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Chocolate Rice Pudding

Rich, sweet, and easy to make, this chocolate rice pudding recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Made in one pot with just a few simple ingredients, it’s cooked until thick and creamy and can be served hot or cold for breakfast, dessert, or a homey snack.

There’s nothing better than cozying up with a bowl of warm rice pudding! For more goodness, try my condensed milk rice pudding and evaporated milk rice pudding next!

bowl of chocolate rice topped with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and peach slices.

Easy chocolate rice

Mmm, chocolate rice pudding. Anytime I enjoy this treat, it instantly takes me back to my gran-gran’s kitchen and to happy, comforting memories.

I have many memories of cooking with my gran-gran, and this creamy chocolate rice pudding is one of my favorite recipes of hers.

It’s incredibly easy to make, thanks to a simple ingredients list and minimal equipment. Seriously, if you can stir a pot, you cook this!

Tender rice combines with a rich chocolate custard-like pudding, plump raisins, and a cozy dose of cinnamon for a decadent dessert that warms the heart and tummy!

If you like pudding-style desserts, check out this condensed milk banana pudding, strawberry shortcake parfaits, and bread pudding too.

chocolate rice pudding ingredients.
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Ingredients

Let’s look at the ingredients that go into this chocolate rice recipe. Please refer to the recipe card at the end of the post for specific measurements.

  • Long-grain white rice works perfectly for this recipe. I don’t recommend instant rice, brown rice, or short rice (like arborio) since those varieties require different cooking instructions.
  • Half-and-half is the main cooking liquid that the rice absorbs as it simmers. You can use whole milk for a lighter option, but I prefer half-and-half for the richest, creamiest texture.
  • Brown sugar provides the perfect sweetness and a subtle caramel flavor that ups the cozy factor.
  • Cocoa powder is responsible for the delicious chocolate taste. I recommend unsweetened Dutch process cocoa powder because it gives a richer, less tangy chocolate flavor than cacao powder.
  • Chocolate chips: My chocolate rice pudding recipe gets a double dose of chocolate from semi-sweet chocolate chips. The chocolate chips melt into the rice pudding, creating an ultra-creamy consistency and rich chocolate flavor.
  • Ground cinnamon infuses the rice pudding with a warm, cozy cinnamon aroma.
  • Salt: A pinch of salt helps to balance the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
  • Raisins add sweet, fruity bites throughout. Feel free to skip if you don’t like raisins.
top shot of pot filled with chocolate rice pudding.
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How to make chocolate rice pudding

Chocolate rice doesn’t take much time or effort to make. It’s easy to whip up a batch whenever the craving hits.

It’s also a great make-ahead dessert for Sunday supper, Christmas, and other holiday entertaining.

Let’s go over the instructions step-by-step:

  1. Soak the raisins. In a small bowl, mix the raisin and 3 tablespoons half-and-half. Set aside.
  2. Bring to a boil. Combine the rice, half-and-half, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and ground cinnamon in a medium saucepan. Stirring frequently, bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  3. Simmer the rice. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the rice is tender, about 45 minutes.
  4. Melt in the chocolate chips and raisins. Remove the pot from the heat and add the chocolate chips and raisins. Stir until the chocolate chips have fully melted. Your chocolate rice pudding is ready!
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Tips for the best chocolate rice pudding

  • Soak the raisins in half-and-half before adding them to the pudding. This helps to soften them and keep them plump and juicy.
  • Keep stirring: Be sure to stir the rice regularly as it simmers on the stove (especially toward the end of the cooking time) so the mixture becomes smooth and thick. Stirring prevents the rice pudding from sticking to the pot’s bottom and scorching or clumping together.
  • Cook the rice pudding long enough: Undercooking the pudding will cause the texture to be soupy, still tasty but not thick like pudding.
  • How to check doneness: To check if your chocolate rice pudding has cooked long enough, dip your cooking spoon into the pudding and then run your finger along the back of your spoon. If you can draw a line and it remains, you have pudding. But if the lien seeps together, cook the pudding a little longer.
  • Cover with plastic: If you plan to serve the chocolate rice later, place a piece of plastic wrap directly on top of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming.
chocolate rice pudding recipe in a glass bowl with whipped cream topping.
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Servings suggestions

Serve this old-fashioned chocolate rice pudding Southern dessert warm or chilled – it tastes delicious either way.

It’s even a nice option for breakfast and brunch because it’s not too sweet.

We like to garnish individual bowls of chocolate rice with any of the following toppings:

  • Chocolate sauce or hot fudge sauce
  • A drizzle of maple syrup
  • Fluffy clouds of freshly whipped cream
  • A dash of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, or anise
  • A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or pumpkin pie spice
  • A whole cinnamon stick or anise star
  • Extra soaked raisins, Turkish apricots, cranberries, or other dried fruit
  • Fresh seasonal fruits such as strawberries or blueberries
  • Canned peaches, fruit cocktail, and other canned fruit
  • Freshly grated orange zest, strips of candied orange peel, or even candied ginger
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Variations

You can create many variations of chocolate rice pudding just by adding and switching different ingredients. Here are some ideas to try:

  • Vanilla extract: Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of vanilla to bring out the chocolate flavor even more.
  • Orange: Add grated orange peel to the pudding for a bright, citrus note.
  • Play with the spices: Skip the cinnamon or try using other spices such as ground nutmeg, cloves, allspice, or ginger.
  • Substitute the raisins with dried cranberries or other dried fruits (e.g., dried cherries or chopped dried apricots).
  • Other add-ins for this cocoa rice include chopped, toasted pecans, toasted walnuts, hazelnuts, pistachios, or almonds.
side shot of a bowl of cocoa rice on a white plate.
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Storage instructions

Store leftover chocolate rice

Store leftover chocolate rice pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 4 to 5 days.

Reheat chocolate rice pudding

Reheat your chocolate rice pudding in a non-stick saucepan on the stove over low heat just until warmed through.

Stir frequently to avoid burning. Add a splash of half-and-half or milk to thin the mixture if necessary.

Alternatively, reheat individual portions in the microwave for a few seconds.

Can you freeze chocolate rice pudding?

No, I don’t recommend freezing chocolate rice pudding because the texture will change once thawed. It has the tendency to separate when frozen and thawed.

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FAQ

What is chocolate rice pudding?

Chocolate rice pudding is a sweet, creamy dessert. It’s made by cooking milk, rice, sugar, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and a few other ingredients until thick.

Rice pudding is found in many countries around the world, but no one knows who invented the dish.

What is the best rice for chocolate rice pudding?

My recipe calls for regular, long-grain white rice, nothing fancy here! Long grain rice becomes tender and fluffy, has a good amount of starch to thicken the pudding, and doesn’t clump together.

I don’t recommend substituting it with instant rice, brown rice, or other varieties since those will require different amounts of liquid and other cooking times.

Can I make chocolate rice pudding with leftover rice?

Yes, you can make chocolate rice pudding with leftover rice. The cooking time will be shorter since the rice is pre-cooked, so use only 3 cups liquid, not 4 cups. The rest of the recipe remains the same.

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More chocolate desserts

If you love chocolate as much as I do, you’ll definitely want to try some of these delicious chocolate recipes that are guaranteed to be a hit with your family!

Did you enjoy this recipe? Give it a 5-star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and leave a comment! Appreciate it so much, thank you!

If you had any issues, I’d appreciate the chance to help you troubleshoot before you rate.

chocolate rice pudding.

Chocolate Rice Pudding Recipe

Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Rich, sweet, and easy to make, this chocolate rice pudding recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Made in one pot with just a few simple ingredients, it’s cooked until thick and creamy and can be served hot or cold for breakfast, dessert, or a homey snack.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup / 75 g / 2.6 oz raisins
  • 4 cups + 3 tbsp / 1000 ml / 33.5 fl oz half-and-half
  • 1 cup / 200 g / 7 oz long-grain white rice
  • 1/3 cup / 35 g / 1.2 oz Dutch process cocoa powder
  • 1/3 cup / 70 g / 2.5 oz light brown sugar
  • 2/3 cup / 120 g / 2.6 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Soak the raisins. In a small bowl, mix the raisin and 3 tablespoons half-and-half. Set aside.
    Tip: Alternatively, pre-soak the raisins with orange juice or apple juice to infuse them with extra flavor. You can also use bourbon or rum for a more intricate flavor profile.
  2. Bring to a boil. Combine the rice, half-and-half, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and ground cinnamon in a medium saucepan. Stirring frequently, bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  3. Simmer the rice. Then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, uncovered, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 45 minutes. Stir often, especially near the end.
  4. Melt in the chocolate chips and raisins. Remove the pot from the heat and add the chocolate chips and raisins. Stir until the chocolate chips have fully melted.
  5. Serve. Serve the chocolate rice pudding immediately, or put a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the pudding to prevent a skin. Enjoy the pudding warm or cold, and garnish with your desired toppings.

Notes

Tips

  • Soak the raisins in half-and-half before adding them to the pudding. This helps to soften them and keep them plump and juicy.
  • Keep stirring: Be sure to stir the rice regularly as it simmers on the stove (especially toward the end of the cooking time) so the mixture becomes smooth and thick. Stirring prevents the rice pudding from sticking to the pot’s bottom and scorching or clumping together.
  • Cook the rice pudding long enough: Undercooking the pudding will cause the texture to be soupy, still tasty but not thick like pudding.
  • How to check doneness: To check if your chocolate rice pudding has cooked long enough, dip your cooking spoon into the pudding and then run your finger along the back of your spoon. If you can draw a line and it remains, you have pudding. But if the lien seeps together, cook the pudding a little longer.
  • Cover with plastic: If you plan to serve the chocolate rice later, place a piece of plastic wrap directly on top of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 311Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 44mgSodium: 155mgCarbohydrates: 38gFiber: 2gSugar: 24gProtein: 6g

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