Maple Walnut Rice Pudding with Cinnamon
Creamy rice pudding sweetened with maple syrup and studded with toasted walnuts, finished with a warm cinnamon touch. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 45 minutes layers arborio rice, whole milk, maple syrup into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 290 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup arborio rice
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup, chopped and toasted walnuts
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine 3/4 cup arborio rice and 4 cups whole milk, and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Step 2: Reduce the heat to low and cook uncovered, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon to prevent sticking, for about 30-35 minutes until the rice is tender and the mixture thickens.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/3 cup maple syrup, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp unsalted butter until fully incorporated and creamy.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and fold in 1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts, reserving a few for garnish.
- Step 5: Spoon the pudding into serving bowls and let cool slightly before serving warm or chilled, garnished with remaining toasted walnuts and a light dusting of cinnamon if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Maple Walnut Rice Pudding with Cinnamon take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Maple Walnut Rice Pudding with Cinnamon?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Maple Walnut Rice Pudding with Cinnamon?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Maple Walnut Rice Pudding with Cinnamon for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Maple Walnut Rice Pudding with Cinnamon?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
