10 Comforting Rice Pudding Recipes with Raisins

There’s something undeniably magical about rice pudding—warm, creamy, and dotted with plump raisins that burst with sweetness. I still remember spooning into my grandmother’s rice pudding on chilly winter evenings in our cozy kitchen. She’d simmer Arborio rice in whole milk with a handful of raisins, cinnamon, and a touch of vanilla, filling the house with a nostalgic aroma that wrapped us in comfort like a hug. Those childhood memories have stuck with me, making rice pudding my ultimate go-to for soothing the soul.

Lately, I’ve been experimenting in my own kitchen, tweaking the classic formula with global twists like coconut milk for a tropical vibe or cardamom for an exotic warmth. In our fast-paced world, where stress is the norm, these simple, budget-friendly desserts remind us to slow down and savor the simple pleasures. Raisins add that perfect chew and natural sweetness, elevating every bite.

Classic Creamy Rice Pudding with Golden Raisins

This timeless recipe is my nod to grandma’s version, using short-grain rice for ultimate creaminess and plump golden raisins for subtle sweetness. Ingredients: 1 cup Arborio rice, 4 cups whole milk, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup golden raisins, 1 tsp vanilla extract, pinch of salt.

Steps: 1. Rinse rice and simmer in milk, sugar, and salt over medium heat for 25-30 minutes, stirring often until thickened. 2. Stir in raisins and vanilla; cook 5 more minutes. 3. Cool slightly and serve warm or chilled.

It’s packed with comforting carbs for steady energy, calcium from milk for bone health, and antioxidants from raisins—pure nostalgia in a bowl without much effort.

Cinnamon-Spiced Rice Pudding with Raisins

Infused with warm cinnamon, this version transforms simple rice pudding into a spiced hug perfect for fall. Ingredients: 1 cup jasmine rice, 3 cups milk, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 3/4 cup raisins, 2 tsp cinnamon, 1 egg (beaten).

Steps: 1. Cook rice in milk and sugar for 20 minutes until tender. 2. Temper egg with hot mixture, stir back in with raisins and cinnamon; simmer 5 minutes. 3. Let rest for thicker texture.

The cinnamon aids digestion, while raisins provide fiber for gut health—ideal for cozy evenings when you need soothing warmth.

Coconut Rice Pudding with Plump Raisins

A tropical twist using creamy coconut milk for dairy-free decadence and raisins soaked in rum for extra plumpness. Ingredients: 1 cup basmati rice, 2 cups coconut milk, 2 cups water, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 cup raisins (soaked in 2 tbsp rum), lime zest.

Steps: 1. Simmer rice in coconut milk and water with sugar for 25 minutes. 2. Fold in rum-soaked raisins and lime zest. 3. Chill for a pudding parfait vibe.

Rich in healthy fats from coconut and iron from raisins, it’s a guilt-free treat that boosts mood with its exotic flavors.

Cardamom Rice Pudding with Raisins (Kheer-Inspired)

Drawing from Indian kheer, fragrant cardamom pods elevate this pudding with raisins for a floral, comforting depth. Ingredients: 1/2 cup basmati rice, 4 cups milk, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup raisins, 4 crushed cardamom pods, saffron strands.

Steps: 1. Boil milk with cardamom and saffron; add rice and simmer 30 minutes, stirring. 2. Mix in sugar and raisins near end. 3. Garnish with nuts if desired.

Cardamom supports digestion, and the combo offers stress-relieving aromatics—perfect for mindful dessert moments.

Baked Rice Pudding with Rum Raisins

Slow-baked for a caramelized crust, this hands-off recipe lets raisins plump in rum for boozy comfort. Ingredients: 1 cup long-grain rice, 4 cups milk, 1/2 cup sugar, 3/4 cup raisins (soaked in 1/4 cup rum), 1 tsp nutmeg.

Steps: 1. Mix all in a greased baking dish. 2. Bake at 325°F for 1.5 hours, stirring halfway. 3. Crust forms on top—serve warm.

Baking reduces active time while concentrating flavors; raisins add antioxidants, making it a hearty, satisfying dessert.

Slow Cooker Rice Pudding with Raisins

Effortless for busy days, the crockpot tenderizes rice while infusing raisins overnight. Ingredients: 1 cup uncooked rice, 4 cups milk, 1/2 cup maple syrup, 1 cup raisins, 1 tsp vanilla, cinnamon stick.

Steps: 1. Combine all in slow cooker. 2. Cook on low 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally. 3. Remove cinnamon; serve creamy.

Convenient prep means more family time; fiber from raisins aids satiety for lasting comfort.

Vegan Rice Pudding with Raisins and Almond Milk

Plant-based bliss using almond milk and oat creaminess, with raisins for natural chew. Ingredients: 1 cup short-grain rice, 3 cups almond milk, 1 cup oat cream, 1/3 cup agave, 3/4 cup raisins, vanilla bean paste.

Steps: 1. Simmer rice in milks and agave 25 minutes. 2. Stir in raisins and vanilla; cook until thick. 3. Top with toasted nuts.

Dairy-free with heart-healthy almonds and raisins’ polyphenols—nourishing comfort for all diets.

Orange Zest Rice Pudding with Raisins

Bright citrus zest cuts through richness, pairing with raisins for a sunny, comforting vibe. Ingredients: 1 cup risotto rice, 4 cups milk, 1/2 cup sugar, 2/3 cup raisins, zest of 2 oranges, 1 tsp vanilla.

Steps: 1. Cook rice in milk and sugar 25 minutes. 2. Add zest, raisins, and vanilla; simmer 5 minutes. 3. Chill for best flavor melding.

Vitamin C from orange zest boosts immunity alongside raisins’ iron—vibrant fuel in dessert form.

Almond Rice Pudding with Raisins

Toasted almonds add crunch to creamy rice, with raisins for sweet contrast in this nutty delight. Ingredients: 1 cup rice, 3.5 cups milk, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup raisins, 1/2 cup slivered almonds (toasted), almond extract.

Steps: 1. Simmer rice in milk and sugar 25 minutes. 2. Fold in raisins, almonds, and extract. 3. Rest for creaminess.

Protein-packed almonds promote fullness; a nutrient-dense twist on comfort food.

Chocolate Rice Pudding with Raisins

A decadent spin with melted dark chocolate and raisins for chewy pockets of joy. Ingredients: 1 cup Arborio rice, 4 cups milk, 1/3 cup sugar, 1/2 cup raisins, 4 oz dark chocolate (chopped), cocoa powder.

Steps: 1. Cook rice in milk and sugar 20 minutes. 2. Stir in chocolate until melted, add raisins. 3. Dust with cocoa.

Antioxidant-rich chocolate and raisins make this indulgent yet healthy—ultimate cozy treat.

These 10 rice pudding recipes with raisins are your ticket to effortless comfort—whip one up tonight and let the warmth melt away the day. Which will you try first? Share your twists in the comments!