Grandmas Comfort Classic Baked Rice Pudding

Q: What's the best type of rice to use for {Old Fashioned} Rice Pudding? Can I use leftover rice?

Short-grain rice, like Arborio or pudding rice, is the classic choice because it's high in starch, which helps create that creamy texture we all crave. Long-grain rice won't give you the same result. While using leftover cooked rice might seem tempting to save some time, the end result won't be the same. You'll lose a lot of the starchy goodness which is key to the creamy texture.

Grandmas Old Fashioned Rice Pudding Creamy Comfort

By Fia MartinezSeptember 14, 2025

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3.33 (3 Ratings)

Table of Contents

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Recipe Introduction: Grandma’s Secret to Best Rice Pudding Recipe

Fancy a trip down memory lane? Ever wonder how to make a Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe that tastes like Grandma's? Well, get ready to find out! Today, we are going to have an Old Fashioned Rice Pudding.

It is comforting, classic, and utterly divine.

This recipe for Classic Rice Pudding is a nod to simpler times. It is based on the Traditional rice pudding recipe passed down through generations.

It’s an easy recipe. Prep takes only 10 minutes. Baking happens over a leisurely 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours.

This recipe will provide 6 generous portions of pure bliss.

Why This Old Fashioned Pudding Recipe is the Business

This Old Fashioned Rice Pudding is more than just a dessert. This is proper comfort food dessert . It's a hug in a bowl, perfect for a chilly evening.

It is rich in calcium. The slowly baked method creates a beautiful caramelized top. This Homemade rice pudding recipe is special because it's simple, wholesome, and tastes incredible.

What You Need to Make Baked rice pudding

Right then, let’s gather our bits. You’ll need some short grain rice. Arborio or pudding rice is ideal (1/2 cup / 100g).

Then there's proper whole milk (3 cups / 700ml). You'll need sugar (1/4 cup / 50g). Don't forget nutmeg and cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon each) for that warm, spiced flavour, and a knob of butter (1 tablespoon).

A splash of vanilla (1/2 teaspoon) finishes it off perfectly.

Let's Talk Ingredients & Gear for the Best Rice Pudding Recipe

Alright, let's dive into what you need to make this Grandma's Rice Pudding Recipe sing! We're talking a trip down memory lane with every spoonful, so quality ingredients are key.

Trust me, it makes all the difference. Remember, it's all about creating that perfect Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe , right?

Main Players

Rice: You'll need 1/2 cup (100g) of short grain rice. Think Arborio or pudding rice. Quality rice is your foundation.
Milk: Get your hands on 3 cups (700ml) of whole milk. Honestly, the creamier the better for that lush texture, essential for a Traditional Rice Pudding Recipe .
Sugar: 1/4 cup (50g) of granulated sugar will do the trick. Not too sweet, just right!
Spices: A dash of 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Also consider adding 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (optional, but lovely!). Freshly ground is best, you know?
Butter: Don't forget 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, cut into small pieces. It adds a richness you won't believe.
Vanilla: Finally, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. A good vanilla elevates everything.

Spice It Up!

Nutmeg and cinnamon are your power couple here. It's what gives the {Old Fashioned} Rice Pudding that warm hug feeling.

You could sub cinnamon for cardamom for a slightly different vibe. It still evokes those comforting flavours we are looking for in Homemade Rice Pudding .

Tools of the Trade

Baking Dish: A 2 quart baking dish or casserole dish is essential.
Whisk: You'll need this for mixing.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: Gotta be precise, darling!

Honestly, it’s all pretty basic. You probably have most of it already. You don’t need fancy kit for this Rice Pudding Recipe Easy . This dessert is a true Comfort Food Dessert

I reckon you're all set to make a cracking Baked rice pudding ! This Classic rice pudding is well worth the effort.

Alright, gather 'round the Aga, folks! Let's get cracking on a proper, comforting, Old Fashioned Rice Pudding . Think Mary Berry meets Delia Smith with a dash of yours truly.

This isn’t your nan’s wallpaper paste. Unless your nan was a seriously skilled pudding maker! This is the real deal. It's creamy, dreamy, and utterly moreish.

I bet you can find the Best Rice Pudding Recipe right here!

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic

Grandmas Comfort Classic Baked Rice Pudding presentation

First, gather your troops. You'll need 1/2 cup short grain rice , 3 cups whole milk , 1/4 cup sugar , and spices.

I like 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg and a pinch of cinnamon. Don't forget the 1 tablespoon butter and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla .

Get it all measured out. This makes things so much easier! It also ensures a Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe .

Honestly, pre-measuring saves so much time. Plus, no frantic searching for the nutmeg halfway through. Been there, done that!

Baked Rice Pudding: Easy step-by-step

Heat your oven to 300° F ( 150° C) . It's gotta be precise!
Mix rice , milk , sugar , and spices in your dish. Stir it well.
Dot the top with butter pieces. Don't skimp!
Bake for 2 1/2 to 3 hours . Stir halfway through. Watch it!
Stir in the vanilla once it's done. Smells divine, doesn’t it?
Cool a bit before serving. This helps it thicken up.

The key is low and slow. Patience is a virtue, especially when baking Traditional rice pudding recipe .

Pro Tips for Pudding Perfection

Want a Classic rice pudding that tastes like Grandma's Rice Pudding Recipe ? Here's the inside scoop.

Don't let the milk scorch! Low heat is your friend. I remember my first attempt. Disaster! Burnt milk everywhere. Learn from my mistakes! If the skin on top gets too brown, cover it. Use foil after the first hour.
Stirring keeps the skin from getting too thick. Nobody wants a rubbery skin on their Homemade rice pudding .
Want to make it ahead? Bake it, cool it, and then refrigerate. Gently reheat it before serving. Maybe even in the microwave or oven. Just add a splash of milk if it seems dry.

This Rice Pudding Recipe Easy is the ultimate Comfort food dessert . So, bake a batch and enjoy!

Recipe Notes for Your Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe

So, you're ready to whip up some proper Comfort food dessert . Brilliant! Before you get elbow deep in rice and milk, let's chat about a few things.

These are just some bits and bobs to make sure your Grandma's Rice Pudding Recipe is spot on. Honestly, half the fun is experimenting, innit?

Serving Suggestions: A Bit of Posh, A Bit of Practical

Right then, serving this Classic rice pudding . First impressions count, even with pudding. I reckon a nice ramekin or a vintage teacup looks fab.

A sprinkle of extra nutmeg is always a winner. For a bit of extra oomph , try a dollop of warm apple compote.

Trust me, it's divine. My gran always served hers with a glass of cold milk. The contrast is ace! Oh, and if you're feeling extra indulgent, a drizzle of golden syrup never hurt anyone, did it?

Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh!

Right, listen up. Pop any leftover Best Rice Pudding Recipe into an airtight container. It'll happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Don’t push it longer than that, yeah? Freezing this? Hmm, it's not ideal. The texture can get a bit funny.

When reheating, a gentle simmer on the hob with a splash of milk works wonders. Keeps it lovely and Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe .

Microwaving is fine in a pinch, but watch it doesn’t explode!

Variations: Let's Get Creative!

Fancy a little twist on the Traditional rice pudding recipe ? How about a bit of lemon zest? Adds a lovely zing! Or maybe some ground cardamom instead of cinnamon.

Warmer, somehow. If you’re dodging dairy, almond milk or oat milk works a treat. Just bear in mind the flavor will be slightly different.

Using brown sugar instead of white gives it a gorgeous molasses like flavour, too. I tried it once when I ran out of white sugar and it was amazing.

Nutrition Basics: A Little Treat

Alright, let's be honest, it's pudding. It's a treat! A serving of this Homemade rice pudding will set you back around 250-300 calories.

You're looking at roughly 7-8g of protein, 8-10g of fat, and 35-40g of carbs, give or take. Obviously, it depends on how heavy handed you are with the sugar! The good news? It's got calcium from the milk and a bit of fibre from the rice.

Plus, it's comfort food dessert , which is good for the soul, right?

Remember, cooking this {Old Fashioned} Rice Pudding should be fun! Don’t be afraid to experiment. Even if it goes a bit pear shaped, it'll still taste amazing.

Happy baking, my lovelies! You've got this! This is the Best Rice Pudding Recipe out there, make it your own version!

Creamy Rice Pudding My Secret Grandmas Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my {Old Fashioned} Rice Pudding not creamy enough? It's more like rice soup!

Achieving that perfect creamy consistency with your rice pudding is all about patience and the right ingredients. Make sure you're using whole milk, as it has a higher fat content that contributes to the richness.

Also, baking it at a low temperature for the full recommended time allows the rice to release its starch and thicken the milk properly. Think of it like brewing a proper cuppa you can't rush it!

Can I make {Old Fashioned} Rice Pudding ahead of time?

Absolutely! Rice pudding is a fantastic make-ahead dessert. Once it's cooled, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just bear in mind the texture might thicken up a bit as it cools, so you might want to add a splash of milk when reheating to get it back to that lovely, spoonable consistency.

Like a good stew, some say it tastes even better the next day!

What's the best type of rice to use for {Old Fashioned} Rice Pudding? Can I use leftover rice?

Short grain rice, like Arborio or pudding rice, is the classic choice because it's high in starch, which helps create that creamy texture we all crave. Long grain rice won't give you the same result. While using leftover cooked rice might seem tempting to save some time, the end result won't be the same.

You'll lose a lot of the starchy goodness which is key to the creamy texture.

My rice pudding skin is burning! How can I prevent this without ruining my {Old Fashioned} Rice Pudding?

Ah, the dreaded burnt skin! No need to panic. If you notice the top browning too quickly, gently cover the baking dish with foil after the first hour or so of baking. This will protect the surface while still allowing the pudding to cook through.

Just make sure the foil isn't too tight or it might steam the pudding instead of baking it we're aiming for a lovely caramelised top, not a soggy one!

I'm lactose intolerant. Can I still enjoy this {Old Fashioned} Rice Pudding recipe?

Good news, you can! Simply substitute the whole milk with a dairy-free alternative like almond milk, oat milk, or even coconut milk (for a slightly different flavour profile). Just be aware that the texture and taste will be slightly different from the traditional version.

You might also want to consider adding a touch of coconut cream for added richness, especially if using a thinner milk alternative. It's all about adapting to your needs and enjoying the flavours you love!

What are some interesting flavour variations I can try with my {Old Fashioned} Rice Pudding?

Get creative! A little lemon zest adds a lovely brightness, or a pinch of cardamom can bring a warming spice. A swirl of raspberry jam through the baked pudding can create some extra sweetness. For a richer, more decadent pudding, use brown sugar instead of white.

The possibilities are endless just have fun experimenting! Think of it as your blank canvas of creamy goodness.