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    Home » Main Courses

    Creamy Milchreis – German Rice Pudding

    Published: Aug 11, 2021 · Modified: Apr 4, 2025 by Marita Sinden · 9 Comments

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    This creamy Milchreis, (as rice pudding is called in German) is crowd-pleasing comfort food and very easy to prepare. Deliciously sweet and creamy German Rice pudding stirs childhood memories for many Germans. Children just adore this sweet cinnamon and sugary rice that is topped with seasonal fruit.

    You can eat Milchreis hot or cold. It is served as a sweet dinner dish but also often as a sweet snack or dessert. 

    I got this German milk rice recipe from my son’s Kindergarten. He was raved so much about how much better lunch tastes at his daycare that I had to ask the cook for the recipe. 

    A white bowl with a blue rim. It stands on a chopping board. In the bowl is Milchreis (German rice pudding) sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon. On the right you can see some cinnamon sticks and above the sticks you can see a spoon.
    German Milk Rice with Sugar and Cinnamon a Classic

    What is Milchreis? 

    Milchreis is a sweet, creamy German rice dish. It is made from rice mixed with milk and vanilla. Milchreis translates as “milk rice” in English. “Reis” is “rice” in English. “Milch” is the German word for “milk”. 

    Another name for Milchreis in German is “Reis Brei” – Rice Porridge or “Dicker Reis” - thick rice because of its creamy consistency.

    How to pronounce Milchreis? 

    You pronounce it “MIL-SCH-REI-SS” as an English speaker.

    Müller Rice - A German Export

    Müller is a multinational producer of dairy products that has its origins in Bavaria. It was founded in 1898. One of their popular products is Muller Rice, (in German Müller Milchreis). They are portion sized Milchreis pots, with different flavoured toppings that can be eaten hot or cold. These became available in the UK in 1989 and have been popular there ever since. [source wikipedia: Unternehmensgruppe The Müller]

    They are easily available at UK supermarkets, and brought this dish to the British.

    A white bowl with a blue rim. In it is German milchreis. Half of the rice is topped with some cherries. Above the bowl is a little dessert cream can with cherries. Next to the bowl is a spoon. The bowl sits on a pink napkin which is placed on a wooden background.
    Milchreis with Cherry Compote

    How to make Milchreis 

    Ingredients:

    •  250 g/ 8.8 oz rice pudding rice or alternatively use (arborio rice/ sushi rice/ risotto rice or another short-grain rice)
    • 1 litre of whole milk 
    • 1 teaspoon of grated lemon peel 
    • 1 pinch of salt
    • Pulp of 1 vanilla pod (alternatively use 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (affiliate link)) 
    • 60 gr/ 2 oz sugar (optional)
    • 1 tablespoon butter

    Milchreis Recipe Steps

    1. Place the rice, milk, grated lemon peel, vanilla bean (affiliate link) pulp or extract into a saucepan and bring to a boil. 
    2. Boil the rice on a low heat for 20 – 40 minutes. Keep on stirring it with a wooden spoon to prevent the bottom from burning. Depending on the type of rice you are using, your cooking time may vary slightly. The Milchreis is ready when the rice is nice and creamy and the corns no longer crunchy. 
    3. In a separate pan, brown the butter. Once the rice is cooked, stir in the browned butter.
    4. To serve, pour the rice pudding into bowls. Sprinkle with a sugar and cinnamon mixture or serve with a topping of your choice.

    Ingredient Substitutions 

    Which milk to use for milk rice? 

    In Germany, we make Milchreis with an array of different options. These are the most popular ones: 

    • Cows milk (3.8 % fat) or semi-skimmed milk (2.1 %). This is the classic German milk rice choice, and makes a delicious creamy rice pudding with milk flavour. 
    • Whipped Cream. This originates from the Danish rice pudding called Risalamande. Here the whipped cream is folded into the cooked rice at the end and served with fruit. This makes a luxurious sweet rice dessert. 
    • Vegan Milk. To make Vegan Milchreis, just substitute the cow’s milk with a plant-based one. Soya, almond and oat milk work well with this dish. 

    Which rice for rice pudding?

    The best rice to use for Milchreis is short-grain rice. The secret is in the roundness and size of the rice corn. This round shape enables it to soak up enough milk without becoming too soggy. 

    • Arborio Rice – is the classic choice for milk rice. It is large corn is the largest and especially round. It absorbs the milk without becoming soggy and clumpy. 
    • Risotto Rice - this is the second choice for rice pudding – use that if you do not have Arborio rice on hand. 
    • Sushi Rice – Sushi Rice has a similar texture to Arborio rice. Due to its higher gluten content, it will make for a stickier rice pudding. 
    • British Pudding Rice, is also the perfect choice for this German sweet rice dish. It is actually low-grade risotto rice. 
    • Long Grain Rice – you can also use long grain rice for this dish, but be aware that it will not have the same creamy result. 

    Sugar-Free Rice Pudding 

    When making this milk rice for my children I often omit the sugar. This is because the toppings are often sweet enough. Also, when the milk starts to boil it turns into sugar giving the dish a natural sweetness. 

    A white bowl with a blue rim. In the bowl is Milchreis, German rice pudding. The rice is topped with apple sauce and sprinkled with nuts and apples. In the background there are three apples and a glas bottle with milk.

    What to serve with rice pudding?

    You can serve this German sweet rice dish with a variety of toppings. Here are the most popular ones: 

    • With Cinnamon and Sugar – the classic combination. It is easy to make up a batch of this sugar mix and keep it in the cupboard when needed. It is a classic topping for many German sweet dishes such as German Pancake or Kartoffelpuffer and German Waffles 
    • With Cherry Compote Milchreis mit Kirschen) is another classic. This sour cherry sauce is a classic German dessert sauce. 
    • Milchreis with Vanilla Pudding – is another popular choice. You make the German vanilla pudding according to the recipe and prepare the rice pudding. Once both dishes are ready you slowly fold the pudding into the milk rice. Gives an extra rich creamy vanilla flavour. 
    • With Fruit compote. This is an all-time favourite and can vary by season. In the summer with rhubarb compote and in the summer and autumn with plum butter or apfelmus (German apple sauce). 
    • For extra sweetness, you can add some raisins, and for extra crunch some seeds and nuts. 
    • With Rote Grütze - add this German red berry dessert to your sweet rice dish for a fruity flavour. 
    • Chocolate Rice Pudding – for a special treat just add dark chocolate squares or chocolate drops into the hot milk rice, these will melt and create a heavenly chocolaty treat. 
    • Rote Grütze in a bowl with a blue Rim
      Rote Grütze (German Red Berry Pudding)
    • Apfelmus - German Apple sauce.
      Homemade Apfelmus (German Apple Sauce Recipe)
    • rhubarb compote
      Simple Rhubarb Compote
    • cherry compote
      Easy Sour Cherry Compote from canned or frozen fruit

    How to store and reheat Milchreis 

    You can keep leftover Reisbrei in the fridge for up to two days. You can eat it cold or reheat it. If it dries out in the fridge, then just add some more milk to make it creamy again. Reheat it in the microwave or stove.

    More German Sweet Dishes

    • fresh berries with semolina pudding.
      Simple Semolina Pudding (Grießbrei)
    • Austrian Germknödel with Vanilla Sauce on a plate.
      Traditional Germknödel - Austrian Sweet Dumplings
    • A German Pancake with Jam
      Pfannkuchen Recipe – German Pancakes
    • Apfelpfannkuchen-german pancakes with apples
      Fluffy Apfelpfannkuchen (authentic German apple pancakes)

    Did you try this recipe?

    Please leave a rating or make a comment below. I would love to hear from you. You can send me an e-mail or comment on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest.

    Why not share our Facebook Group - Homemade German Food & Recipes. Here we chat about German Food and share recipes.

    Recipe

    A white bowl with a blue rim. It stands on a chopping board. In the bowl is Milchreis (German rice pudding) sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon. On the right you can see some cinnamon sticks and above the sticks you can see a spoon.

    Creamy Milchreis - German Rice Pudding

    Marita
    Sweet and creamy this easy German rice pudding will delight kids and adults alike. Serve with a topping of cinnamon and sugar, apple sauce or fruit compote. A dish that can be adapted through the seasons.
    5 from 10 votes
    I look forward to your feedback. Just click the stars above.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 35 minutes mins
    Course Dessert, Main Course, Snack
    Cuisine German
    Servings 4 people
    Calories 335 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 250 g rice pudding rice 1 cup (alternatively use arborio rice/ sushi rice/ risotto rice or another short-grain rice)
    • 1 litre whole milk (3.8% fat) 4 1/24cups (or use another milk of your choice such as almond, soya or oat milk)
    • 1 teaspoon lemon peel grated
    • 1 pinch salt
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or the pulp of one vanilla bean (affiliate link)
    • 65 g granulated sugar ⅓ cup
    • 1 tablespoon butter

    To serve

    • 4 tablespoon sugar and ground cinnamon (affiliate link) mixture
    • sour cherry sauce
    • fruit compote of your choice i.e. rhubarb, apple or plum
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Place the rice, milk, sugar, grated lemon peel, vanilla bean (affiliate link) pulp or extract into a saucepan and bring to a boil. 
      250 g rice pudding rice, 1 litre whole milk (3.8% fat), 1 teaspoon lemon peel, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (affiliate link)
    • Boil the rice on a low heat for 20 – 40 minutes. Keep on stirring it with a wooden spoon to prevent the bottom from burning. Depending on the type of rice you are using, your cooking time may vary slightly. The Milchreis is ready when the rice is nice and creamy and the corns no longer crunchy. 
    • In a separate pan, brown the butter. Once the rice is cooked, stir in the browned butter.
    • To serve, pour the rice pudding into bowls. Sprinkle with a sugar and cinnamon mixture or serve with a topping of your choice.

    Notes

    Milch Reis Topping Suggestions

    • Cinnamon and Sugar milk rice
    • Rice Pudding with Sour Cherry Sauce 
    • Milchreis with German vanilla pudding
    • with fruit compote. Such as rhubarb compote, apple sauce or plum compote
    • Fresh fruit 
    • For extra sweetness, you can add some raisins, and for extra crunch some seeds and nuts. 
    • Rote Grütze German red berry dessert
    • Chocolate – for a special treat just add dark chocolate squares or chocolate drops into the hot milk rice, these will melt and create a heavenly chocolaty treat.

    How to store and reheat Milchreis 

    You can keep leftover Reisbrei in the fridge for up to two days. You can eat it cold or reheat it. If it dries out in the fridge, then just add some more milk to make it creamy again. Reheat it in the microwave or stove.
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 335kcalCarbohydrates: 77gProtein: 5gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 17mgPotassium: 79mgFiber: 1gSugar: 27gVitamin A: 7IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 23mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword German rice pudding, Milchreis,, Reisbrei, Rice Porridge
    Did you make this recipe? I love hearing how you went with my recipes! Please leave a quick Comment and star rating. I appreciate your feedback.

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    Comments

      5 from 10 votes (7 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Suzanne says

      March 22, 2025 at 1:01 pm

      My German mum used to often make this, but she baked it in the oven in a lidded casserole dish, so no need to worry about burning the rice in the pan. I love it sprinkled with cinnamon sugar !

      Reply
      • Marita Sinden says

        March 24, 2025 at 11:22 am

        Thank you for the Tip Suzanne, I will try that next time.

        Reply
    2. jane cre says

      January 02, 2022 at 11:02 pm

      My dad made this rice pudding all though my childhood but instead of stirring the browned butter in he used to smooth the top of the rice pudding in our dishes, pour on the fizzing, red hot browned butter and then shake cinnamon all over the top followed by the sugar. It is one dish that takes me back to my childhood and I absolutely love it.

      I am so pleased you have the full recipe because homemade rice pudding never tasted like his and you have reminded me that he used lemon peel.. something I had forgotten.
      many thanks

      Reply
      • Marita says

        January 03, 2022 at 10:14 pm

        You are welcome Jane. I am glad this recipe stirred some childhood memories. It is one of my favorite as well.

        Reply
    3. John McDade says

      August 27, 2021 at 2:35 pm

      5 stars

      5 stars

      5 stars

      5 stars
      As a TYPE 1 Diabetic this recipe sounds perfect for someone who enjoys a dessert and the optional sugar content makes this one I can make and enjoy

      Reply
      • Marita says

        August 27, 2021 at 10:18 pm

        Hi John, thanks for the comment. I am glad this recipe will suit your dietry needs. It is delicious even without sugar. Hope you will enjoy it. x

        Reply
    4. Mihaela|https://theworldisanoyster.com/ says

      August 12, 2021 at 5:40 pm

      5 stars
      Aww, rice pudding brings back childhood memories; it is true! Mom made the exact same recipe and served it with cinnamon or a very sweet, sticky pine syrup she used to make. What a delightful treat!

      Reply
    5. Jean says

      August 12, 2021 at 2:03 am

      5 stars

      5 stars

      5 stars

      5 stars
      I'll try this recipe and use oat milk thanks for the reco. I love rice puddings and learning new meals I guess this will be added to my breakfast list too.

      Reply
      • Marita says

        August 12, 2021 at 3:06 pm

        Thanks Jean let me know how you like it

        Reply

    Hi, I'm Marita

    Food enthusiast & home cook. I returned to Germany after living in the UK for 20 years. Here at My Dinner, you will find traditional and authentic German recipes with cultural backgrounds.

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