Creamy Rice Pudding with Cooked Rice: Easy & Comforting Dessert Recipe
If you’re craving a warm, nostalgic dessert that’s simple to make with pantry staples, rice pudding with cooked rice is your go-to comfort treat. This classic dish transforms leftover rice into a rich, creamy, and lightly sweetened dessert that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re making it on a chilly evening or just want to use up extra rice in a delicious way, this easy rice pudding recipe is exactly what you need.
In this article, you’ll learn how to make traditional rice pudding using cooked rice, get tips for flavor variations, and discover how to store leftovers (if there are any!). Let’s dive into one of the most beloved old-fashioned desserts, with a practical twist.
Why You’ll Love This Rice Pudding with Cooked Rice Recipe
- ✅ Great for using up leftovers – Perfect way to repurpose leftover white rice or brown rice.
- ✅ Quick and easy – No need to start from scratch. This pudding comes together in under 30 minutes.
- ✅ Customizable – Add cinnamon, raisins, vanilla, coconut milk, or even chocolate.
- ✅ Family-friendly – Kids and adults alike enjoy this warm and creamy treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make rice pudding with cooked rice:
- 2 cups cooked white rice (day-old rice works best)
- 2 cups whole milk (or use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk for dairy-free)
- ½ cup heavy cream (for extra creaminess, optional but recommended)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg (helps thicken the pudding and adds richness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional but adds warm flavor)
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ cup raisins (optional)
- Butter for serving (optional)
💡 Tip: Leftover jasmine rice or basmati rice works well and adds a subtle aroma to the pudding.
How to Make Rice Pudding with Cooked Rice (Step-by-Step)
This recipe is super simple and uses one pot. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Warm the Rice and Milk
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cooked rice, milk, heavy cream, and sugar. Stir occasionally as the mixture heats up and starts to bubble slightly. This will help soften the rice and dissolve the sugar.
Step 2: Beat the Egg
In a small bowl, beat the egg. Slowly temper the egg by adding a few spoonfuls of the hot rice-milk mixture into the beaten egg while stirring. Then, slowly pour the egg back into the saucepan while stirring constantly.
⚠️ Tempering prevents the egg from scrambling.
Step 3: Add Flavor
Stir in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. If you’re using raisins, add them now. Let the pudding simmer gently for about 10–15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Check the Thickness
Cook until the pudding thickens to your desired consistency. It will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.
Step 5: Serve
Serve warm with a pat of butter on top, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a drizzle of maple syrup. You can also chill it and serve cold — both ways are delicious!
Variations of Rice Pudding with Cooked Rice
You can easily customize this dessert to suit your taste or dietary preferences:
🍫 Chocolate Rice Pudding
Stir in ¼ cup of cocoa powder or ½ cup of chocolate chips for a chocolaty twist.
🥥 Coconut Milk Version
Replace regular milk with coconut milk for a dairy-free, tropical-flavored pudding.
🍊 Citrus Twist
Add 1 teaspoon of orange or lemon zest for a fresh, bright flavor.
🥄 Spiced Rice Pudding
Boost flavor with nutmeg, cardamom, or a dash of clove.
🍇 Rum Raisin Rice Pudding
Soak the raisins in dark rum before adding to the pudding for an adult-friendly version.
What Kind of Rice Works Best?
You can use almost any type of rice in this recipe, but the best results come from:
- White rice (long grain, jasmine, or basmati)
- Brown rice for a nuttier flavor and more texture
- Arborio rice if you want extra creaminess (like risotto)
Avoid using rice that is overly dry or hard, unless you rehydrate it with a little extra milk.
Storage Tips
Rice pudding is great for making ahead. Here’s how to store it:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze rice pudding for up to 1 month, though the texture may slightly change.
- Reheating: Warm in a saucepan or microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen it.
FAQs About Rice Pudding with Cooked Rice
Can I use leftover rice from takeout?
Yes! Leftover white rice from Chinese or Thai takeout works well as long as it’s plain (no seasoning or sauces).
Is rice pudding supposed to be hot or cold?
Both! It’s traditionally served warm, but many people enjoy it chilled from the fridge — especially in warmer weather.
Can I make it without eggs?
Yes, simply omit the egg and simmer the milk-rice mixture longer until it thickens naturally. Adding a little cornstarch slurry can help thicken it too.
Is rice pudding gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check that your ingredients (especially flavorings or milk alternatives) are certified gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
Make this dessert extra special with some simple toppings:
- A dusting of ground cinnamon or nutmeg
- Fresh berries or banana slices
- A dollop of whipped cream
- Toasted nuts or shredded coconut
- A drizzle of caramel or honey
Final Thoughts
Rice pudding with cooked rice is the ultimate cozy dessert — creamy, comforting, and budget-friendly. Whether you’re repurposing leftover rice or making it from scratch, this recipe proves that something simple can be truly satisfying. Keep it classic or jazz it up with your favorite flavors — either way, it’s bound to become a go-to dessert in your home.
