AMAZING OLD FASHIONED RICE PUDDING

Old-fashioned rice pudding is one of those cozy, nostalgic desserts that brings back memories of warm kitchens and comforting aromas. This baked version is wonderfully simple and produces a creamy, tender pudding with pops of sweetness from the raisins and a touch of warming spice.

Ingredients (Full Details)

2/3 cup Minute Rice
(Using instant rice helps the pudding cook evenly and absorb the milk quickly.)
2 3/4 cups milk
Whole milk will give the creamiest result, but 2% works as well.
1/3 cup sugar
Adds gentle sweetness without overpowering the spices.
1 tablespoon butter
Adds richness and helps the pudding set softly.
1/2 teaspoon salt
Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Infuses warmth and aroma into the pudding.
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Traditional old-fashioned flavor with a little spice.
1/2 cup raisins
Optional but classic—adds bursts of sweetness.
Cinnamon (for sprinkling on top)
Gives the pudding a fragrant, golden finish.

Detailed Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Lightly butter a 1-quart baking dish. This prevents sticking and adds a subtle buttery flavor to the edges.

Step 2: Mix All Ingredients

Add the following directly into the buttered dish:

Minute Rice
Milk
Raisins
Sugar
Butter (softened or melted)
Salt
Vanilla
Nutmeg

Stir gently to combine everything evenly. The mixture will look thin at this stage—this is normal.

Step 3: Bake the Pudding

Place the dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 1 hour.

👉 Important:
After 15 minutes, open the oven and give the mixture a good stir.
This keeps the rice from settling at the bottom.

Once the hour is up, stir again to distribute the rice and creaminess evenly.

Step 4: Add Finishing Touches

Remove from the oven and sprinkle the top generously with cinnamon.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the pudding warm for maximum creaminess or chilled for a firmer texture.
As it sits, the rice absorbs more liquid, so it thickens naturally over time.

⭐ Tips for the Best Rice Pudding

For extra creaminess: replace 1 cup of milk with half-and-half.
For softer raisins: soak them in warm water or milk for 10 minutes before adding.
For a caramelized top: bake uncovered the whole time.
For a custard-like texture: add 1 beaten egg to the mixture before baking.

❤️ Variations

No-Raisin Version: Simply omit the raisins.
Cinnamon Raisin Swirl: Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon to the mixture before baking.
Coconut Rice Pudding: Substitute 1 cup milk with canned coconut milk.
Golden Raisin + Cardamom: Replace nutmeg with cardamom for a unique flavor.
Holiday Version: Add a handful of chopped pecans or dried cranberries.