Old Fashioned Rice Pudding Recipe
Introduction
Old Fashioned Rice Pudding is a comforting classic that turns simple ingredients into a creamy, sweet dessert. This recipe features tender rice cooked slowly in milk, finished with a caramelized brown sugar topping for a delightful contrast of textures.

Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, milk, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to mix all the ingredients.
- Step 2: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Step 3: Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom. Cook until the rice is tender and the pudding has thickened.
- Step 4: Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the pudding to cool slightly.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and butter until well combined.
- Step 6: Transfer the pudding to a baking dish. Sprinkle the brown sugar and butter mixture evenly over the top.
- Step 7: Place the dish under the broiler for a few minutes until the topping is golden brown and bubbly. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Step 8: Serve warm, optionally with additional toppings like cinnamon or fresh fruit.
Tips & Variations
- For extra creaminess, substitute half of the milk with heavy cream.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg during cooking for warm spice notes.
- Use short-grain rice for an even creamier texture if available.
- Top with toasted nuts or fresh berries for added texture and flavor.
Storage
Store leftover rice pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of milk when reheating can help restore creaminess.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of rice?
Yes, short-grain rice works well for a creamier pudding, while long-grain rice will give a slightly firmer texture. Avoid instant or minute rice as they do not yield the best results.
Is it necessary to broil the topping?
Broiling the brown sugar and butter topping adds a lovely caramelized crust that enhances flavor and texture, but you can skip this step if you prefer a softer topping.
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Old Fashioned Rice Pudding Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This classic Old Fashioned Rice Pudding recipe combines creamy cooked rice with sweetened milk, eggs, and vanilla, finished with a rich, caramelized brown sugar and butter topping. Slow-simmered on the stovetop for a luscious texture and broiled to create a golden, bubbly crust, this comforting dessert is perfect for a cozy treat or family gathering.
Ingredients
Rice Pudding
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Topping
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, milk, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir thoroughly to mix all ingredients evenly.
- Bring to a boil: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, watching carefully to prevent the milk from scorching.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and allow the pudding to simmer uncovered for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking softens the rice and thickens the pudding to creamy perfection without sticking to the pan.
- Cool and top: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the pudding cool briefly. Transfer it to a baking dish for finishing.
- Prepare topping: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and butter pieces together until combined.
- Broil: Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar and butter mixture over the pudding in the baking dish. Place under the oven broiler for a few minutes, watching closely until the topping is golden brown and bubbling, creating a caramelized crust.
- Serve: Serve the rice pudding warm, optionally garnished with additional toppings like cinnamon or fresh fruit according to preference.
Notes
- Stir the pudding periodically during simmering to avoid the rice sticking or burning on the bottom.
- You can use whole or 2% milk depending on desired creaminess.
- For a creamier texture, use medium or short-grain rice instead of long-grain.
- Watch the broiler carefully when caramelizing to prevent burning the topping.
- Can be served warm or chilled based on personal preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: rice pudding, old fashioned dessert, creamy rice pudding, stovetop dessert, caramelized topping

