Quick Homemade Vanilla Rice Pudding Recipe

Rice pudding is one of those classic desserts that never really goes out of style. It’s creamy, comforting and easy to make with basic pantry ingredients. If you’ve been craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this quick vanilla rice pudding recipe is your new go-to. It’s simple, tasty and perfect for both kids and grown-ups.

Why Make Rice Pudding At Home?

Some people think rice pudding is old-fashioned but once you taste it warm and fresh, you’ll understand why it’s stayed popular for generations. It’s one of those desserts that feels homely and nostalgic. Unlike fancy sweets, rice pudding uses plain white rice, milk, sugar and a splash of vanilla. That’s it. You probably have everything you need in your kitchen already.

Making it at home also means you control the sweetness and the texture. Some people love it thick and spoonable, others prefer it runnier and more like a custard.

Ingredients For Quick Vanilla Rice Pudding

The best part about this recipe is you don’t need anything fancy. You’ll need:

• 1 cup cooked white rice (short or medium grain works best)
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 egg (optional for extra creaminess)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for topping

If you don’t have cooked rice ready, just cook some plain white rice first. Using leftover rice is perfect for this.

How To Make It On The Stove

Put a medium pot on the stove and add the cooked rice, milk, sugar and salt. Stir it all together and set the heat to medium.

Let it come to a gentle simmer, stirring now and then so it doesn’t stick to the bottom. As it warms up, the rice softens more and soaks up the milk. This is where the magic happens.

If you want extra creamy pudding, crack the egg in a small bowl and beat it. Scoop a bit of the warm milk mixture and whisk it into the egg to warm it up slowly. Then stir the egg back into the pot. This step makes the pudding richer but you can skip it if you want to keep things simple.

Let it cook for about 10 to 15 minutes until it thickens to the texture you like. Take it off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. The smell alone will make you hungry.

Serving Your Vanilla Rice Pudding

Spoon the warm pudding into bowls. Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for extra flavour. Some people add a small knob of butter on top too, which melts in and adds even more richness.

Rice pudding tastes best warm but it’s also good cold. If you like it chilled, pop it in the fridge for a couple of hours. The pudding will thicken more as it cools.

Ways To Dress It Up

This quick vanilla rice pudding is delicious on its own but you can dress it up if you’re feeling fancy. Add a spoonful of fruit jam, fresh berries or sliced bananas on top. A drizzle of honey works well too.

Some people stir in raisins or sultanas while cooking. If you like a bit of crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts over the top just before serving.

You can also swap the regular milk for coconut milk or almond milk for a twist. A splash of cream at the end makes it extra silky too.

How To Store Leftovers

If you have leftovers, put them in a container with a lid and store in the fridge. It will keep for about 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk and warm it slowly on the stove or in the microwave. This brings back the creaminess.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

Lots of rice pudding recipes take ages and use raw rice. This quick version uses cooked rice so it’s done in no time. It’s a great way to use up leftover rice from last night’s dinner.

The vanilla gives it that classic sweet flavour without needing anything extra. If you don’t have vanilla extract, you can use vanilla bean paste or scrape seeds from a fresh pod if you have one.

Tips To Make It Just Right

• Stir it often so the milk doesn’t stick to the bottom.
• Use whole milk for the creamiest texture. Low fat works too but won’t be as rich.
• If you like your pudding extra thick, let it cook a few minutes longer.
• Always add the vanilla at the end so the flavour doesn’t cook off.

A Simple Dessert Everyone Loves

Rice pudding doesn’t need to be fancy. Sometimes the best desserts are the ones that remind you of home. Whether you make it for a weeknight treat or a weekend dessert, this quick vanilla rice pudding is sure to hit the spot.

So next time you find some leftover rice in the fridge, don’t toss it out. Turn it into this warm, sweet pudding instead. You’ll be glad you did.