Creamy Rice Pudding Delight

Featured in: Classic Comfort Foods

This creamy dish transforms leftover rice into a comforting sweet treat, gently simmered with milk, sugar, and warm cinnamon. It thickens to a smooth consistency that's perfect warm or chilled and can be enhanced with vanilla or butter for richness. Simple to prepare in under 30 minutes, it's a delightful way to use extra rice and enjoy a comforting flavor with familiar spices.

Updated on Mon, 17 Nov 2025 11:11:00 GMT
Steaming bowl of rice pudding with leftover rice, swirled with cinnamon, perfect for dessert. Save to Pinterest
Steaming bowl of rice pudding with leftover rice, swirled with cinnamon, perfect for dessert. | krispyrecipes.com

A creamy, comforting dessert made from leftover rice, gently sweetened with sugar and infused with warm cinnamon.

I first made this pudding late one evening with leftover jasmine rice and was surprised at how quickly it became a requested treat in my home. The warm spices and rich texture make it a favorite comfort dessert.

Ingredients

  • Cooked leftover rice: 2 cups (white or jasmine preferred)
  • Whole milk: 2 cups (or any milk of choice)
  • Granulated sugar: 1/3 cup
  • Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp
  • Vanilla extract: 1 tsp (optional)
  • Salt: Pinch
  • Unsalted butter: 1 tbsp (optional)
  • Ground cinnamon: For garnish

Instructions

Combine Base Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, combine the cooked rice, milk, sugar, and cinnamon.
Simmer:
Place over medium heat. Stir frequently until the mixture comes to a gentle simmer.
Thicken Pudding:
Lower the heat and cook uncovered, stirring often, for 15 to 20 minutes, until the pudding thickens to your desired consistency.
Add Finish Ingredients:
Stir in vanilla extract, salt, and butter (if using) during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Cool and Serve:
Remove from heat. Let cool slightly. Serve warm or chilled, sprinkled with extra cinnamon.
Warm, creamy rice pudding with leftover rice, topped with a dusting of fragrant cinnamon. Save to Pinterest
Warm, creamy rice pudding with leftover rice, topped with a dusting of fragrant cinnamon. | krispyrecipes.com

This recipe is a nostalgic treat for my family. My kids love helping sprinkle cinnamon on top before serving.

Required Tools

Medium saucepan, wooden spoon or spatula, measuring cups and spoons, and serving bowls are all you'll need.

Allergen Information

Contains milk (dairy). If you use plant-based milk, check ingredient labels for allergens.

Nutritional Information

Each serving contains 210 calories, 4 g total fat, 40 g carbohydrates, and 5 g protein.

Close-up of a comforting bowl of rice pudding, made from leftover rice, ready to enjoy. Save to Pinterest
Close-up of a comforting bowl of rice pudding, made from leftover rice, ready to enjoy. | krispyrecipes.com

Enjoy this rice pudding warm or cold, with a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra cozy touch.

Common Recipe Questions

Can I use any type of rice for this dish?

White or jasmine rice works best for its texture, but any cooked rice can be used as the base.

How can I make the dessert creamier?

Substitute half the milk with half-and-half or evaporated milk to add extra creaminess.

Is there a way to add more flavor variations?

Adding raisins, dried fruits, nuts, honey, or fresh berries during or after cooking provides delightful variations.

Should the dish be served warm or chilled?

It can be enjoyed warm or chilled, depending on personal preference.

Can I omit butter and vanilla?

Yes, butter and vanilla are optional and can be added for richness and depth of flavor.

Creamy Rice Pudding Delight

A smooth and comforting creamy sweet dessert featuring leftover rice and cinnamon.

Prep Duration
5 minutes
Cooking Duration
20 minutes
Overall Time
25 minutes
Created by Mia Harper

Recipe Type Classic Comfort Foods

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type International

Total Portions 4 Serving Size

Dietary Considerations Veggie-Friendly, No Gluten

What You’ll Need

Base

01 2 cups cooked leftover white or jasmine rice
02 2 cups whole milk
03 1/3 cup granulated sugar

Flavorings

01 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
02 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Finish

01 Pinch of salt
02 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional)
03 Ground cinnamon, for garnish

How to Make It

Step 01

Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine cooked rice, whole milk, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon.

Step 02

Heat mixture: Place saucepan over medium heat and stir frequently until the mixture reaches a gentle simmer.

Step 03

Simmer and thicken: Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered, stirring often, for 15 to 20 minutes until thickened to desired consistency.

Step 04

Add finishing ingredients: Stir in vanilla extract, salt, and unsalted butter, if using, during the last two minutes of cooking.

Step 05

Cool slightly: Remove from heat and let pudding cool slightly; it will continue to thicken as it cools.

Step 06

Serve: Serve warm or chilled, garnished with additional ground cinnamon.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Medium saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Serving bowls

Possible Allergens

Double-check each ingredient for allergens and consult an expert if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy. Verify if using plant-based or flavored milk alternatives.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

This data is for informational purposes and shouldn't replace professional advice.
  • Calorie Count: 210
  • Total Fat: 4 grams
  • Total Carbohydrates: 40 grams
  • Protein Content: 5 grams