If you’re looking for a comforting, nostalgic dessert that wraps you in warmth and sweet memories, look no further than this Amazing Old Fashioned Rice Pudding Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a big, cozy hug from your grandma’s kitchen, combining simple pantry staples into a luscious, creamy pudding kissed with fragrant spices and studded with plump raisins. Whether you enjoy it fresh from the oven or chilled, this recipe brings a timeless homemade charm that’s utterly irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Amazing Old Fashioned Rice Pudding Recipe plays a special role, coming together in perfect harmony to create that rich, velvety texture and classic flavor you crave. These basics are easy to find and straightforward to use, making the dish accessible and delightfully fragrant.
- 2/3 cup Minute Rice: Quick-cooking rice that delivers creamy softness without the wait.
- 2 3/4 cups milk: The heart of the pudding, giving it richness and a luscious mouthfeel.
- 1/3 cup sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the spices and bring out the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds a subtle creaminess and enhances the pudding’s silky texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A pinch to elevate all the flavors and keep it perfectly balanced.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla: Infuses the pudding with warm, inviting aroma and natural sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: A delicate spice that gives a cozy, festive note.
- Cinnamon, to sprinkle: Adds a final burst of warmth and a bit of color when served.
- 1/2 cup raisins: Little pockets of sweetness that soften and plump during baking for delightful surprises.
How to Make Amazing Old Fashioned Rice Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously buttering a 1-quart baking dish. This keeps the pudding from sticking and adds another layer of buttery flavor that’s subtle but essential.
Step 2: Mix All the Ingredients
In your prepared baking dish, combine the Minute Rice, milk, raisins, sugar, butter, salt, vanilla, and nutmeg. Give everything a good stir so the ingredients meld evenly—this ensures every bite is full of balanced flavor and creamy texture.
Step 3: Bake and Stir
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for an hour. Don’t forget to stir the pudding after the first 15 minutes to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom and keep the heat evenly distributed. Once the hour is up, give it one last stir to make sure the pudding is perfectly smooth.
Step 4: Add a Cinnamon Sprinkle and Serve
Remove the rice pudding from the oven, sprinkle it with cinnamon for that classic finish, and decide how you want to enjoy it — warm and comforting or cooled and thickened. Either way, you’re in for a treat.
How to Serve Amazing Old Fashioned Rice Pudding Recipe

Garnishes
A simple dusting of cinnamon is traditional and fantastic, but feel free to get creative with a few toasted nuts, a drizzle of honey, or even a dollop of whipped cream for a luscious twist that elevates the experience.
Side Dishes
Rice pudding is a lovely dessert on its own, but if you want to add a little something extra, fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries on the side adds brightness and fresh contrast to the creamy sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, serve the pudding in individual ramekins or pretty glass jars for a charming, personalized touch. You can even top each portion with a sprig of mint or a small spoonful of marmalade to make it feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover rice pudding to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to deepen even further.
Freezing
This Amazing Old Fashioned Rice Pudding Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and it will keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to restore its creamy consistency. Add a splash of milk if the pudding appears too thick after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use regular rice instead of Minute Rice?
Yes, but cooking times will be longer, and you may need to adjust the amount of milk to achieve the right consistency. Minute Rice simplifies this recipe and keeps the texture just right.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Not as is, but you can substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk and use a vegan butter substitute to make it vegan-friendly.
Can I add other dried fruits besides raisins?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, chopped apricots, or cherries all work wonderfully and provide unique flavor twists to the pudding.
How sweet is this rice pudding?
The sugar quantity balances the warm spices and sweetness of the raisins perfectly, but feel free to adjust it slightly to suit your own taste preference.
Can I make this pudding on the stovetop instead of baking it?
Yes, but baking allows the pudding to develop a unique texture and flavor. Stovetop rice pudding tends to be creamier and less set, so it depends on your texture preference.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love sharing this Amazing Old Fashioned Rice Pudding Recipe because it’s a dish that brings so much comfort and joy with every spoonful. It’s easy enough to whip up on a cozy night in, yet special enough to impress guests or celebrate family traditions. Give it a try and savor the delightful mixture of simple ingredients transformed into something wonderfully heartwarming.
Print
Amazing Old Fashioned Rice Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This amazing old fashioned rice pudding is a comforting and creamy dessert made with Minute Rice baked in milk and flavored with vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Sweetened with sugar and studded with raisins, it’s a classic treat that can be served warm or chilled, perfect for any time of year.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup Minute Rice
- 2 3/4 cups milk
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Cinnamon, to sprinkle
- 1/2 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 1-quart baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and to add flavor.
- Combine ingredients: In the buttered baking dish, combine the Minute Rice, milk, raisins, sugar, butter, salt, vanilla extract, and nutmeg. Mix gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Bake the pudding: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 1 hour. Stir the pudding after the first 15 minutes to prevent the rice from clumping and ensure even cooking. Stir again once the pudding is fully cooked and thickened.
- Finish and serve: Remove the rice pudding from the oven and sprinkle cinnamon on top for warmth and extra flavor. Serve warm for a cozy treat or chill in the refrigerator to enjoy a firmer texture as the pudding thickens upon standing.
Notes
- Stirring during baking helps prevent the rice from sticking and ensures creamy texture.
- Feel free to substitute raisins with other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped apricots.
- For a richer pudding, you can use half-and-half or whole milk.
- Leftovers should be refrigerated and consumed within 3 days.
- The pudding thickens as it cools, so adjust serving temperature to your preference.

