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f comfort food had a personality, this easy rice pudding recipe would be the cozy friend who shows up unannounced with dessert and zero judgment. Creamy, cinnamon-kissed, and gloriously nostalgic, this rice pudding is everything you want when you’re craving something sweet, soothing, and seriously delicious. Best of all? It’s made with simple pantry staples and comes together without any fancy techniques—because dessert should be joyful, not stressful.
This creamy rice pudding starts with humble, washed rice simmered slowly until tender, then swirled into a dreamy mixture of milk, evaporated milk, and condensed milk. That trio is the secret to the ultra-luxurious texture: rich, silky, and spoon-clinging in the best way. Cinnamon sticks (and a final dusting of ground cinnamon) bring warmth and spice, giving every bite that instantly recognizable, cozy aroma that feels like home.
Now let’s talk about the star twist: caramel treat. This South African favorite takes the pudding into next-level territory, adding a deep, toffee-like sweetness that melts beautifully into the creamy base. The result? A rice pudding that gives off major South African milk tart (melktert) filling vibes—soft, custardy, gently spiced, and completely irresistible. If you love melktert, this pudding is about to become your new obsession.
Here’s my Traditional Milk Tart Recipe and also my No Bake Milk Tart Recipe if you’re craving that (which I do more often than I’d like to admit!).
One of the best things about this easy homemade rice pudding is its flexibility. Serve it warm for a comforting, straight-from-the-pot dessert, or chill it for a cool, creamy treat on warmer days. It’s equally magical both ways. Want to make it extra indulgent? Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top and let it slowly melt into the pudding—trust me, it’s a life choice you won’t regret.
Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic dessert, a crowd-pleasing sweet treat, or just an excuse to use condensed milk (always a good idea), this cinnamon rice pudding recipe delivers. It’s playful, cozy, and packed with flavor—proof that simple ingredients can create truly unforgettable desserts. Grab a spoon, sprinkle that cinnamon, and get ready to fall in love.
Rice Pudding
Equipment
- 1 medium or large saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 stick cinnamon
- 1 cup rice long grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 cups full cream milk
- ½ can evaporated milk
- ½ can condensed milk
- ½ tsp vanilla essence
- ¼ cup dolce de leche or caramel treat
Instructions
- Add the rice to a medium saucepan and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain properly and add 2 cups of warm water, cinnamon stick and salt. Stir lightly, cover and boil for 8-10 minutes. Note: place the lid at an angle to prevent the rice from boiling over.
- Add milk, evaporated milk, condensed milk, and vanilla essence. Stir and cooking on a medium heat for 10 minutes, uncovered, stirring occasionally. Note: stirring regularly will prevent the mixture from creating "a milk skin" at the base of the pot as well as on the surface.
- Add the dolce de leche/caramel treat, stir and cook for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The rice pudding is ready once the rice is tender and the mixture has thickened. Note: the mixture will continue to thicken as it cools down so keep this in mind.
- Dish up immediately, if you'd like to enjoy this warm. Garnishing with a dusting of ground cinnamon. You can also serve this with vanilla ice cream, of course!
Wonderful, rich and smooth.