Rice Pudding Leftover Rice

Featured in: Sweet Escapes

This creamy pudding highlights leftover rice gently cooked with milk, sugar, and cinnamon until thick and comforting. The mixture simmers slowly, absorbing warm spices and finishing with vanilla and butter for depth. Perfect served warm or chilled, it transforms simple ingredients into a soothing dessert. Optional add-ins like raisins, nuts, or berries enhance texture and flavor, making it a versatile and satisfying dish.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 14:46:00 GMT
A warm bowl of creamy Rice Pudding with Leftover Rice, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Save
A warm bowl of creamy Rice Pudding with Leftover Rice, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon. | lickjoke.com

A creamy comforting dessert made from leftover rice gently sweetened with sugar and infused with warm cinnamon.

This recipe rescued my leftover rice one chilly evening when I needed a simple sweet fix. The comforting aroma of cinnamon made our kitchen smell like home.

Ingredients

  • Cooked leftover rice: 2 cups (white or jasmine preferred)
  • Whole milk: 2 cups (or any milk of choice)
  • Granulated sugar: 1/3 cup
  • Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp
  • Vanilla extract: 1 tsp (optional)
  • Salt: Pinch
  • Unsalted butter: 1 tbsp (optional)
  • Ground cinnamon: For garnish

Instructions

Combine base:
In a medium saucepan combine the cooked rice milk sugar and cinnamon.
Simmer gently:
Place over medium heat. Stir frequently until the mixture comes to a gentle simmer.
Cook uncovered:
Lower the heat and cook uncovered stirring often for 15 to 20 minutes until the pudding thickens to your desired consistency.
Add flavorings:
Stir in vanilla extract salt and butter (if using) during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Cool slightly:
Remove from heat. Let cool slightly. Pudding will thicken as it cools.
Serve:
Serve warm or chilled sprinkled with extra cinnamon.
This comforting Rice Pudding with Leftover Rice features a smooth texture and sweet cinnamon flavor. Save
This comforting Rice Pudding with Leftover Rice features a smooth texture and sweet cinnamon flavor. | lickjoke.com

This simple dish became our family’s go-to comfort dessert especially after big meals when leftover rice is always around.

Required Tools

Medium saucepan wooden spoon or spatula measuring cups and spoons serving bowls

Allergen Information

Contains milk. Double-check labels if using plant-based milk or flavored ingredients

Nutritional Information

Calories: 210 Total Fat: 4 g Carbohydrates: 40 g Protein: 5 g (per serving)

Enjoy a spoonful of rich and flavorful Rice Pudding with Leftover Rice, perfect for dessert. Save
Enjoy a spoonful of rich and flavorful Rice Pudding with Leftover Rice, perfect for dessert. | lickjoke.com

This rice pudding is best served slightly warm or after chilling in the fridge. Enjoy it as a comforting dessert or simple snack anytime.

Recipe Guide

Can I use any type of rice for this pudding?

While white or jasmine rice is preferred for its texture, most cooked leftover rice varieties will work well as a base for this pudding.

How do I achieve the right pudding consistency?

Simmer the mixture uncovered and stir frequently. Cook until the liquid thickens to your desired creaminess, usually about 15–20 minutes.

Are there alternatives to whole milk?

You can substitute whole milk with half-and-half, evaporated milk, or plant-based milks, but this might slightly alter the creaminess.

Can additional flavors be added?

Yes, vanilla extract enhances flavor, and additions like raisins, nuts, honey, or berries add texture and character to the dish.

Should this dish be served warm or cold?

It can be enjoyed warm or chilled, depending on personal preference; chilling firms up the texture further.

Rice Pudding Leftover Rice

Comforting creamy pudding using leftover rice gently sweetened and infused with cinnamon.

Prep duration
5 min
Cook duration
20 min
Complete duration
25 min
Created by Hannah Brooks


Skill level Easy

Heritage International

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition guidelines Meat-free, No gluten

Components

Base

01 2 cups cooked leftover rice (white or jasmine preferred)
02 2 cups whole milk
03 1/3 cup granulated sugar

Flavorings

01 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
02 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Finish

01 Pinch of salt
02 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional)
03 Ground cinnamon, for garnish

Method

Phase 01

Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the cooked rice, milk, sugar, and cinnamon.

Phase 02

Heat mixture: Place over medium heat and stir frequently until the mixture reaches a gentle simmer.

Phase 03

Simmer pudding: Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered, stirring often, for 15 to 20 minutes until thickened to desired consistency.

Phase 04

Add finishing touches: Stir in vanilla extract, salt, and butter (if using) during the final 2 minutes of cooking.

Phase 05

Cool and thicken: Remove from heat and let cool slightly; the pudding will thicken as it cools.

Phase 06

Serve: Serve warm or chilled, sprinkled with additional cinnamon as garnish.

Tools needed

  • Medium saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Serving bowls

Allergy details

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if unsure.
  • Contains dairy

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 210
  • Fats: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Proteins: 5 g