Pistachio Rice Pudding

Aug 21, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

Dessert Custards puddings creams Vanilla: Beans Easy

Creamy pistachio rice pudding in a small ceramic bowl with a spoon, garnished as in the recipe

Creamy stovetop rice pudding infused with the flavor of vanilla bean and studded with chopped pistachios for a nutty crunch. A luscious, comforting dessert perfect for any season.

Prep 10 min

Cook 35 min

Total 45 min

Servings 6

Diet —

Ingredients

Adjust yield

servings

¾ cup (150.0 g)medium-grain white rice
4.0 cups (960.0 ml)whole milk
⅓ cup (67.0 g)granulated sugar
¼ tsp (1.0 g)fine sea salt
1.0vanilla bean, split and scraped
½ cup (60.0 g)pistachios, chopped

Make it at home

As an Amazon Associate, VanillaGoods earns from qualifying purchases. We only suggest tools that fit this recipe.

Instructions

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain thoroughly.
In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, whole milk, granulated sugar, and fine sea salt.
Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds using the back of a knife; add both seeds and pod to the saucepan.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching.
Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring often, uncovered, for 30 to 35 minutes or until the rice is tender and the pudding has thickened to a creamy consistency.
Remove the vanilla bean pod from the pudding.
Stir in the chopped pistachios, reserving a small handful for garnish.
Allow the pudding to cool slightly before serving warm or chilled, garnished with the reserved pistachios.

Tips

Constant stirring prevents the milk and rice from sticking to the pan and burning.
Use a whole vanilla bean for the most intense vanilla flavor and remove the pod before serving.

Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make pistachio rice pudding?

Plan on 10 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of cooking. The recipe makes 6 servings.

How should I store pistachio rice pudding?

Store leftover pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Can I make pistachio rice pudding ahead?

Prepare the pudding up to 1 day in advance and refrigerate, then garnish before serving.

Can I use a different form of vanilla?

Yes. This recipe uses 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped. Each teaspoon of pure vanilla extract can be swapped for 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste, the seeds of half a vanilla bean, or 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla powder. Paste and seeds add the classic dark specks.

Creamy stovetop rice pudding infused with the flavor of vanilla bean and studded with chopped pistachios for a nutty crunch. A luscious, comforting dessert perfect for any season.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 6 servings this recipe makes.

290 Calories / serving

10.1g Fat

41.6g Carbs

8.9g Protein

20.4g Sugar

Whole recipe (6 servings): ~1740 cal · 61g fat · 250g carbs · 53g protein · 122g sugar

Estimated values per serving, calculated from standard ingredient data. Not verified Nutrition Facts; actual values vary with brands, measurements, and preparation.

Per serving · 290 calories

What it takes to burn one serving

Brisk walking 55 min·3.2 mi·~6450 steps
Walking uphill or incline treadmill 39 min·2.0 mi·~3900 steps
Moderate cycling 29 min·5.8 mi
Swimming laps 41 min
Jogging 28 min·2.3 mi·~4500 steps
Stair climbing 27 min·~2450 steps
Dancing 47 min
Bodyweight circuit training 29 min
Cleaning, errands, or playing with the dog 67 min

Rough estimates for one serving, based on standard MET values at about 155 lb. Your own burn depends on body size, effort, and fitness. Shown for context only — food is not something you have to earn.

Made with VanillaGoods

Browse available VanillaGoods products below. Check each product's origin and form against the ingredient list; these recommendations do not change the recipe's quantities or preparation method.