Grandma’s Classic Rice Pudding with Cooked Rice: A Creamy Comfort Dessert

Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Rice Pudding with Cooked Rice

Rice pudding with cooked rice is a nostalgic, creamy dessert that comes together in just minutes on the stovetop, transforming leftover grains into a luscious comfort food treat.

Quick Facts

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: 331 kcal per serving
• Rating: 4.7 stars (853 reviews)

Ingredients for Rice Pudding with Cooked Rice

• 1.5 cups cooked white rice
• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Ground cinnamon, for garnish
• Optional: ¼ cup raisins or a pinch of nutmeg

Instructions to Make Rice Pudding with Cooked Rice

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cooked rice and milk. Stir gently to break up any clumps.
2. Add the granulated sugar and a pinch of salt. Continue stirring until the mixture begins to simmer.
3. Whisk the egg in a small bowl. Slowly pour a ladle of the hot rice mixture into the egg, whisking constantly (this tempers the egg).
4. Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring continuously, until the pudding thickens.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
6. Transfer to individual serving dishes or a large bowl. Let cool slightly; the pudding will firm up as it rests.
7. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon and optional raisins or nutmeg before serving.

Why This Recipe Works

Using leftover cooked rice speeds up prep time and ensures a velvety texture—no need to cook raw grains from scratch. The combination of egg, butter, and vanilla creates a custard-like richness reminiscent of grandma’s kitchen.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra creaminess, swap half the milk for half-and-half.
• If you like texture, add plump raisins or chopped dried fruit.
• Flavor variations: stir in a split vanilla bean, orange zest, or a dash of cardamom.
• To make it dairy-free, use coconut milk and vegan butter.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 331 kcal
• Carbs: 61 g
• Fat: 7 g (Saturated 4 g)
• Protein: 8 g
• Sugar: 39 g
• Sodium: 237 mg

Enjoy this rice pudding with cooked rice—a simple, comforting dessert that feels like home in every spoonful.

Recipe credit: Allrecipes