Chocolate Rice Pudding Recipe

Imagine ending your day with a warm, creamy spoonful of pure comfort.
If you've been searching for a dessert that's easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and guaranteed to win hearts, let me introduce you to the magic of chocolate rice pudding.
As someone who believes that the best recipes come from simple, trusted ingredients, I can tell you that this chocolate rice pudding captures everything we love about old-fashioned rice pudding ; but with an irresistible chocolate twist.

Made with staple pantry items you probably already have at home, this cozy dessert delivers a luxuriously creamy texture and deep, rich chocolate flavor in every single bite.
Whether you're making it for a casual weeknight treat or sharing it at a family gathering, chocolate rice pudding is the kind of recipe that feels both nostalgic and a little indulgent ; and once you taste it, it might just become your new go-to comfort dessert.
Trust me: one bite of this homemade chocolate rice pudding, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

What Makes This Chocolate Rice Pudding Special

There’s something timeless about rice pudding ; a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the past. But when you add rich, velvety chocolate to the mix? You get chocolate rice pudding, and trust me, it’s a total game-changer.

What truly sets this chocolate rice pudding apart is how it perfectly blends the comforting creaminess of the classic with the deep, soul-satisfying flavor of real chocolate. No preservatives, no artificial anything ; just honest, homemade goodness you can feel proud serving to your family (or sneakily enjoy all to yourself).

Unlike those store-bought versions that sit on shelves forever, this chocolate rice pudding gives you full control over the ingredients, keeping it wholesome without sacrificing the luscious, indulgent experience we all secretly crave. It’s quick enough for a weeknight treat yet special enough to make an appearance at your next dinner party.

One of the little secrets that makes this recipe truly magical? Its versatility. You can serve your chocolate rice pudding warm for cozy, chilly evenings or chilled for a cool, refreshing dessert on hot summer days. Plus, if you happen to have some leftover rice lurking in the fridge, you're already halfway to creating something utterly delicious ; no waste, all taste.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications
• Equipment
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• A Little Secret for Next-Level Chocolate Rice Pudding
• FAQ
• Why This Chocolate Rice Pudding Deserves a Spot in Your Favorites
• Related
• Pairing
• Homemade Chocolate Rice Pudding

Ingredients

Here's everything you'll need to make this creamy chocolate rice pudding:

• Cinnamon stick (optional, for infusing warm spice notes)
• Arborio rice (the starchiness makes for extra creaminess)
• Whole milk (creates the rich base)
• Granulated sugar (adjustable to taste)
• Unsweetened cocoa powder (provides deep chocolate flavor)
• Salt (enhances the chocolate taste)
• Vanilla extract (adds warmth and depth)
• Heavy cream (for extra richness)
• Chocolate chips (creates pockets of melted chocolate)

See recipe card for quantities.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

When it comes to making the perfect chocolate rice pudding, a few smart swaps can make this cozy dessert even more versatile ; without losing that irresistible creamy charm.

• Rice Options:
  Arborio rice is definitely the gold standard for that signature creamy texture, thanks to its natural starchiness. But don’t worry if you don’t have it on hand ; other medium or short-grain varieties like sushi rice work beautifully too. If you're feeling thrifty (or just smart), leftover cooked rice can save the day ; just remember to cut down the cooking time and liquid a bit for your chocolate rice pudding to come out just right.
• Milk Alternatives:
  Want to make your chocolate rice pudding dairy-free without sacrificing any richness? Swap the whole milk for coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk. Coconut milk, in particular, gives it an extra luxurious feel and a subtle tropical hint that's pure magic.
• Sweetener Options:
  Granulated sugar is the classic choice, but for a deeper, almost caramel-like flavor, brown sugar is a fantastic alternative. If you lean towards natural sweeteners, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup will keep your chocolate rice pudding deliciously sweet without feeling heavy. And of course, feel free to adjust the sweetness to your personal taste ; you're the boss here.
• Chocolate Variations:
  Here’s where you can really have some fun. Dark chocolate will give your chocolate rice pudding a bold, intense flavor that's perfect for true cocoa lovers, while milk chocolate keeps it softer and sweeter. Feeling adventurous? Try white chocolate for a completely different (but equally dreamy) twist.

Instructions

Prepare Your Ingredients

1. Measure all ingredients and have them ready beside the stove.
2. If using cocoa powder, sift it to remove any lumps for a smoother pudding.
3. If using a cinnamon stick or other spices, have them ready to add at the right time.

Cook the Rice Base

1. In a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the rice, milk, and cinnamon stick (if using).
2. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
3. Reduce the heat to low and cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice is tender and the mixture begins to thicken. The rice should still be a bit soupy at this stage, as it will continue to thicken as it cools.

Add the Chocolate

1. Remove the cinnamon stick if you used one.
2. Add the sugar, salt, and cocoa powder to the pot, whisking well to incorporate and remove any lumps.
3. Continue cooking on low heat for another 5 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4. Add the chocolate chips and stir until completely melted and the pudding has a uniform chocolate color.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and heavy cream.

Finish the Pudding

1. The pudding will continue to thicken as it cools. If it seems too thick, add a splash more milk to reach your desired consistency.
2. Pour into individual serving bowls or a large serving dish.
3. For a traditional pudding skin, let it cool uncovered. If you prefer no skin, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pudding.
4. Allow to cool for about 15 minutes before serving warm, or refrigerate for at least 2 hours if you prefer it cold.

Expert Cooking Tips for Perfect Chocolate Rice Pudding

If you want to take your chocolate rice pudding from good to absolutely unforgettable, a few expert moves can make all the difference. Here’s how to ensure your pudding turns out creamy, rich, and downright irresistible every single time.

• Prevent Burning:
  Nothing ruins a beautiful chocolate rice pudding faster than scorched milk stuck to the bottom of the pot. Always use a heavy-bottomed saucepan and stir frequently, especially as the pudding thickens. Gentle, consistent stirring is your secret weapon for a silky-smooth dessert.
• Achieve the Right Consistency:
  The perfect chocolate rice pudding should be creamy enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable when hot. Don’t worry if it seems a little loose ; it will naturally thicken a lot more as it cools. Trust the process!
• Bloom the Cocoa:
  For an even deeper, richer chocolate flavor, take a minute to "bloom" your cocoa powder. Simply mix it with a small amount of hot milk before adding it to the pot. This little step helps the cocoa release its full, luxurious aroma, making your chocolate rice pudding even more decadent.
• Rice Ratio:
  Getting the right rice-to-liquid balance is key. Aim for about a 1:4 ratio ; that's what gives you that dream texture that's neither overly thick nor runny. In chocolate rice pudding, the rice should feel tender but still have a tiny bit of bite.
• Patience Pays Off:
  Low and slow is the name of the game. Let your pudding cook gently over low heat to develop the best flavor and texture. Cranking up the heat may seem tempting (especially if you’re hungry!), but it can leave you with undercooked rice and scorched milk ; not exactly the cozy dessert moment you deserve.

Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications

One of the best things about chocolate rice pudding is how easily it can be adapted to suit different tastes, dietary needs, or even just a whim for something a little different. Here’s how you can customize your bowl of comfort and still keep all that chocolatey goodness intact.

• Vegan Chocolate Rice Pudding:
  Craving a plant-based version? Simply swap the whole milk for full-fat coconut milk and use dairy-free chocolate chips. The coconut milk not only makes your chocolate rice pudding luxuriously rich, but it also adds a subtle tropical flavor that pairs beautifully with the chocolate.
• Mexican Chocolate Rice Pudding:
  Spice things up! Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder right into the cocoa powder. It gives your chocolate rice pudding a warm, slightly spicy twist that’s inspired by traditional Mexican hot chocolate. Bold, cozy, and unforgettable!
• Chocolate Rice Pudding with Leftover Rice:
  Got leftover rice sitting in the fridge? Don’t let it go to waste. To make chocolate rice pudding using pre-cooked rice, reduce the milk to about 3 cups and shorten the cooking time to roughly 15 minutes. Keep an extra splash of milk handy to fine-tune the consistency as needed.
• Slow Cooker Chocolate Rice Pudding:
  Prefer a set-it-and-forget-it approach? Toss all your ingredients (except the vanilla and cream) into a slow cooker and let them simmer on low for 2–3 hours, giving an occasional stir when you can. Stir in the vanilla and cream during the last 15 minutes for the ultimate slow-cooked indulgence.
• Gluten-Free Option:
  The good news? Chocolate rice pudding is naturally gluten-free! Just be sure to double-check your cocoa powder and chocolate chip labels, as some brands may have cross-contamination risks. A quick label scan means you can enjoy every spoonful with total peace of mind.

Equipment

• Heatproof serving dishes: If serving warm, make sure your bowls can handle the heat.
• Heavy-bottomed saucepan: Crucial for even heat distribution and preventing scorching.
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: Best for stirring without scratching your pot, and the wooden spoon lets you feel the rice softening.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate measurements, especially important for the rice-to-liquid ratio.
• Fine mesh sieve: Helpful for sifting cocoa powder to prevent lumps.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Good news: chocolate rice pudding stores beautifully, making it the perfect make-ahead dessert for cozy nights or unexpected sweet cravings. Here's exactly how to keep it tasting fresh and delicious.

Refrigerator Storage:
After you've indulged in a bowl (or two), simply transfer any leftover chocolate rice pudding into an airtight container. It’ll keep happily in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep in mind that it will thicken as it chills, so when you're ready to enjoy it again, just stir in a splash of milk to bring back that luscious, creamy texture.

Freezing Instructions:
Yes, you can freeze chocolate rice pudding ; but fair warning, the texture might change slightly after thawing. If you decide to go this route:

• Let the pudding cool completely.
• Pack it into airtight containers, leaving a little headspace for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 1 month. When you're ready for a chocolatey treat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before serving to restore its creamy consistency.

Reheating Tips:
Bringing cold chocolate rice pudding back to life is easy!

• Warm gently over low heat, stirring often until it's creamy and heated through. If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave it: just heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each round, until it’s perfectly warmed and dreamy again.
• Place your desired portion in a small saucepan.
• Add a splash of milk (about 1–2 tablespoons per cup of pudding).

FAQ

Why This Chocolate Rice Pudding Deserves a Spot in Your Favorites

If you ask me, there's something almost magical about taking the simplest ingredients ; a little rice, a little milk, a little cocoa ; and transforming them into a dessert that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. That’s exactly what this chocolate rice pudding delivers: pure, comforting goodness without any complicated steps or fancy equipment.

The marriage of creamy, tender rice and rich chocolate makes for a treat that feels both nostalgic and just a little bit luxurious — the kind of dessert that reminds you why homemade always tastes better.
Whether you're whipping it up as a cozy weeknight treat or serving it as the grand finale to a family dinner, chocolate rice pudding has a way of making any moment feel a little more special.

And if you’re like me and love simple, satisfying desserts that over-deliver on flavor, you might also want to check out a couple of other favorites from my kitchen: my Cottage Cheese Chocolate Mousse Recipe (trust me, it’s way better than it sounds — so creamy and dreamy!) and my Greek Yogurt Cookie Dough (edible cookie dough with a protein boost, yes please!). They're just as easy, comforting, and absolutely worth bookmarking.

Give this chocolate rice pudding a try — and when you do, I’d love to hear all about it!
Did you stick to the classic version? Test out one of the fun variations? Or maybe you added your own secret twist? Share your experience in the comments below ; I can’t wait to swap dessert stories with you!

Related

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Chocolate Rice Pudding recipe: