Rice Pudding Is So Easy, You Could Make It in the Dark

This comforting treat is made with staple pantry items. Kary Osmond/TNS

I have a vivid memory of my mom making rice pudding for me during a power outage when I was a kid. It was a simple dessert that she could make on our little gas stove in the dark to fill the time until the lights came back on.

If you’ve never had rice pudding before, it’s a comforting treat made with staple pantry items, which is probably why it’s so well-loved and why my mom was able to make it in the dark. This is a simple rice pudding recipe that you can build on and make your own.

Easy Rice Pudding

Serves 2 to 3

• 3 cups unsweetened oat milk
• 1/4 cup cane sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup long grain white rice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a medium pot, combine milk, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Stir in rice, reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring often, until rice is soft and pudding has thickened to the consistency of yogurt, about 30 to 45 minutes.

Stir in vanilla. Serve warm or chilled.

Tasty Tips

Dried fruit is a common addition to rice pudding; it adds texture and flavor. Halfway through the gentle simmer, add a few tablespoons of raisins, chopped figs, or chopped dates.

If you want a decadent rice pudding, try adding a little coconut milk in place of some of the oat milk.

To add extra texture, try garnishing with toasted coconut, nuts, or seeds.