Few desserts carry as much nostalgia and warmth as creamy baked rice pudding with cinnamon. With its velvety custard-like texture and the comforting aroma of spice, this timeless recipe transforms simple pantry ingredients into a luxurious treat that can be enjoyed warm or chilled, any time of year.

Rice pudding has long been a favorite across cultures, cherished for its simplicity and heartwarming flavor. Its creamy base and subtle sweetness often evoke childhood memories and family gatherings.

What sets baked rice pudding apart is the slow oven cooking, which allows flavors to meld together into a rich, custard-like dessert. The addition of cinnamon enhances its character, offering a warm spice that beautifully balances the creaminess.

Versatile and satisfying, this dessert can be served hot on cold evenings or chilled as a refreshing treat in warmer months. Whether for a festive occasion or a quiet night in, baked rice pudding remains a classic that never disappoints.

Ingredients

• Uncooked white rice
• Whole milk
• Heavy cream
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt
• Raisins (optional)
• Butter (for greasing)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to ensure even baking.
2. Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch.
3. In a saucepan, combine rice, milk, and a pinch of salt. Simmer gently, stirring often, until rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
4. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract to form the custard base.
5. Temper the eggs by slowly adding some hot rice mixture while whisking to avoid curdling.
6. Return the egg mixture to the saucepan, stirring constantly until smooth.
7. Stir in the heavy cream for added richness.
8. Grease a baking dish with butter, then pour in the rice mixture, spreading evenly.
9. Sprinkle ground cinnamon generously over the top. Add raisins if desired.
10. Bake for 40–50 minutes, until the pudding is set and golden brown on top.
11. Cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or chilled, depending on preference.

How to Make

To streamline preparation, gather all ingredients before starting. Rinse rice to ensure a smooth pudding base, then cook gently with milk and salt. Prepare a custard by whisking eggs, sugar, and vanilla, carefully tempering with hot rice mixture to prevent scrambling.

Incorporate cream for extra richness, then transfer everything to a buttered baking dish. Top with cinnamon for flavor and aroma. Bake until golden and firm. Raisins can be added inside or sprinkled over the top.

Serve slightly cooled for easier slicing, or refrigerate for a refreshing chilled dessert.

Tips

• Use whole milk and cream for maximum creaminess.
• Temper eggs slowly to ensure a silky custard.
• Add a cinnamon stick while cooking rice for deeper flavor, removing it before baking.
• Generously grease the baking dish to prevent sticking.
• Adjust sugar to taste for a sweeter or milder dessert.
• A splash of rum or vanilla bean paste adds extra depth.
• Let pudding cool slightly before serving so the custard sets properly.
• Refrigerate leftovers for up to a few days and reheat gently before serving.
• Top with whipped cream, nuts, or berries for added texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Creamy baked rice pudding with cinnamon is more than a dessert—it’s a comforting tradition. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a dish that feels indulgent and heartwarming.

The slow baking process allows the custard, rice, and cinnamon to blend seamlessly, creating a dessert that is both simple and luxurious. Perfect for any season, it adapts easily to your taste with optional toppings and flavorings.

Shared at the table, this pudding becomes more than food—it’s an experience of warmth and togetherness. With its inviting aroma and timeless taste, baked rice pudding with cinnamon will remain a cherished recipe in your kitchen for years to come.