How to Make French Rice Pudding (Riz au Lait): A Cozy Classic Everyone Will Love
Indulge in a timeless French dessert: creamy, comforting, and simple to master. This traditional French rice pudding, known as riz au lait, is a rich and velvety custard-like treat made from rice milk, sugar, and vanilla. Perfect warm or chilled, it’s an elegant and satisfying way to end any meal—or enjoy as a cozy snack.
If you appreciate classic French dessert traditions and crave something warm, nourishing, and nostalgic, you’re in for a treat!
Servings
4
Prep time:
5min
Cook time:
45/50min
Resting time:
1h
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something incredibly nostalgic about a bowl of rice pudding—especially when it’s done the French way. For me, riz au lait brings back the comforting simplicity of childhood afternoons, often served warm straight from the pot or cold as a quiet after-dinner treat.
What makes this recipe so iconic is its elegance in modesty: just a handful of ingredients, slow-cooked with care, transform into something luxuriously creamy and deeply satisfying. No eggs, no fuss—just good technique and time.
Whether you’re new to French desserts or revisiting a family favourite, this recipe offers comfort and refinement in every spoonful. It’s the kind of dish that asks you to slow down, breathe in the scent of vanilla, and savour the moment.
Ingredients
- 1L of whole milk
- 120g of short-grain rice
- 60g of sugar
- 1 vanilla pod
- *cinnamon (optional)
Step by Step Instructions
Combine Milk, Rice & Vanilla
In a large saucepan, pour in the whole milk. Add the short-grain rice, granulated sugar, and both the vanilla pod and seeds. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
Simmer Gently
Cook the mixture uncovered for 45–50 minutes, stirring every 5–10 minutes to prevent sticking and to encourage creaminess. You’ll know it’s ready when the rice is tender and the milk is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Let it Rest
Remove from heat and discard the vanilla pod. Pour the pudding into serving bowls or a large dish. Let it cool slightly, then cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour—or overnight—for a silky texture.
Serve Warm or Cold
Riz au lait is optional served warm, but it’s most traditionally enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. For an extra touch, garnish with cinnamon, orange zest, or swirl in a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Why This Recipe Works
- Short-grain rice releases starch into the milk, creating the signature creamy texture of riz au lait.
- Vanilla pod infuses a natural and aromatic fragrance—far superior to extracts.
- Slow simmering allows the rice to absorb the milk gradually, making the pudding indulgently smooth.
Serving Tips & Variations
- Classic Finish: Dust with ground cinnamon or nutmeg before serving.
- Fruit-Infused: Stir in raspberries, blueberries, or peach slices when serving.
- More decadence: Add a spoonful of salted caramel or toasted nougatine as topping.
- Vegan version: Substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular long-grain rice?
It’s best to use short-grain or risotto rice—they release more starch and create a creamier pudding. Long-grain rice will produce a thinner, less silky result.
How long does it keep?
Stored in an airtight container, it keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Stir before serving, as the texture may firm slightly over time.
Is it necessary to use a vanilla pod?
Using a real vanilla pod makes a big difference in flavor. If unavailable, use high-quality vanilla extract—be generous to achieve depth.
✨ Final Thoughts
This recipe for French rice pudding (riz au lait) is deceptively simple—yet incredibly satisfying. It’s a classic French dessert that evokes cozy memories and offers elegance in every spoonful. Whether served warm, at room temperature, or well chilled, it promises comfort and indulgence.
Make it once, and it’s sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire.
Explore More French Recipes
Brioche
A rich and fluffy French bread with a tender crumb—perfect for breakfast or an indulgent snack.
French Macarons Course
Crisp, chewy, and impossibly elegant—unlock the secrets to this iconic French delicacy.
Lemon Meringue Tart
Tangy lemon curd topped with cloud-like meringue—where zesty meets elegant.
Ready to go deeper? Join one of our Online Pastry Courses and learn to bake like a pro at your own pace.
YOUR FREE EBOOK!
- 14 free pages full of advices to master the art of French tarts.
- Our « Foolproof » pie crust recipe
- 5 delicious tart recipes to use it
- A delicious salty version: The French Quiche