Creamy Leftover Rice Dessert

Featured in: Sweet & Simple Treats

This comforting dish transforms leftover rice into a creamy, gently sweetened delight infused with warm cinnamon. Combining cooked rice with milk and sugar, it's slowly simmered to thicken, then enriched with vanilla and butter for extra smoothness. Served warm or chilled, it's perfect as a simple, satisfying dessert using pantry staples and a few aromatic ingredients.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 15:21:00 GMT
Creamy rice pudding with leftover rice, swirled with cinnamon, perfect for a cozy dessert any time. Save
Creamy rice pudding with leftover rice, swirled with cinnamon, perfect for a cozy dessert any time. | dashnosh.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 evening when I wanted something sweet without much effort. It's now a favorite for using what’s left after dinner.

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 (optional): 1 tsp
  • Salt: Pinch
  • Unsalted butter (optional): 1 tbsp
  • 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.
Cook:
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.
Enjoy a warm bowl of rice pudding made from leftover rice, sprinkled with cinnamon for serving. Save
Enjoy a warm bowl of rice pudding made from leftover rice, sprinkled with cinnamon for serving. | dashnosh.com

This pudding is always a hit when made for family gatherings and brings back memories of my grandmother’s kitchen.

Required Tools

Use a medium saucepan to gently simmer the ingredients and a wooden spoon or spatula for stirring.

Allergen Information

Contains milk. Always double-check labels when using plant-based milk or flavored products.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 210 Protein: 5 g Total Fat: 4 g Carbohydrates: 40 g

The comforting smell of cinnamon fills the air as this simple rice pudding with leftover rice simmers. Save
The comforting smell of cinnamon fills the air as this simple rice pudding with leftover rice simmers. | dashnosh.com

Enjoy your bowl of rice pudding warm or chilled—a lovely finish for any meal.

Creamy Leftover Rice Dessert

Comforting sweet treat using leftover rice, milk, sugar, and cinnamon for a creamy finish.

Prep Duration
5 min
Cook Duration
20 min
Complete Duration
25 min
Created by Tyler Morgan

Recipe Type Sweet & Simple Treats

Skill Level Easy

Cultural Heritage International

Output 4 Portion Size

Nutritional Categories Meat-Free, No Gluten

What You'll Need

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

Method

Step 01

Combine Base Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, mix the cooked rice, whole milk, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon.

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

Incorporate Flavor Enhancers: During the last two minutes, stir in vanilla extract, salt, and unsalted butter if using.

Step 05

Cool Slightly: Remove from heat and allow to cool briefly; the pudding will thicken as it rests.

Step 06

Serve: Serve warm or chilled, finished with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top.

Kitchen Tools Needed

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

Allergy Alerts

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if concerned.
  • Contains dairy; verify if alternative milks contain allergens.

Nutrition Details (serving size)

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