Rice Pudding Leftover Rice

Featured in: Rustic Comfort Meals

This creamy, comforting dessert transforms leftover rice into a smooth treat infused with warm cinnamon and vanilla. Combining cooked rice with milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt, it gently simmers until thickened. The addition of butter smooths the texture, while optional flavorings like vanilla enhance aroma. Serve warm or chilled, garnished with cinnamon for a simple yet delightful finish. Ideal for an easy, satisfying dessert that reduces waste and uses common pantry ingredients.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 13:47:00 GMT
A warm bowl of creamy Rice Pudding with Leftover Rice, sprinkled with sweet cinnamon for serving. Save
A warm bowl of creamy Rice Pudding with Leftover Rice, sprinkled with sweet cinnamon for serving. | birchplate.com

A creamy comforting dessert made from leftover rice gently sweetened with sugar and infused with warm cinnamon.

Rice pudding always reminds me of my childhood. Whenever we had extra rice my mom would transform it into something sweet and unforgettable. It quickly became a family favorite for cold evenings.

Ingredients

  • Cooked leftover rice: 2 cups (white or jasmine preferred)
  • Whole milk: 2 cups (or any milk of choice)
  • Granulated sugar: 1/3 cup
  • Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp
  • Vanilla extract: 1 tsp (optional)
  • Salt: Pinch
  • Unsalted butter: 1 tbsp (optional)
  • Ground cinnamon: for garnish

Instructions

Combine Base:
In a medium saucepan combine the cooked rice milk sugar and cinnamon.
Simmer:
Place over medium heat. Stir frequently until the mixture comes to a gentle simmer.
Thicken:
Lower the heat and cook uncovered stirring often for 15 to 20 minutes until the pudding thickens to your desired consistency.
Add Flavor:
Stir in vanilla extract salt and butter (if using) during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Cool:
Remove from heat. Let cool slightly. Pudding will thicken as it cools.
Serve:
Serve warm or chilled sprinkled with extra cinnamon.
Steaming hot Rice Pudding with Leftover Rice, perfectly thickened and fragrant, ready to enjoy. Save
Steaming hot Rice Pudding with Leftover Rice, perfectly thickened and fragrant, ready to enjoy. | birchplate.com

This recipe turns a simple staple into pure comfort. My family loves gathering to share bowls sprinkled with cinnamon after chilly days.

Required Tools

Medium saucepan wooden spoon or spatula measuring cups and spoons serving bowls

Allergen Information

Contains milk. Double-check labels if choosing plant-based alternatives.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 210 Total Fat: 4 g Carbohydrates: 40 g Protein: 5 g (per serving)

Simple and delicious: velvety texture of Rice Pudding with Leftover Rice, a comforting dessert. Save
Simple and delicious: velvety texture of Rice Pudding with Leftover Rice, a comforting dessert. | birchplate.com

Enjoy this creamy rice pudding warm or chilled for a quick comforting dessert. Sprinkle with cinnamon and let every spoonful bring cozy memories.

Recipe Questions & Answers

Can I use any type of rice for this dessert?

Yes, white or jasmine rice works best for a creamy texture, but you can experiment with other cooked rice varieties.

What can I substitute for whole milk?

Whole milk can be replaced with plant-based milks or half-and-half for extra creaminess, adjusting sweetness as needed.

How do I prevent the mixture from sticking to the pan?

Stir frequently over medium heat and use a medium saucepan to ensure even cooking and avoid sticking.

Can I add extra flavorings or toppings?

Yes, raisins, dried fruit, nuts, honey, or fresh berries can be added to enhance flavor and texture.

Is it better served warm or chilled?

Both options work well; warming enhances creaminess, while chilling firms the texture and intensifies flavors.

How long does it keep in the refrigerator?

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days; stir gently before serving as texture may thicken.

Rice Pudding Leftover Rice

Comforting creamy dessert from leftover rice, sweetened and flavored with cinnamon and vanilla.

Prep Duration
5 minutes
Time to Cook
20 minutes
Overall Time
25 minutes
Created by Elena Hart


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type International

Servings produced 4 Serving Size

Diet Details Vegetarian-Friendly, Wheat-Free

What You'll Need

Base

01 2 cups cooked leftover white or jasmine rice
02 2 cups whole milk
03 1/3 cup granulated sugar

Flavorings

01 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
02 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Finish

01 Pinch of salt
02 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional)
03 Ground cinnamon for garnish

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Combine Base Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, mix the cooked rice, whole milk, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon.

Step 02

Simmer Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir frequently until it reaches a gentle simmer.

Step 03

Cook Until Thickened: Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered, stirring often, for 15 to 20 minutes until thickened to desired consistency.

Step 04

Incorporate Final Ingredients: During the last two minutes, stir in vanilla extract, salt, and unsalted butter if using.

Step 05

Cool Slightly: Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly; the pudding will continue to thicken as it cools.

Step 06

Serve: Serve warm or chilled, garnished with additional ground cinnamon.

Tools Needed

  • Medium saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Serving bowls

Allergy Details

Review all components to spot allergies and check with a doctor if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy

Nutrition Breakdown (each serving)

Nutritional info is for reference. Please consult your doctor for specifics.
  • Energy (Calories): 210
  • Fats: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Proteins: 5 g