13 Creamy Rice Pudding Recipes with Cinnamon
There’s something undeniably comforting about rice pudding— that silky, creamy texture that hugs every spoonful, infused with the warm spice of cinnamon. I still remember as a child, huddled in my grandmother’s kitchen on chilly winter evenings, watching her stir a pot of rice pudding on the stove. The aroma of cinnamon wafting through the house was pure magic, turning a simple dessert into a hug in a bowl. Those memories sparked my lifelong love for this classic treat, and they’ve inspired countless kitchen experiments over the years.
Lately, I’ve been on a mission to elevate rice pudding beyond the basics. With rising interest in plant-based options, global flavors, and healthier twists, I’ve whipped up batches infused with everything from coconut milk to exotic spices, always with that signature cinnamon kick. These 13 recipes are my latest obsessions—easy to make, endlessly versatile, and perfect for cozy nights or impressing guests. Whether you’re nostalgic like me or just craving something creamy and spiced, dive in!
Classic Stovetop Cinnamon Rice Pudding
This timeless recipe uses Arborio rice for that ultra-creamy texture without eggs. Ingredients: 1 cup Arborio rice, 4 cups whole milk, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 cinnamon stick, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, pinch of salt, 1 tsp vanilla extract.
Simmer rice, milk, sugar, cinnamon stick, and salt over medium-low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring often until thickened. Remove stick, stir in ground cinnamon and vanilla. Benefits: Comforting and nostalgic, naturally gluten-free, and customizable with toppings like raisins.
Vegan Coconut Cinnamon Rice Pudding
A dairy-free dream made with coconut milk for tropical richness. Ingredients: 1 cup jasmine rice, 2 cans coconut milk, 1/3 cup sugar, 2 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp vanilla, pinch of salt.
Cook rice in coconut milk, sugar, cinnamon, and salt on low for 25 minutes until creamy. Stir in vanilla. Benefits: Plant-based, vegan-friendly, and packed with healthy fats from coconut for sustained energy.
Chocolate Cinnamon Rice Pudding
Indulge with cocoa for a decadent twist on the classic. Ingredients: 1 cup short-grain rice, 4 cups milk, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 1.5 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp vanilla.
Combine all in a pot, simmer 35 minutes stirring frequently until thick and chocolatey. Benefits: Antioxidant boost from cocoa and cinnamon, plus a mood-lifting dessert that’s still relatively low-cal.
Apple Cinnamon Rice Pudding
Like autumn in a bowl, with fresh apples for fruity chew. Ingredients: 1 cup rice, 3 cups milk, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 diced apples, 2 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg.
Cook rice, milk, sugar, and spices 20 minutes, add apples, simmer 15 more. Benefits: Fiber-rich from apples aids digestion, naturally sweetened vibe for guilt-free snacking.
Almond Cinnamon Rice Pudding
Nutty and elegant, topped with slivered almonds. Ingredients: 1 cup rice, 4 cups almond milk, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 tsp almond extract, 2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 cup slivered almonds.
Simmer rice in almond milk, sugar, cinnamon, and extract for 30 minutes; toast almonds separately. Benefits: Low-carb nut milk option, heart-healthy almonds provide vitamin E.
Slow Cooker Cinnamon Rice Pudding
Hands-off perfection for busy days. Ingredients: 1.5 cups rice, 6 cups milk, 3/4 cup sugar, 2 tbsp cinnamon, 1 tsp vanilla, pinch salt.
Mix in slow cooker on low 4-6 hours, stir halfway. Benefits: Effortless prep, even cooking prevents scorching, ideal for meal-prep.
Baked Cinnamon Rice Pudding
Crispy top, custardy bottom from oven magic. Ingredients: 1 cup rice (precooked), 3 cups milk, 1/2 cup sugar, 3 eggs, 2 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp vanilla.
Mix, pour into greased dish, bake 350°F for 45 minutes. Benefits: Protein from eggs for satiety, comforting baked texture like crème brûlée lite.
Cardamom Cinnamon Rice Pudding
Exotic Indian-inspired fusion spice blend. Ingredients: 1 cup basmati rice, 4 cups milk, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp cardamom, saffron pinch.
Simmer 30 minutes with spices. Benefits: Digestive aids from cardamom, aromatic and anti-inflammatory spices elevate wellness.
Orange Cinnamon Rice Pudding
Citrus zing brightens the creaminess. Ingredients: 1 cup rice, 4 cups milk, 1/3 cup sugar, zest/juice 2 oranges, 1.5 tsp cinnamon.
Cook rice in milk, sugar, zest, juice, and cinnamon 35 minutes. Benefits: Vitamin C from oranges boosts immunity, refreshing twist on heavy desserts.
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rice Pudding
Fall favorite with pureed pumpkin. Ingredients: 1 cup rice, 3 cups milk, 1 cup pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ginger.
Simmer all together 30-40 minutes until thick. Benefits: Beta-carotene from pumpkin for skin health, seasonal and fiber-packed.
Pistachio Cinnamon Rice Pudding
Crunchy green nuts for Middle Eastern flair. Ingredients: 1 cup rice, 4 cups milk, 1/3 cup sugar, 1/2 cup chopped pistachios, 2 tsp cinnamon.
Cook rice mixture 30 minutes, fold in most pistachios. Benefits: Antioxidant-rich pistachios support heart health, unique texture contrast.
Matcha Cinnamon Rice Pudding
Green tea fusion for an earthy, vibrant green hue. Ingredients: 1 cup rice, 4 cups milk, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 tsp matcha powder, 1 tsp cinnamon.
Whisk matcha into hot milk, add rice and simmer 35 minutes. Benefits: Matcha’s calm energy from L-theanine, low-sugar antioxidant powerhouse.
Rum Raisin Cinnamon Rice Pudding
Boozy adult upgrade with plump raisins. Ingredients: 1 cup rice, 4 cups milk, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup raisins soaked in 1/4 cup rum, 2 tsp cinnamon.
Simmer rice 30 minutes, stir in rum raisins. Benefits: Antioxidants from raisins, indulgent flavor without excess calories if portioned.
These 13 creamy rice pudding recipes with cinnamon are your ticket to endless comfort and creativity in the kitchen—simple enough for weeknights yet fancy enough for company. Pick one (or three!) to recreate those warm feels from my childhood or spark your own memories. Grab your rice and spices, and let me know in the comments which became your favorite!
