Extra Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe (2 Ingredients)

Make this Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe with Cream and rice, plus a pinch of salt and your choice of toppings. It’s incredible how just 2 ingredients can create such a silky, luxurious vanilla rice pudding that you’ll want to make again and again! This is one of the best rice pudding recipes! 

Can you believe that you only need two simple ingredients to make this easy recipe? It makes a good serving size as well, which makes a delicious dessert for one or two people.

The fun part about this comforting dish is that the whole family can customize it to taste how they want. Adding toppings to this super creamy rice pudding really does change the outcome! 

You’ll see a lot of people add a cinnamon stick for a fun look and flavor, and I’m all about adding fresh fruit. Since it’s a comfort food recipe, it’s all about adding what brings you happiness!

This is what makes it one of my favorite desserts. 

I’ve heard rave reviews from people who made this classic rice pudding recipe and also added a bit of brown sugar on top. I think that’s a great idea for anyone who has a sweet tooth!

A drizzle of maple syrup is also super yummy on this comforting dessert. 

For the simple step-by-step instructions, be sure to check out the recipe card below. It’s a great recipe with easy steps! 

Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe with Cream

My mom was a penny pincher, so rice pudding was always made with leftover white rice. 

And if we didn’t have leftover rice, there was no rice pudding… Which kinda stinks when you love it so much!

That got me thinking about how to make rice pudding without leftover rice. Have you ever had risotto? 

It is so rich and creamy because it’s made with Italian arborio, which has a high starch content.

You can see where this is going! Arborio rice creates an amazingly thick, rich, and creamy rice pudding, and my recipe is so easy to make. 

Start with vanilla, then try my pumpkin spice latte and orange creamsicle versions next!

Prefer something savory? Use your bag to make arancini, which are crispy Italian rice balls with a melty mozzarella center. YUM!!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• French Vanilla Creamer – You read that right — coffee creamer! Making this creamy rice pudding recipe with cream instead of milk gives you the best texture imaginable. 
  
  I always have International Delight in my fridge, but feel free to use your favorite.
  
• Arborio Rice – This is an Italian short-grain rice that’s a bit rounded. Because it isn’t processed as much, it retains more starch for a firmer texture. 
  
  It also cooks up creamier and chewier than other varieties, especially long-grain rice, making it the best option for chewy, creamy rice pudding.
  
  While you can use different rice, this is the one that I use for this delicious rice pudding because I like the texture.
  
  I’ve don’t typically use a different type of rice because it’s already my favorite recipe using short grain rice! 
  
• Kosher Salt – This is the best salt for any kind of cooking. You can substitute an equal amount of pink Himalayan salt or a slightly less amount of sea salt. 
  
  Just don’t use table salt!! 

Tips to Make the Creamiest Vanilla Rice Pudding

• Use flavored creamer instead of plain milk.

Yes, it’s a bit unconventional, but I promise it’s the key to the creamiest results!

And I know what you might be thinking… why not make this creamy rice pudding recipe with cream instead? 

Coffee creamer already has flavor and sweetener added, so you can enjoy a true 2 ingredient recipe.

• Bring the mixture just to a medium boil.

Trust me, you do not want to bring it to a full rolling boil and then cover. The mixture will boil over and you’ll be left with a nasty stove to clean — don’t ask me how I know!

Instead, wait until it’s just starting to bubble and get “lively” before immediately reducing the heat. Keep vanilla rice pudding at a simmer while it cooks.

• Then, crank up the heat and stir constantly at the end.

And by constantly, I do mean constantly! Keep your spoon or spatula moving, scraping along the bottom and sides of the pan so nothing sticks or burns.

The higher heat plus stirring is what helps rice pudding with vanilla to thicken to that luxuriously creamy texture.

Kitchen Tools You Will Need

• Large Saucepan – I use my 8-quart saucepan for this recipe. Choose a heavy-bottomed one so the heat is distributed more evenly and doesn’t burn the pudding.
• Heat-resistant Spoon or Silicone Spatula makes stirring and serving easier.
• Serving Bowls or Glasses – Even tall, half-pint mason jars would work!

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy rice vanilla pudding right away or chill it in the refrigerator for later. 

If you’d like, you can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or some fruit on top! Raisins are the most popular choice, but dried cranberries or apricots would be tasty too. 

More unique toppings for rice pudding include fruit jam, chocolate chips, lemon curd, or pieces of candied ginger

Storing Leftover Rice Vanilla Pudding

Homemade leftover rice pudding will keep for 3-4 days in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer. This is a good thing because it freezes well meaning that you can enjoy this pudding rice again! 

Enjoy cold or reheat in the microwave if you prefer it warm. It’s best to store this as individual servings, and be sure to thaw frozen rice pudding in the refrigerator first.

Vanilla Rice FAQ

Enjoy!

With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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Originally published March 2016, updated and republished March 2025

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