Rice Pudding with Cinnamon and Raisins
Rice Pudding with Cinnamon and Raisins is a creamy, comforting dessert featuring tender short-grain rice cooked slowly in whole milk with warm cinnamon and sweet raisins. Perfect served warm or chilled, this classic treat blends subtle spices and fruity bursts for a cozy, satisfying experience that’s easy to prepare and adaptable to various dietary preferences including vegan versions.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Stovetop Simmering
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup short-grain rice
- 4 cups whole milk (or plant-based milk for vegan option)
- 1/2 cup sugar (white or brown sugar, or maple syrup as a substitute)
- 2 cinnamon sticks or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Rinse and Cook the Rice: Rinse 1 cup of short-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 4 cups of whole milk, 1/2 cup sugar, a pinch of salt, and 2 cinnamon sticks.
- Simmer Gently: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow the rice to absorb the milk fully and become creamy and tender.
- Add Raisins and Vanilla: Stir in 1/2 cup of raisins and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes to allow the raisins to plump and the flavors to meld.
- Remove Cinnamon and Cool: Remove the cinnamon sticks from the pudding and take the pot off the heat. Serve warm immediately or let it cool to serve chilled, according to your preference.
Notes
- Use short-grain rice for optimal creaminess and texture.
- Stir frequently during cooking to prevent burning and to encourage smooth consistency.
- Adjust sweetness gradually by tasting as you cook.
- Whole cinnamon sticks provide a milder, more nuanced flavor compared to ground cinnamon.
- Opt for full-fat milk for a richer pudding or use plant-based alternatives for a vegan version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: rice pudding, cinnamon, raisins, creamy dessert, comfort food, vegan rice pudding, dairy-free dessert