This coffee rice pudding is a creamy, comforting dessert that blends the richness of traditional rice pudding with the deep, aromatic flavor of coffee. Smooth, lightly sweet, and wonderfully warming, it’s a perfect treat for coffee lovers who enjoy classic desserts with a twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It combines the comfort of classic rice pudding with bold coffee flavor
• Made with simple pantry ingredients
• Creamy texture without being overly heavy
• Perfect as a dessert or an indulgent afternoon treat
• Easy to prepare on the stovetop with minimal effort

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the water is absorbed.
4. Add the milk, sweetened condensed milk, instant coffee granules, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to combine.
5. Cook over low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
7. Let the pudding rest for 5 minutes before serving. It will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Use brewed espresso instead of instant coffee by replacing 1/2 cup of milk with strong coffee
• Add a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg for a warmer spice profile
• Stir in a tablespoon of unsalted butter at the end for extra richness
• Top with whipped cream or toasted nuts before serving
• Use low-fat milk for a lighter version

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover coffee rice pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the texture if needed. Stir well before serving.

FAQs

Can I serve coffee rice pudding cold?

Yes, it can be enjoyed chilled straight from the refrigerator or warmed before serving.

What type of rice works best?

Long-grain white rice works best for a creamy but defined texture.

Can I use instant espresso powder?

Yes, instant espresso powder can be used for a stronger coffee flavor.

Is this dessert very sweet?

It is moderately sweet. You can adjust sweetness by reducing or increasing condensed milk.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can substitute whole milk with a creamy plant-based milk and use sweetened dairy-free condensed milk.

How do I prevent the pudding from sticking?

Stir frequently, especially during the final cooking stage, and keep the heat low.

Will the pudding thicken as it cools?

Yes, it thickens slightly as it cools, so avoid overcooking.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double all ingredients and use a larger saucepan.

Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Yes, but you may reduce the coffee amount for a milder flavor.

Can I add toppings?

Absolutely. Cinnamon, cocoa powder, or chopped nuts make great toppings.

Conclusion

Coffee rice pudding is a cozy, satisfying dessert that brings together creamy texture and rich coffee flavor in every spoonful. Simple to prepare and easy to customize, it’s a delightful option when you want something comforting yet a little different from the usual sweets.

Print