German Rice Dessert Milchreis with Cinnamon Recipe
Milchreis is German rice cooked in milk, often served warm to children as a sweet lunch or dessert. It tastes a bit like a cross between pudding and risotto, only in a milky version with a delicate hint of vanilla. In many homes it’s a comforting dish served on cold days or when someone comes back tired from school or work.
Milchreis is a German rice dessert that combines the creaminess of pudding with the texture of a delicate risotto cooked in milk. The vanilla aroma and cinnamon on top make it a classic comfort food, especially on cold, grey days. It’s filling enough to often replace a whole meal, especially for children.
Chef's tips
Cook the rice over very low heat, stirring often so nothing sticks to the bottom – the finished Milchreis should be soft but not boiled into mush. Add the sugar gradually and taste as you go, because the sweetness will intensify slightly as the dessert cools. If you want a super creamy texture, you can add a tablespoon of butter or a little cream towards the end of cooking.
How to serve
Serve warm with cinnamon and sugar, applesauce, cherries from compote or fresh fruit – it makes a great dinner after a long, tiring day. It pairs nicely with cocoa, rooibos or a mild fruit tea, especially if you’re preparing it for children. Milchreis also works well in a lunchbox for work or school, packed in a jar and briefly reheated in the microwave.
Ingredients
- dessert rice short-grain, e.g. risotto or pudding rice - 200 g
- milk cow’s or plant-based with a neutral taste - 1 l
- sugar or to taste - 3 tablespoons
- salt to enhance the flavour - 1 pinch
- vanilla pod or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 0.5 pieces
- butter optional, for creaminess - 1 tablespoon
- ground cinnamon for sprinkling - 1 teaspoon
- vanillin sugar optional, if you’re not using real vanilla - 1 teaspoon
- fruit compote or applesauce for serving, e.g. applesauce or cherries in syrup - 200 g
Preparation
- If using a vanilla pod, cut it lengthwise and scrape out the seeds with a knife. Pour the milk into a heavy-bottomed pot, add the rice, sugar, a pinch of salt, the vanilla seeds and the pod itself (or vanilla extract and vanillin sugar).
- Place the pot over low heat and bring the milk to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally so the rice doesn’t stick to the bottom.
- When the milk starts to bubble lightly, reduce the heat to very low. Cook for 25–30 minutes uncovered, stirring often, especially towards the end, until the rice is soft and the mixture thick and creamy. If it becomes too thick, add a little more milk.
- Remove the vanilla pod if you used it. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and stir well until it melts and combines with the rice.
- Taste and, if needed, sweeten with a bit more sugar. The rice should have the consistency of thick pudding – when spooned onto a plate it should spread slightly but not be runny.
- Serve the Milchreis warm or at room temperature. Sprinkle with cinnamon on top and add 2–3 tablespoons of applesauce or fruit from compote to each portion.
Storage
Store covered in the fridge. When reheating, add a splash of milk and warm gently over low heat or in the microwave, stirring so it regains a creamy consistency.
