This creamy rice pudding is a simple and comforting dessert made with everyday ingredients like milk, sugar, lemon zest, and cinnamon — no eggs needed! It’s easy to prepare and delivers a rich, smooth texture with a deliciously aromatic flavor.
If you're looking for a comforting dessert, you've come to the right place. This easy rice pudding recipe it's pure comfort in a bowl: rich, creamy, and one of the most beloved desserts around here. It’s definitely worth every spoonful! You can also find this rice pudding recipe in this collection of 15 Portuguese Desserts.
It’s an old-fashioned dessert that’s easy to make and ideal for any occasion, from family dinners to holidays. If you enjoy simple and creamy desserts that don’t require baking, you’ll love these easy desserts: Crispy French toast made in the air fryer, a rich Chocolate Mousse with just 4 ingredients, quick Portuguese sawdust pudding (Serradura recipe) ready in 10 minutes, or a classic Tiramisu.
What Is Rice Pudding?
Rice pudding is a classic dessert made by slowly cooking rice with milk and sugar until it becomes soft, creamy, and comforting. It’s enjoyed all over the world, with many variations depending on the region.
This version is inspired by traditional Portuguese rice pudding (arroz doce), but made without eggs. Flavored with a hint of lemon and finished with a sprinkle of cinnamon, it’s a simple and delicious dessert that’s very easy to prepare.
Ingredients For Creamy Rice Pudding (Old-Fashioned Portuguese Arroz Doce)
Here you'll find all the ingredients needed to make this easy recipe:
- Rice - To make the perfect rice pudding we use medium-grain rice. Medium-grain rice makes the rice pudding creamier and absorbs the flavors much more.
- Water - For cooking the rice.
- Milk - Adds flavor and a creamy texture to the rice.
- Granulated sugar - Sweetens it up.
- Lemon peel - Adds a very nice fresh flavor.
- Cinnamon powder and cinnamon stick - Ingredients that add flavor.
- Salt - Highlights all the other flavors.
Below you’ll find the correct measurement of all ingredients and the step-by-step guide for this old fashioned rice pudding recipe.
How to Make Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe
Step 1: In a medium saucepan, pour the water, lemon peel, one cinnamon stick and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil on a high heat.
Step 2: When starts boiling, remove the cinnamon stick. Reduce to low heat and add the rice.
Step 3: Meanwhile, in a saucepan, pour the milk and the remaining cinnamon stick. Boil on a medium-high heat. When starts boiling, turn off the heat and remove the cinnamon stick.
Step 4: When the rice is cooked, pour the milk into the rice pan. Stir and boil on a medium-low heat until obtain a creamy mixture (about 20 to 25 minutes), stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Remove the lemon peel and add the sugar. Stir and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Turn off the heat, pour the rice in a large bowl or in individual bowls and garnish with cinnamon powder.
Step 7: Allow to cool to room temperature and serve.
Tips For Perfect Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe
1. One of the most important things is choosing the right rice, medium-grain rice works best for this recipe of rice pudding due to their higher starch content, which helps create a creamy texture and to absorb the flavors much more.
2. Stir the rice pudding frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
3. Don’t rush the cooking process and adjust sugar to taste.
4. Serve the rice pudding with a generous sprinkle of cinnamon powder (adicionar ao q já esta).
5. Always cook the rice with the pan covered and over low heat to prevent the rice from burning and sticking to the bottom of the pan.
6. Rice pudding can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
Rice Pudding Variations
1. Add condensed milk for a richer, sweeter flavor (Rice pudding with condensed milk)
2. Add eggs for a creamier texture
3. Use orange peel instead of lemon
FAQs
Can I make rice pudding without eggs?
Yes! This recipe is naturally egg-free and still incredibly creamy and flavorful.
Can I store rice pudding in the fridge?
Yes, you can store rice pudding in the fridge. Allow it to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Can I make rice pudding without medium-grain rice?
Yes, you can make rice pudding without medium-grain rice. While medium-grain rice is ideal for creating a naturally creamy texture, several other types work well, such as short-grain rice or long-grain rice.
You May Also Like
- Tigelada (3-Ingredient Portuguese dessert)
- Baba de camelo (Camel drool dessert)
- Pastel de nata (Portuguese custard tarts)
- Chocolate and cream mousse
- Portuguese vermicelli pudding
- Strawberry jam (Kenwood cooking chef)
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Creamy Rice Pudding (Arroz Doce)
This creamy rice pudding is a simple and comforting dessert made with everyday ingredients like milk, sugar, lemon zest, and cinnamon — no eggs needed! It’s easy to prepare and delivers a rich, smooth texture with a deliciously aromatic flavor.
4.40 from 10 reviews
- 100 grams (1/2 cup) medium-grain rice
- 400 ml (1 3/4 cups) water
- 700 ml (about 3 cups) milk
- 225 grams (1 cup) granulated sugar
- Lemon peel
- Cinnamon powder for garnish
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- A pinch of salt
- In a medium saucepan, pour the water, lemon peel, one cinnamon stick and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil on a high heat.
- When starts boiling, remove the cinnamon stick. Reduce to low heat and add the rice. Stir and cook the rice for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile, in a saucepan, pour the milk and the remaining cinnamon stick. Boil on a medium-high heat. When starts boiling, turn off the heat and remove the cinnamon stick.
- When the rice is cooked, pour the milk into the rice pan. Stir and boil on a medium-low heat until obtain a creamy mixture (about 20 to 25 minutes), stirring occasionally.
- Remove the lemon peel and add the sugar. Stir and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Turn off the heat, pour the rice in a large bowl or in individual bowls and garnish with cinnamon powder.
- Allow to cool to room temperature and serve.
