Creamy Leftover Rice Dessert

Featured in: Ginger Desserts

This creamy dessert transforms leftover rice into a comforting treat by gently simmering it with milk, sugar, and warm cinnamon. The mixture thickens over gentle heat, producing a smooth texture enhanced by optional vanilla and butter. Served warm or chilled, it offers a sweet and fragrant finish, perfect for using up extra rice and delighting the palate with simple, wholesome ingredients.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 08:33:00 GMT
Creamy rice pudding with leftover rice, garnished with cinnamon, ready to serve warm or chilled. Save
Creamy rice pudding with leftover rice, garnished with cinnamon, ready to serve warm or chilled. | gingertaste.com

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

I first made this rice pudding on a chilly weekend afternoon when I had extra jasmine rice from dinner. It turned out rich and satisfying giving everyone in the house a lovely treat.

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 Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan combine the cooked rice milk sugar and cinnamon.
Simmer:
Place over medium heat. Stir frequently until the mixture comes to a gentle simmer.
Thicken:
Lower the heat and cook uncovered stirring often for 15–20 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:
Remove from heat. Let cool slightly; pudding will thicken as it cools.
Serve:
Serve warm or chilled sprinkled with extra cinnamon.
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| gingertaste.com
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| gingertaste.com

This pudding is always a hit with my family especially when enjoyed together after dinner with stories around the table.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains milk (dairy). Be sure to check labels on plant-based milk or flavored ingredients.

Nutritional Information

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

A comforting bowl of rice pudding made from leftover rice, subtly sweet and flavorful. Save
A comforting bowl of rice pudding made from leftover rice, subtly sweet and flavorful. | gingertaste.com
A comforting bowl of rice pudding made from leftover rice, subtly sweet and flavorful. Save
A comforting bowl of rice pudding made from leftover rice, subtly sweet and flavorful. | gingertaste.com

This rice pudding makes any leftover rice special and is always comforting either warm or chilled.

Recipe Questions & Answers

Can I use different types of rice for this dish?

Yes, jasmine, white, or other cooked rices work well. Day-old or leftover rice is ideal for the best texture.

What milk options can I use?

Whole milk is classic, but cow’s milk alternatives or half-and-half can add creaminess or adjust flavor.

How long should I cook the mixture?

Simmer the mixture uncovered for about 15–20 minutes, stirring frequently until it thickens.

Can I add extras like fruits or nuts?

Absolutely. Raisins, dried fruits, chopped nuts, honey, or fresh berries can be added for variety and texture.

Is this dessert served hot or cold?

It can be enjoyed warm right after cooking or chilled for a cooler treat, depending on preference.

Creamy Leftover Rice Dessert

A creamy dessert crafted from leftover rice gently sweetened and flavored with cinnamon and vanilla.

Setup duration
5 min
Heat application time
20 min
Complete duration
25 min
Created by Olivia Harper

Classification Ginger Desserts

Complexity Easy

Heritage International

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition specifications Meat-free, Without gluten

Components

Base

01 2 cups cooked leftover white or jasmine rice
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

Preparation steps

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

Incorporate finishing ingredients: During the last 2 minutes, stir in vanilla extract, salt, and butter if using.

Phase 05

Cool slightly: Remove from heat and allow to cool briefly; pudding will thicken as it cools.

Phase 06

Serve: Serve warm or chilled, garnished with additional ground cinnamon.

Necessary tools

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

Potential allergens

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare advice if you're uncertain about ingredients.
  • Contains milk (dairy). Verify labels for plant-based alternatives.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy Content: 210
  • Fats: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Proteins: 5 g