Introduction:
Did you know that rice pudding has been enjoyed for over 2,000 years across nearly every continent? This timeless comfort food continues to captivate with its Creamy Rice Pudding Spiced With Cinnamon And Sweet Bursts Of Raisins. Our Cinnamon Raisin Rice Pudding recipe is a simple yet magical dessert or snack that brings warmth and nostalgia to any occasion. Made from basic ingredients, it’s perfect for family gatherings or quiet evenings, and its versatility means you can enjoy it warm straight from the pot or chilled from the fridge. This classic treat delivers cozy satisfaction with every spoonful.
Table of Contents
Ingredients List:
To make this creamy rice pudding spiced with cinnamon and studded with raisins, you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Arborio or medium-grain white rice | 1 cup | — |
| Whole milk | 4 cups | Substitute: 2% milk or plant-based alternatives |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup | — |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | — |
| Ground cinnamon | 1½ teaspoons | Plus extra for serving |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | — |
| Eggs | 2 | Lightly beaten |
| Raisins | ¾ cup | Golden or regular |
| Butter (optional) | 1 tablespoon | For added richness |
| Optional garnishes | — | Maple syrup, fresh berries, or toasted nuts |
The star ingredients—cinnamon and raisins—create that perfect balance of warmth and sweetness, while the Arborio rice ensures the pudding achieves that ideal creamy consistency we all crave.
Timing:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes (30% faster than traditional rice pudding recipes that often require up to 90 minutes)
This creamy rice pudding spiced with cinnamon and studded with raisins is relatively quick to prepare compared to many homemade desserts, making it perfect for weeknight treats or last-minute entertaining.
Step-By-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Rice Base
Combine rice, milk, sugar, and salt in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom. This foundation is crucial for making this creamy rice pudding spiced with cinnamon and studded with raisins properly.
Pro tip: Use a non-stick pot if available, as rice pudding can be notorious for sticking and scorching.
Step 2: Simmer And Develop Creaminess
Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for approximately 25–30 minutes, stirring often, until rice is tender and mixture starts to thicken. The starches from the rice will gradually release, creating that signature creamy texture.
Remember that the pudding will continue to thicken as it cools, so aim for a consistency slightly thinner than your desired final result.
Step 3: Add Flavor Elements
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the cinnamon, vanilla extract, and raisins. The residual heat will plump the raisins and bloom the cinnamon‘s flavor.
For extra-plump raisins, consider soaking them in warm water (or even rum for an adult version) for 10 minutes before adding.
Step 4: Incorporate Eggs For Richness
Temper the beaten eggs by slowly adding about 1/2 cup of the hot rice mixture while whisking constantly. This prevents the eggs from scrambling.
Then gradually pour the tempered egg mixture back into the pot, stirring continuously.
This technique is essential for achieving that perfect velvety consistency in your creamy rice pudding spiced with cinnamon and studded with raisins.
Step 5: Final Cooking And Setting
Return the pot to low heat and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly until the pudding thickens slightly.
If using butter, stir it in now for added richness.
Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before serving warm, or refrigerate to enjoy cold.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 275
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 255mg
Research indicates that cinnamon not only adds flavor to this creamy rice pudding spiced with cinnamon and studded with raisins but also offers potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties and blood sugar regulation.
Healthier Alternatives For The Recipe
For a lighter version of this creamy rice pudding spiced with cinnamon and studded with raisins, consider these modifications:
- Substitute brown rice for white rice to increase fiber content (note: cooking time will increase by 15–20 minutes)
- Replace whole milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option
- Reduce sugar to 1/3 cup and enhance sweetness with a tablespoon of maple syrup
- Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar for a lower-calorie dessert
- Add a tablespoon of chia seeds for omega-3 fatty acids and additional fiber
Serving Suggestions:
This creamy rice pudding spiced with cinnamon and studded with raisins is wonderfully versatile:
- Serve warm in small ramekins with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon for a cozy winter dessert
- Chill and top with fresh berries for a refreshing summer treat
- Layer in parfait glasses with yogurt and granola for a decadent breakfast option
- Package in mason jars for portable snacks or lunchbox treats
- Create a dessert bar with various toppings: toasted coconut, chopped pistachios, honey drizzle, or fresh fruit
Common Mistakes To Avoid:
- Using the wrong rice type: Long-grain rice won’t create the creamy texture essential for making this creamy rice pudding spiced with cinnamon and studded with raisins. Stick with medium-grain or Arborio.
- Cooking at too high a temperature: Rice pudding requires patience and gentle heat to avoid scorching.
- Insufficient stirring: Regular stirring prevents hot spots and ensures even cooking.
- Adding raisins too early: This can cause them to become mushy; add them toward the end of cooking.
- Skipping the tempering step: Adding eggs directly to hot pudding will result in scrambled eggs instead of a smooth pudding.
Storing Tips For The Recipe:
Your creamy rice pudding spiced with cinnamon and studded with raisins will keep well when stored properly:
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days
- To prevent a skin from forming, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface
- The pudding will thicken considerably when chilled; thin with a splash of milk if desired
- This recipe doesn’t freeze well due to texture changes upon thawing
- For individual portions, store in small containers for grab-and-go snacks
FAQs:
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead Of Time?
Absolutely! This creamy rice pudding spiced with cinnamon and studded with raisins actually improves with time as flavors meld. Make it up to 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator.
Can I Use Leftover Cooked Rice?
While possible, starting with uncooked rice yields the creamiest results. If using leftover rice, reduce milk to 3 cups and cooking time to about 15 minutes.
Is Rice Pudding Gluten-Free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Can I Make This In A Slow Cooker?
Yes! Combine all ingredients except eggs in a slow cooker, cook on low for 2–3 hours, then temper and add eggs during the final 20 minutes.
Conclusion:
This Creamy Rice Pudding, spiced with cinnamon and studded with raisins, brings together affordable ingredients to create something truly special that transcends its humble origins. The comforting aroma of cinnamon, the subtle sweetness of plump raisins, and the creamy texture of perfectly cooked rice combine to create a dessert that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or treating yourself after a long day, this versatile dessert adapts to any occasion and season—so try making it this weekend and share your results with us in the comments section!
