Rice Pudding Leftover Rice

Featured in: Comfort Baking

This creamy dessert transforms leftover rice into a warm, comforting dish by simmering it slowly with milk, sugar, and fragrant cinnamon. The mixture thickens to a luscious consistency and is enhanced with vanilla and butter for richness. Served warm or chilled, it's a delicious way to use rice remnants, offering a sweet yet simple treat that’s perfect any time.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 10:48:00 GMT
Photo of creamy rice pudding, a delightful dessert made with leftover rice, garnished with cinnamon. Save
Photo of creamy rice pudding, a delightful dessert made with leftover rice, garnished with cinnamon. | butterhearth.com

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

I first tried making rice pudding when I had an abundance of cooked jasmine rice from dinner the night before. The sweet aroma of vanilla and cinnamon filled my kitchen as it simmered, turning humble leftovers into something comforting.

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.
Cook:
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:
Remove from heat. Let cool slightly. The pudding will thicken as it cools.
Serve:
Serve warm or chilled, sprinkled with extra cinnamon.
Warm, cinnamon-kissed rice pudding, a simple dessert to make from yesterday's leftover rice, ready to eat. Save
Warm, cinnamon-kissed rice pudding, a simple dessert to make from yesterday's leftover rice, ready to eat. | butterhearth.com

This dessert always reminds me of cozy evenings with family, when we'd gather and enjoy a homemade treat together, no matter how simple the ingredients.

Required Tools

You'll need a medium saucepan, a wooden spoon or spatula, measuring cups and spoons, and serving bowls.

Allergen Information

Contains dairy. If using plant-based milk, double-check labels for hidden allergens in flavored varieties.

Nutritional Information

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

Close-up of comforting rice pudding, enriched with vanilla, offering a sweet treat using leftover rice. Save
Close-up of comforting rice pudding, enriched with vanilla, offering a sweet treat using leftover rice. | butterhearth.com

This creamy rice pudding is a delightful way to use leftovers and bring warmth to any meal. Enjoy it warm or cold, and top it with your favorite garnish!

Recipe Questions

Can I use different types of rice?

Yes, white or jasmine rice works best, but other cooked rice varieties can be used for a slightly different texture and flavor.

How do I adjust sweetness?

You can add more or less sugar during cooking according to your preference or use alternative sweeteners.

Can I add extra flavors?

Yes, vanilla extract enhances the creaminess, and toppings like raisins or nuts provide pleasing variations.

What is the best way to serve this dish?

It can be enjoyed warm for a cozy treat or chilled for a refreshing dessert option.

Is it possible to make it dairy-free?

Substitute whole milk with plant-based milk alternatives, but check for any added flavors to maintain taste.

Rice Pudding Leftover Rice

Creamy dessert crafted from leftover rice, sweetened and infused with cinnamon for a warm, comforting finish.

Prep duration
5 min
Time to cook
20 min
Complete duration
25 min
Created by Grace Mitchell


Skill Level Easy

Heritage International

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations 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

Directions

Stage 01

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

Stage 02

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

Stage 03

Cook pudding: Reduce heat and cook uncovered, stirring often, for 15 to 20 minutes until the mixture thickens to desired consistency.

Stage 04

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

Stage 05

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

Stage 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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consider consulting with a healthcare provider if you're unsure about certain ingredients.
  • Contains dairy; verify plant-based milk alternatives for allergens.

Nutritional information (per portion)

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