Vanilla Bean Rice Pudding
The Creamy, Nostalgic Dessert Everyone Is Suddenly Craving
Okay, hear me out: rice pudding is having a moment.
And honestly? It's about time.
One spoonful of this Vanilla Bean Rice Pudding and you'll understand exactly why this humble dessert has stood the test of time. It's creamy, perfectly sweet, infused with rich vanilla bean flavor, and somehow manages to feel both comforting and indulgent at the same time.
Whether you serve it warm on a cozy evening, chilled straight from the refrigerator, or sneak a spoonful directly from the pot at midnight (no judgment here), this classic dessert always delivers.
Even better? It's incredibly simple to make with pantry staples. And if you're dairy-free, full-fat coconut milk creates an equally rich and luxurious pudding that's absolutely delicious.
Hot or cold—which team are you on?
At Feed Your Soul, we love recipes that bring comfort and connection to the table. Just like our handcrafted cookie gift box, curated dessert boxes, and beloved cookie assortment collections, this recipe is all about creating simple moments worth savoring. We take pride in our process, our facility, our team, our products, and our mission to give back. We bake integrity into everything we do.
Why You'll Love This Vanilla Bean Rice Pudding
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Rich, creamy texture with minimal ingredients
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Perfect balance of sweetness and vanilla flavor
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Easy dairy-free adaptation
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Delicious served warm or chilled
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Great make-ahead dessert
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Comfort food at its finest
Ingredients
Vanilla Bean Rice Pudding
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4¼ cups whole milk (or full-fat coconut milk)
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⅔ cup medium or short-grain rice (Arborio works beautifully)
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⅔ cup granulated sugar
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1½ teaspoons vanilla bean paste
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Ground cinnamon, for serving
The Method
1. Combine Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, rice, and sugar over medium heat. Stir frequently as the mixture warms and reaches a gentle boil.
2. Simmer Low and Slow
Reduce the heat to low and continue simmering for 50–60 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking.
The rice should become tender and the mixture should thicken into a creamy pudding consistency.
3. Add the Vanilla
Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla bean paste until fully incorporated.
4. Portion the Pudding
Spoon into individual serving bowls or transfer to a large serving dish.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm or chilled with a generous sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
Enjoy! Xo
Pro Tips for Perfect Rice Pudding
Use Short-Grain Rice
Short and medium-grain rice varieties release more starch, creating the rich, creamy texture that makes rice pudding so irresistible.
Stir Frequently
Regular stirring prevents scorching and helps create a silky consistency.
Adjust the Texture
If the pudding thickens too much near the end of cooking—or after refrigeration—simply stir in a splash of milk and you're back in business.
Don't Skip the Vanilla Bean Paste
Vanilla bean paste adds incredible flavor and those beautiful vanilla specks that make this dessert feel extra special.
Make It Your Own
Try topping your pudding with:
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Fresh berries
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Toasted coconut
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Chopped nuts
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Caramel drizzle
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Extra cinnamon
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A dollop of whipped cream
Dairy-Free Option
Looking for a plant-based version?
Swap the whole milk for full-fat coconut milk. The result is a rich, velvety pudding with subtle coconut notes that pair beautifully with vanilla and cinnamon.
It's also a wonderful option for anyone searching for creative vegan gifts or dairy-free dessert inspiration.
The Perfect Dessert Table Addition
This pudding is beautiful on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a larger dessert spread. Serve it alongside mini cookies, an elegant cookie assortment, or one of our signature dessert box collections for a memorable gathering.
Looking for gifting ideas or something sweet on repeat? Explore our brownie subscription box, join our cookie of the month club, or try a hands-on cookie kit. Planning a larger event? Our bulk cookies and curated desserts help make entertaining effortless.
And for families looking for a fun baking activity, our cookie decorating kit and interactive cookie kit collections offer a sweet experience everyone can enjoy.
Final Thoughts
There's a reason rice pudding has remained a beloved dessert for generations. It's simple, comforting, endlessly satisfying, and proof that the best recipes don't need complicated ingredients to be memorable.
This Vanilla Bean Rice Pudding is creamy, nostalgic, and just the right amount of indulgent. Whether you're serving it warm on a chilly evening or enjoying it cold straight from the fridge, every spoonful feels like comfort in dessert form.
Now the only question left is:
Are you Team Hot Rice Pudding or Team Cold Rice Pudding?