Soak the rice in water for 1 hour.

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a pyrex glass baking dish or casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Combine Rice and Milk Mixture: In a glass pyrex pan, combine the rice, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon sticks. Stir the mixture well until the sugar is dissolved.

Add Raisins (Optional): If you enjoy the sweet burst of raisins in your rice pudding, fold in 1/2 cup of raisins into the mixture at this point.

Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 2.5 hours. Remember to stir the pudding every 30 minutes to ensure even cooking and a creamy consistency.

Check for Doneness: Around the 2.5-hour mark, check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center. If it comes out clean and the top has developed a beautiful golden-brown color, your rice pudding is ready.

Cool and Garnish: Allow the baked rice pudding to cool for a bit before serving. Sprinkle a cinnamon or ground nutmeg on top for a final touch of warmth and flavor.

Serve and Enjoy: Scoop generous portions of the oven-baked rice pudding into bowls and savor each spoonful. Whether served warm or chilled, this delightful dessert is sure to bring joy to your taste buds.