FREE DINNER EBOOK! Get your copy!

Vanilla Bean Rice Pudding Creamy and Cozy Dessert

by on October 24, 2025

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Craving a warm, creamy treat? You’re in the right place! This Vanilla Bean Rice Pudding combines rich flavors and smooth textures for the perfect dessert. With simple ingredients, like Arborio rice and vanilla bean, you can create a cozy dish that warms your heart. Whether you top it with fresh berries or toasted coconut, this dessert is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the delicious process of making this comforting classic!

- 1 cup Arborio rice - 4 cups whole milk - 1 cup coconut milk - 1 vanilla bean (split and seeds scraped) - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional) - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - Fresh berries for garnish - Toasted coconut flakes for garnish The key to great vanilla bean rice pudding starts with the right ingredients. Arborio rice gives a nice creaminess. Whole milk adds richness, while coconut milk brings a hint of tropical flavor. The vanilla bean is the star here. It has seeds that create those lovely specks in the pudding. You can also use vanilla extract if you can’t find a vanilla bean. Sugar and salt balance the flavors. Ground cinnamon adds warmth, but feel free to skip it if you prefer a pure vanilla taste. Fresh berries and toasted coconut flakes make for a beautiful garnish. They add color and a nice crunch. Gather these ingredients, and you're ready to create a cozy dessert that warms the soul. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, rinse the Arborio rice. Place it in a fine-mesh sieve. Rinse it under cold water. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear. This step removes extra starch. It helps the rice cook evenly. Next, combine the rinsed rice with the other ingredients in a large saucepan. Add 4 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of coconut milk. Then, split the vanilla bean and scrape out the seeds. Add both the seeds and the pod to the saucepan with the rice. Finally, stir in 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to combine everything. Now, bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Keep an eye on it to avoid boiling too hard. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low. This helps the rice cook slowly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This is important to keep the rice from clumping together. Let it simmer gently for about 30 to 35 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep it smooth. The rice should become tender, and the pudding will thicken. If it gets too thick, just add a little more milk to loosen it up. When the rice is cooked, take the saucepan off the heat. Carefully remove the vanilla bean pod. Discard it, as it has done its job. Now, stir in 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, if you're using it. Add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract for extra flavor. This will really boost the taste. Allow the pudding to cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy it warm or chilled. To get the right thickness in your rice pudding, you may need to add more milk. If your pudding gets too thick, just stir in a little whole or coconut milk. This keeps it creamy and smooth. Stirring is very important, too. Stir often while it cooks. This helps the rice cook evenly and stops it from sticking to the pan. For a beautiful presentation, serve the rice pudding in small bowls or dessert glasses. This adds a nice touch to your meal. Top each serving with fresh berries. Strawberries or blueberries look and taste great. You can also sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for added flavor. These toppings make the dish fun and colorful. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh vanilla beans instead of vanilla extract. The aroma and taste will significantly enhance your rice pudding. Texture Control: If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in a little extra coconut milk or cream just before serving. This will add richness and smoothness. Perfect Rice Cooking: Make sure to stir the rice pudding frequently while it simmers. This prevents the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan and ensures even cooking. Chill for Flavor: Allow the pudding to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours after cooking. The flavors will meld together beautifully as it cools. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your vanilla bean rice pudding easily. Try using different types of milk. Almond milk or oat milk work great. These milks will give the pudding a nutty taste. You can also add chocolate to the mix. Just stir in some cocoa powder or chocolate chips. Coffee lovers can add a bit of brewed coffee. This gives a nice deep flavor. If you want a vegan version, swap out the dairy milk. Use only coconut milk or any plant-based milk. This keeps it creamy and rich. For gluten-free options, this recipe is already safe. Arborio rice is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure all other ingredients are also gluten-free. These small changes let everyone enjoy this cozy dessert. To keep your vanilla bean rice pudding fresh, place it in an airtight container. This helps prevent it from absorbing other smells in the fridge. Let the pudding cool down first before putting it away. The pudding lasts about three to four days in the refrigerator. If you want to enjoy it later, make sure to check for any signs of spoilage before you eat. When you're ready to enjoy your pudding again, you can warm it up in a few ways. The simplest method is to use the microwave. Place your pudding in a bowl and heat it in short bursts. Stir between each burst to ensure even heating. If you prefer the stove, pour the pudding into a saucepan. Warm it over low heat, stirring gently. This will help keep it creamy. The texture might thicken after refrigeration. If it does, simply add a splash of whole milk or coconut milk. Stir well to get that creamy goodness back. Enjoy! Can I use regular rice instead of Arborio? You can use regular rice, but Arborio is best. Arborio rice is starchy. This starch makes the pudding creamy. Regular rice may not give you the same texture. If you want the best results, stick with Arborio. How do I know when the rice pudding is done? Rice pudding is done when the rice is soft and the mixture is thick. It usually takes about 30-35 minutes. Stir it often while it cooks. Check the texture after 30 minutes. If it's too thick, add some milk to loosen it. Is there a way to make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make rice pudding ahead of time. Cook it and let it cool before storing. Place it in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stove. Add a little milk if needed to restore creaminess. This article covered how to make a delicious rice pudding using simple ingredients. I discussed main ingredients like Arborio rice, whole milk, and coconut milk. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparing and cooking the rice. I shared tips for perfect texture and serving suggestions. Variations allow you to experiment with flavors and dietary needs. Finally, I provided storage and reheating tips to enjoy your pudding later. With these insights, you can now create a perfect bowl of rice pudding tailored to your taste. Enjoy every bite!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Creamy Texture: This rice pudding boasts a wonderfully creamy texture that melts in your mouth, making it a comforting dessert.
  2. Vanilla Flavor: The combination of a split vanilla bean and pure vanilla extract infuses every bite with rich, aromatic vanilla goodness.
  3. Customizable Toppings: Top it with fresh berries and toasted coconut flakes for a burst of flavor and added texture, making it your own.
  4. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether served warm or chilled, this rice pudding is a delightful treat for both casual gatherings and special celebrations.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 cup Arborio rice

– 4 cups whole milk

– 1 cup coconut milk

– 1 vanilla bean (split and seeds scraped)

Additional Ingredients

– 1/2 cup granulated sugar

– 1/4 teaspoon salt

– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

– Fresh berries for garnish

– Toasted coconut flakes for garnish

The key to great vanilla bean rice pudding starts with the right ingredients. Arborio rice gives a nice creaminess. Whole milk adds richness, while coconut milk brings a hint of tropical flavor.

The vanilla bean is the star here. It has seeds that create those lovely specks in the pudding. You can also use vanilla extract if you can’t find a vanilla bean.

Sugar and salt balance the flavors. Ground cinnamon adds warmth, but feel free to skip it if you prefer a pure vanilla taste. Fresh berries and toasted coconut flakes make for a beautiful garnish. They add color and a nice crunch.

Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to create a cozy dessert that warms the soul.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Rice

First, rinse the Arborio rice. Place it in a fine-mesh sieve. Rinse it under cold water. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear. This step removes extra starch. It helps the rice cook evenly.

Next, combine the rinsed rice with the other ingredients in a large saucepan. Add 4 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of coconut milk. Then, split the vanilla bean and scrape out the seeds. Add both the seeds and the pod to the saucepan with the rice. Finally, stir in 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to combine everything.

Cooking Process

Now, bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Keep an eye on it to avoid boiling too hard. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low. This helps the rice cook slowly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This is important to keep the rice from clumping together.

Let it simmer gently for about 30 to 35 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep it smooth. The rice should become tender, and the pudding will thicken. If it gets too thick, just add a little more milk to loosen it up.

Finishing Touches

When the rice is cooked, take the saucepan off the heat. Carefully remove the vanilla bean pod. Discard it, as it has done its job. Now, stir in 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, if you’re using it. Add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract for extra flavor. This will really boost the taste.

Allow the pudding to cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy it warm or chilled.

Tips & Tricks

Achieving the Perfect Consistency

To get the right thickness in your rice pudding, you may need to add more milk. If your pudding gets too thick, just stir in a little whole or coconut milk. This keeps it creamy and smooth. Stirring is very important, too. Stir often while it cooks. This helps the rice cook evenly and stops it from sticking to the pan.

Serving Suggestions

For a beautiful presentation, serve the rice pudding in small bowls or dessert glasses. This adds a nice touch to your meal. Top each serving with fresh berries. Strawberries or blueberries look and taste great. You can also sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for added flavor. These toppings make the dish fun and colorful.

Pro Tips

  1. Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh vanilla beans instead of vanilla extract. The aroma and taste will significantly enhance your rice pudding.
  2. Texture Control: If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in a little extra coconut milk or cream just before serving. This will add richness and smoothness.
  3. Perfect Rice Cooking: Make sure to stir the rice pudding frequently while it simmers. This prevents the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan and ensures even cooking.
  4. Chill for Flavor: Allow the pudding to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours after cooking. The flavors will meld together beautifully as it cools.

Variations

Flavor Variations

You can change the flavor of your vanilla bean rice pudding easily. Try using different types of milk. Almond milk or oat milk work great. These milks will give the pudding a nutty taste. You can also add chocolate to the mix. Just stir in some cocoa powder or chocolate chips. Coffee lovers can add a bit of brewed coffee. This gives a nice deep flavor.

Dietary Alternatives

If you want a vegan version, swap out the dairy milk. Use only coconut milk or any plant-based milk. This keeps it creamy and rich. For gluten-free options, this recipe is already safe. Arborio rice is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure all other ingredients are also gluten-free. These small changes let everyone enjoy this cozy dessert.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your vanilla bean rice pudding fresh, place it in an airtight container. This helps prevent it from absorbing other smells in the fridge. Let the pudding cool down first before putting it away.

The pudding lasts about three to four days in the refrigerator. If you want to enjoy it later, make sure to check for any signs of spoilage before you eat.

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready to enjoy your pudding again, you can warm it up in a few ways. The simplest method is to use the microwave. Place your pudding in a bowl and heat it in short bursts. Stir between each burst to ensure even heating.

If you prefer the stove, pour the pudding into a saucepan. Warm it over low heat, stirring gently. This will help keep it creamy.

The texture might thicken after refrigeration. If it does, simply add a splash of whole milk or coconut milk. Stir well to get that creamy goodness back. Enjoy!

FAQs

Common Questions

Can I use regular rice instead of Arborio?

You can use regular rice, but Arborio is best. Arborio rice is starchy. This starch makes the pudding creamy. Regular rice may not give you the same texture. If you want the best results, stick with Arborio.

How do I know when the rice pudding is done?

Rice pudding is done when the rice is soft and the mixture is thick. It usually takes about 30-35 minutes. Stir it often while it cooks. Check the texture after 30 minutes. If it’s too thick, add some milk to loosen it.

Is there a way to make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make rice pudding ahead of time. Cook it and let it cool before storing. Place it in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stove. Add a little milk if needed to restore creaminess.

This article covered how to make a delicious rice pudding using simple ingredients. I discussed main ingredients like Arborio rice, whole milk, and coconut milk. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparing and cooking the rice. I shared tips for perfect texture and serving suggestions. Variations allow you to experiment with flavors and dietary needs. Finally, I provided storage and reheating tips to enjoy your pudding later. With these insights, you can now create a perfect bowl of rice pudding tailored to your taste. Enjoy every bit

- 1 cup Arborio rice - 4 cups whole milk - 1 cup coconut milk - 1 vanilla bean (split and seeds scraped) - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional) - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - Fresh berries for garnish - Toasted coconut flakes for garnish The key to great vanilla bean rice pudding starts with the right ingredients. Arborio rice gives a nice creaminess. Whole milk adds richness, while coconut milk brings a hint of tropical flavor. The vanilla bean is the star here. It has seeds that create those lovely specks in the pudding. You can also use vanilla extract if you can’t find a vanilla bean. Sugar and salt balance the flavors. Ground cinnamon adds warmth, but feel free to skip it if you prefer a pure vanilla taste. Fresh berries and toasted coconut flakes make for a beautiful garnish. They add color and a nice crunch. Gather these ingredients, and you're ready to create a cozy dessert that warms the soul. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, rinse the Arborio rice. Place it in a fine-mesh sieve. Rinse it under cold water. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear. This step removes extra starch. It helps the rice cook evenly. Next, combine the rinsed rice with the other ingredients in a large saucepan. Add 4 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of coconut milk. Then, split the vanilla bean and scrape out the seeds. Add both the seeds and the pod to the saucepan with the rice. Finally, stir in 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to combine everything. Now, bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Keep an eye on it to avoid boiling too hard. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low. This helps the rice cook slowly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This is important to keep the rice from clumping together. Let it simmer gently for about 30 to 35 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep it smooth. The rice should become tender, and the pudding will thicken. If it gets too thick, just add a little more milk to loosen it up. When the rice is cooked, take the saucepan off the heat. Carefully remove the vanilla bean pod. Discard it, as it has done its job. Now, stir in 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, if you're using it. Add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract for extra flavor. This will really boost the taste. Allow the pudding to cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy it warm or chilled. To get the right thickness in your rice pudding, you may need to add more milk. If your pudding gets too thick, just stir in a little whole or coconut milk. This keeps it creamy and smooth. Stirring is very important, too. Stir often while it cooks. This helps the rice cook evenly and stops it from sticking to the pan. For a beautiful presentation, serve the rice pudding in small bowls or dessert glasses. This adds a nice touch to your meal. Top each serving with fresh berries. Strawberries or blueberries look and taste great. You can also sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for added flavor. These toppings make the dish fun and colorful. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh vanilla beans instead of vanilla extract. The aroma and taste will significantly enhance your rice pudding. Texture Control: If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in a little extra coconut milk or cream just before serving. This will add richness and smoothness. Perfect Rice Cooking: Make sure to stir the rice pudding frequently while it simmers. This prevents the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan and ensures even cooking. Chill for Flavor: Allow the pudding to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours after cooking. The flavors will meld together beautifully as it cools. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your vanilla bean rice pudding easily. Try using different types of milk. Almond milk or oat milk work great. These milks will give the pudding a nutty taste. You can also add chocolate to the mix. Just stir in some cocoa powder or chocolate chips. Coffee lovers can add a bit of brewed coffee. This gives a nice deep flavor. If you want a vegan version, swap out the dairy milk. Use only coconut milk or any plant-based milk. This keeps it creamy and rich. For gluten-free options, this recipe is already safe. Arborio rice is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure all other ingredients are also gluten-free. These small changes let everyone enjoy this cozy dessert. To keep your vanilla bean rice pudding fresh, place it in an airtight container. This helps prevent it from absorbing other smells in the fridge. Let the pudding cool down first before putting it away. The pudding lasts about three to four days in the refrigerator. If you want to enjoy it later, make sure to check for any signs of spoilage before you eat. When you're ready to enjoy your pudding again, you can warm it up in a few ways. The simplest method is to use the microwave. Place your pudding in a bowl and heat it in short bursts. Stir between each burst to ensure even heating. If you prefer the stove, pour the pudding into a saucepan. Warm it over low heat, stirring gently. This will help keep it creamy. The texture might thicken after refrigeration. If it does, simply add a splash of whole milk or coconut milk. Stir well to get that creamy goodness back. Enjoy! Can I use regular rice instead of Arborio? You can use regular rice, but Arborio is best. Arborio rice is starchy. This starch makes the pudding creamy. Regular rice may not give you the same texture. If you want the best results, stick with Arborio. How do I know when the rice pudding is done? Rice pudding is done when the rice is soft and the mixture is thick. It usually takes about 30-35 minutes. Stir it often while it cooks. Check the texture after 30 minutes. If it's too thick, add some milk to loosen it. Is there a way to make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make rice pudding ahead of time. Cook it and let it cool before storing. Place it in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stove. Add a little milk if needed to restore creaminess. This article covered how to make a delicious rice pudding using simple ingredients. I discussed main ingredients like Arborio rice, whole milk, and coconut milk. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparing and cooking the rice. I shared tips for perfect texture and serving suggestions. Variations allow you to experiment with flavors and dietary needs. Finally, I provided storage and reheating tips to enjoy your pudding later. With these insights, you can now create a perfect bowl of rice pudding tailored to your taste. Enjoy every bite!

Creamy Vanilla Bean Rice Pudding

A rich and creamy rice pudding infused with vanilla bean, perfect for dessert.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Arborio rice
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 vanilla bean split and seeds scraped
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • to taste fresh berries (for garnish)
  • to taste toasted coconut flakes (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Rinse the Arborio rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
  • In a large saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, whole milk, coconut milk, the split vanilla bean pod, and the scraped vanilla seeds.
  • Add sugar and salt to the mixture, stirring well to combine.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Simmer gently for about 30-35 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the pudding has thickened to your desired consistency. If it becomes too thick, you can add a little more milk to loosen it up.
  • Once the rice is cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat. Discard the vanilla bean pod and stir in the ground cinnamon (if using) and vanilla extract.
  • Allow the pudding to cool slightly before serving or refrigerating. It can be enjoyed warm or chilled.

Notes

Serve warm or chilled, garnished with fresh berries and toasted coconut flakes.
Keyword dessert, rice pudding, vanilla

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?