15 Sweet Rice Treats That Will Blow Your Mind

Rice isn’t just for dinner anymore! These amazing desserts transform simple rice into incredible sweet treats that’ll surprise everyone. From creamy puddings to crispy cakes, rice creates the most delicious desserts.

Each recipe brings something special to your kitchen, whether you’re craving something traditional or want to try exciting new flavors from around the world.

01. Thai Mango Sticky Rice Delight

Sweet coconut sticky rice paired with fresh mango slices creates pure heaven. This traditional Thai dessert balances creamy coconut flavors with tropical fruit sweetness perfectly.

Ingredients: 1 cup glutinous rice, 1 cup coconut milk, ⅓ cup sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, 2 ripe mangoes, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, ¼ cup water.

How To Make Thai Mango Sticky Rice Delight

1. Soak glutinous rice in water for at least 4 hours or overnight until grains are plump and soft. Drain thoroughly and steam in a bamboo steamer lined with cheesecloth for 25-30 minutes until tender and translucent.

2. Heat ¾ cup coconut milk with sugar and salt in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and pour over steamed rice, mixing gently to coat every grain evenly.

3. Mix cornstarch with water until smooth, then combine with remaining coconut milk in a small saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens to a creamy sauce consistency, about 3-4 minutes.

4. Slice mangoes into thin strips and arrange alongside portions of sticky rice. Drizzle the coconut sauce over everything and serve immediately while the rice is still warm for the best texture and flavor.

02. Traditional Polish Rice Cake

This rustic cake transforms leftover rice into something absolutely magical. Dense and moist with a subtle sweetness, it’s perfect for using up rice you have on hand.

Ingredients: 2 cups cooked white rice, 4 large eggs, ½ cup sugar, ½ cup milk, ¼ cup butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon cinnamon.

How To Make Traditional Polish Rice Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch round cake pan thoroughly. Beat eggs and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.

2. Melt butter and let it cool slightly, then whisk in milk and vanilla extract. Add this mixture to the beaten eggs along with cooked rice, stirring gently to combine without overmixing.

3. Sprinkle cinnamon over the batter and fold it in carefully, ensuring even distribution throughout. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

4. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack.

03. German Cold Rice Pudding with Berries

Creamy chilled rice pudding topped with fresh blackberries makes summer dessert dreams come true. This simple recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort and ingredients.

Ingredients: 1 cup short-grain rice, 4 cups whole milk, ⅓ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 cup fresh blackberries, whipped cream for serving.

How To Make German Cold Rice Pudding with Berries

1. Combine rice and milk in a heavy-bottomed saucepan and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, for 25-30 minutes until rice is very tender and mixture is creamy.

2. Stir in sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to cook for another 5 minutes until sugar dissolves completely. The pudding should coat the back of a spoon when ready.

3. Transfer pudding to individual serving bowls or one large bowl and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent skin formation. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until completely chilled.

4. Before serving, top each portion with fresh blackberries and a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast between cold creamy pudding and tart berries is absolutely perfect.

04. New Orleans Rice Beignets

Fluffy fried rice fritters dusted with powdered sugar bring Creole magic to your kitchen. These sweet beignets feature warm cinnamon and plump raisins throughout.

Ingredients: 1 cup cooked rice, 2 cups all-purpose flour, 3 large eggs, ½ cup milk, ¼ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ cup raisins, oil for frying.

How To Make New Orleans Rice Beignets

1. Beat eggs thoroughly in a large bowl, then whisk in milk and sugar until smooth. Add cooked rice, flour, and cinnamon, mixing until you have a thick batter that holds together well.

2. Fold in raisins gently, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. Let the mixture rest for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and flour to hydrate properly.

3. Heat oil to 375°F in a deep pot or fryer. Drop spoonfuls of batter into hot oil, frying 3-4 beignets at a time to avoid overcrowding and temperature drops.

4. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and puffed up beautifully. Drain on paper towels briefly, then dust generously with powdered sugar while still warm.

5. Serve immediately while they’re hot and crispy on the outside but tender and fluffy inside. These are best enjoyed fresh from the oil with coffee or tea.

05. Sicilian Easter Rice Pie

This festive Italian dessert combines creamy rice filling with flaky pastry crust beautifully. Rich with eggs and cheese, it’s a traditional celebration centerpiece passed down through generations.

Ingredients: 1 cup arborio rice, 4 cups milk, 6 eggs, 1 cup ricotta cheese, ½ cup sugar, 1 pre-made pie crust, orange zest, vanilla extract.

How To Make Sicilian Easter Rice Pie

1. Cook arborio rice in milk over low heat, stirring frequently, for 20-25 minutes until very creamy and tender. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally.

2. Beat eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy, then fold in ricotta cheese, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Combine this mixture with the cooled rice, mixing gently but thoroughly.

3. Line a 9-inch pie pan with pastry crust and pour in the rice filling, spreading evenly. The filling should come almost to the top of the crust for the authentic look.

4. Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes until the center is set and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted in center should come out clean when done.

5. Cool completely before slicing, as the filling needs time to firm up properly. This pie actually tastes even better the next day after flavors have melded together.

06. Classic Stovetop Rice Pudding

Simple one-pot rice pudding that’s creamy, comforting, and absolutely foolproof to make. This crowd-pleasing dessert comes together quickly and cleanup is a total breeze.

Ingredients: ¾ cup long-grain white rice, 4 cups whole milk, ⅓ cup sugar, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon salt, ground cinnamon for sprinkling.

How To Make Classic Stovetop Rice Pudding

1. Combine rice, milk, and salt in a heavy-bottomed saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly to prevent scorching on the bottom.

2. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered, stirring frequently, for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and mixture has thickened to a creamy consistency that coats your spoon.

3. Remove from heat and stir in sugar and vanilla extract until sugar dissolves completely. The pudding will continue to thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems thin.

4. Serve warm or chilled, depending on your preference, with a generous sprinkle of cinnamon on top. I love serving this with fresh berries or a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.

07. Spicy Horchata Ice Pops

These adult ice pops blend creamy horchata with fiery whiskey for summer fun. Sweet cinnamon flavors meet spicy heat in these refreshing frozen treats that pack a punch.

Ingredients: 1 cup long-grain rice, 5 cups warm water, ¾ cup sugar, 1 cinnamon stick, ½ cup Fireball whiskey, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 cup coconut milk.

How To Make Spicy Horchata Ice Pops

1. Soak rice and cinnamon stick in warm water for 3 hours, allowing the rice to soften and cinnamon to infuse the liquid with warm spice flavors throughout.

2. Pour everything into a blender and blend on high speed for 60-90 seconds until rice is completely pulverized and mixture is smooth and creamy white.

3. Strain mixture through fine-mesh sieve, pressing solids to extract maximum liquid. Discard solids and stir in sugar, coconut milk, Fireball whiskey, and cayenne pepper until well combined.

4. Pour mixture into ice pop molds, leaving ¼-inch space at top for expansion. Insert sticks and freeze for at least 4 hours until completely solid.

5. Run warm water over molds briefly to release pops easily. These keep well in freezer for up to 2 weeks, though they rarely last that long!

08. Japanese Banana Rice Pudding

Silky rice pudding enhanced with sweet banana flavor creates an irresistible dessert combination. Even rice pudding skeptics fall in love with this perfectly balanced treat.

Ingredients: ¾ cup sushi rice, 3 cups whole milk, 2 ripe bananas, ⅓ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon salt, sliced bananas for garnish.

How To Make Japanese Banana Rice Pudding

1. Rinse sushi rice until water runs clear, then combine with milk and salt in a heavy saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring frequently.

2. Mash bananas completely until smooth and creamy with no lumps remaining. Add mashed bananas and brown sugar to the rice mixture, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.

3. Continue cooking for 10-15 minutes more, stirring frequently, until rice is very tender and pudding reaches a creamy consistency that coats the back of your spoon nicely.

4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Serve warm or chilled, topped with fresh banana slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired for extra flavor.

09. Vietnamese Steamed Rice Cakes

Light and airy vegan rice cakes that are surprisingly easy to make at home. These pantry-friendly treats steam up fluffy and delicious with ingredients you probably already have.

Ingredients: 1 cup rice flour, 2 cups coconut milk, ⅓ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon active dry yeast, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon tapioca starch, green food coloring (optional).

How To Make Vietnamese Steamed Rice Cakes

1. Dissolve yeast in ¼ cup warm coconut milk and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy and active. This ensures your cakes will have the proper light, airy texture.

2. Whisk together rice flour, tapioca starch, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add remaining coconut milk and the yeast mixture, whisking until completely smooth with no lumps.

3. Add a few drops of green food coloring if desired for traditional appearance. Cover batter and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until bubbly and doubled in size.

4. Pour batter into greased small bowls or molds, filling each about ¾ full. Steam over boiling water for 15-20 minutes until cakes spring back when lightly touched.

5. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from molds. These are best served warm but are also delicious at room temperature with a cup of tea.

10. Orange Glazed Rice Cake

Moist bundt cake with delicate orange flavor makes any occasion feel special. The center opening is perfect for filling with chocolate-dipped strawberries or fresh spring fruits.

Ingredients: 1 cup cooked rice, 2 cups all-purpose flour, 4 eggs, 1 cup sugar, ½ cup butter, 1 cup orange juice, orange zest, 1 teaspoon baking powder.

How To Make Orange Glazed Rice Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease a bundt pan with butter and flour. Cream softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes with electric mixer.

2. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add orange zest and ½ cup orange juice. In separate bowl, whisk flour and baking powder together before folding into wet ingredients.

3. Gently fold in cooked rice until evenly distributed throughout batter. Pour into prepared bundt pan and smooth top with spatula to ensure even baking.

4. Bake 45-50 minutes until golden brown and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes before inverting onto wire rack.

5. Heat remaining orange juice with 2 tablespoons sugar until dissolved. Brush this glaze over warm cake, allowing it to soak in completely for maximum orange flavor throughout.

11. Pressure Cooker Rice Pudding

Your Instant Pot transforms rice into creamy pudding in record time with minimal effort. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, this recipe works wonderfully with leftover rice too.

Ingredients: 1 cup jasmine rice, 3 cups whole milk, ⅓ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons butter.

How To Make Pressure Cooker Rice Pudding

1. Add rice, milk, sugar, and salt to your Instant Pot and stir well to combine all ingredients evenly. Make sure rice is completely submerged in the liquid mixture.

2. Secure lid and set valve to sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 20 minutes, then allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes before quick-releasing remaining pressure carefully.

3. Open lid and stir in butter, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until butter melts completely and everything is well incorporated. The pudding should be creamy and thick.

4. If pudding seems too thin, use the sauté function to cook uncovered for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it reaches your desired consistency perfectly.

12. Swedish Rice Pudding

Decadently creamy on top with dense richness below, this Swedish dessert is pure comfort food. Fresh seasonal berries and homemade whipped cream make it absolutely perfect.

Ingredients: 1 cup short-grain rice, 6 cups whole milk, ½ cup heavy cream, ⅓ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon salt, fresh berries, whipped cream.

How To Make Swedish Rice Pudding

1. Combine rice and milk in a heavy-bottomed pot and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer very gently, stirring frequently, for 45 minutes.

2. The rice should be very tender and the mixture quite thick and creamy. Stir in heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, and salt, cooking for another 5-10 minutes until sugar dissolves.

3. Pour pudding into serving bowls and let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours. The pudding will develop distinct layers as it chills completely.

4. Serve chilled with fresh berries scattered on top and generous dollops of freshly whipped cream. The contrast of textures and temperatures makes this absolutely divine.

13. Indian Kheer Rice Pudding

Aromatic Indian rice pudding infused with cardamom and topped with pistachios delivers incredible flavor. This traditional dessert is the most flavorful rice pudding you’ll ever taste.

Ingredients: ½ cup basmati rice, 4 cups whole milk, ⅓ cup sugar, ¼ teaspoon cardamom powder, 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios, 2 tablespoons raisins, saffron pinch.

How To Make Indian Kheer Rice Pudding

1. Soak saffron threads in 2 tablespoons warm milk and set aside. Rinse basmati rice until water runs clear, then combine with remaining milk in heavy-bottomed pan.

2. Bring to boil over medium heat, then reduce to low and simmer, stirring frequently, for 30-35 minutes until rice breaks down and mixture becomes thick and creamy throughout.

3. Add sugar, cardamom powder, and the saffron mixture, stirring constantly for another 5-7 minutes until sugar dissolves completely and flavors meld together beautifully.

4. Remove from heat and stir in half the pistachios and raisins. Serve warm or chilled, garnished with remaining pistachios and raisins for the perfect finishing touch.

14. Old-Fashioned Vanilla Rice Pudding

Simple stovetop rice pudding flavored with just sugar and vanilla proves classics never go out of style. Sweet and creamy comfort food that’s absolutely impossible to resist.

Ingredients: ¾ cup long-grain white rice, 4 cups whole milk, ½ cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon salt, ground nutmeg for sprinkling.

How To Make Old-Fashioned Vanilla Rice Pudding

1. Combine rice, milk, and salt in a heavy saucepan and bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly to prevent milk from scorching on bottom.

2. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring every few minutes, for 20-25 minutes until rice is completely tender and mixture has thickened to coat spoon.

3. Remove from heat and immediately stir in sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until sugar dissolves completely. The residual heat will finish the cooking process perfectly.

4. Serve warm with a light dusting of fresh nutmeg on top, or chill for several hours and serve cold. Both ways are absolutely delicious and comforting.

15. Traditional Mexican Horchata

Creamy cinnamon-spiced rice drink that’s refreshing and satisfying on hot days. This authentic recipe creates the smoothest, most flavorful horchata you’ve ever tasted at home.

Ingredients: 1 cup long-grain white rice, 5 cups warm water, ¾ cup whole milk, ½ cup sugar, 1 cinnamon stick, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ground cinnamon.

How To Make Traditional Mexican Horchata

1. Combine rice and cinnamon stick with warm water in a bowl and let soak for exactly 3 hours. This timing allows rice to soften properly while cinnamon infuses maximum flavor.

2. Remove cinnamon stick and pour entire mixture into blender. Blend on high speed for 60-90 seconds until rice is completely pulverized and mixture turns creamy white.

3. Strain mixture through fine-mesh sieve into pitcher, pressing solids firmly to extract all liquid. Discard remaining solids and stir in milk, sugar, and vanilla until sugar dissolves.

4. Chill thoroughly for at least 2 hours before serving. Stir well before pouring over ice and dust each glass with ground cinnamon for authentic presentation and extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

These rice desserts prove that this humble grain can create the most amazing sweet treats imaginable. From creamy puddings to festive cakes, rice brings unique texture and flavor to every recipe.

Try these recipes when you want to surprise family and friends with something deliciously different that transforms ordinary rice into extraordinary desserts everyone will absolutely love.