice mixture.
    Cook for an additional 2 minutes over low heat, stirring constantly to ensure the egg blends smoothly without curdling.
    This step creates a rich, cohesive texture and distributes the sweetness and raisins evenly.
  • Add Butter and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the butter and vanilla extract.
    Mix thoroughly until the butter melts completely and the vanilla flavor is evenly incorporated.
    This final step enhances the creaminess and gives the pudding its signature luscious taste.
  • Serve or Chill Pudding: Serve the rice pudding warm for a comforting dessert, or allow it to cool slightly before transferring it to an airtight container for refrigeration.
    The pudding can be enjoyed cold or reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave.
    Optionally, sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg on top before serving for added flavor.

Notes

  • Use medium or short-grain rice for the creamiest texture; long-grain rice may result in a less cohesive pudding.
  • Stir frequently during cooking to prevent the rice from sticking or burning at the bottom of the pan.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute almond, oat, or soy milk for cow’s milk.
  • Adjust sweetness by adding more or less sugar according to your preference.
  • Optional spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom can be sprinkled in for extra warmth and flavor.