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This Creamy Rice Pudding recipe stands out for its rich, velvety texture achieved through the use of short-grain rice, which releases starch to create the perfect creaminess.
Its simple ingredients—whole milk, brown sugar, and cinnamon—combine to deliver a comforting dessert that’s both nostalgic and satisfying.
Nutritionally, it offers a balanced profile with moderate calories and a good protein boost from the milk and egg, making it more than just a sweet treat.
With low fat and moderate carbs, this pudding fits well within an everyday diet, especially as a gluten-free dessert option.
Plus, it’s straightforward and quick to prepare, ideal for both novice and experienced cooks who want a warm, wholesome dessert without fuss.
The option to enjoy it warm or chilled makes it flexible for any season or occasion, and the inclusion of raisins adds a natural sweetness and fiber.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Heavy-Bottomed Saucepan
Essential for evenly distributing heat to prevent scorching and ensure the milk and rice cook gently to creamy perfection. This versatile pan is a staple for simmering sauces, soups, and custards alike.
Whisk
Vital for tempering the egg mixture smoothly and incorporating sugar without lumps, ensuring a silky pudding texture. A whisk is a versatile tool for blending ingredients and making light, airy batters.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Precise ingredient measurements guarantee the right balance of sweetness and texture every time. Investing in quality measuring tools elevates the consistency of all your recipes.
Thermometer
Helps monitor the pudding’s temperature carefully, preventing curdling by ensuring it doesn’t boil after adding eggs. A kitchen thermometer is invaluable for cooking meats, candies, and delicate custards with confidence.
Mixing Bowl
Used for whisking together the egg and sugar before tempering, this bowl is handy for prepping ingredients and mixing batters, making it an indispensable item in any kitchen.
Rice Pudding
Equipment
- 1 medium heavy-bottomed saucepan
- 1 Whisk
- 1 set measuring cups (standard: 1 cup, 1/3 cup, 1/4 cup)
- 1 set measuring spoons (standard: 1 tsp, 1/4 tsp)
- 1 Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups whole milk 600 ml
- ⅓ cup short-grain white rice uncooked (66 g)
- A pinch of salt
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup packed dark brown sugar 50 g
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup raisins 40 g
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice Base: In a medium saucepan with a thick bottom, combine the whole milk, uncooked rice, and a small pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan partially and let it simmer gently, stirring occasionally to avoid the rice sticking to the bottom. Continue cooking until the rice is tender and the milk has thickened slightly, about 20 to 25 minutes.
- Whisk Egg and Sugar Mixture: While the rice cooks, whisk together the egg and dark brown sugar in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth and combined.
- Temper the Egg Mixture: Carefully add about half a cup of the hot rice and milk mixture to the egg and sugar bowl, adding it slowly while whisking vigorously. This step warms the eggs gently, preventing them from scrambling when added back to the hot pudding.
- Combine and Thicken Pudding: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining rice and milk. Keep the heat low and stir continuously as the pudding thickens. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature, ensuring it reaches about 160°F (71°C) but does not boil. Remove from heat once thickened to a creamy consistency.
- Add Flavorings and Serve: Stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and raisins. The pudding will seem slightly loose while warm but will thicken further as it cools. Serve the pudding either warm or chilled, according to your preference.
Notes
- Rice Choice Matters: For a creamy texture, use short-grain rice like Calrose or a risotto rice variety. Avoid long-grain or fragrant rice such as basmati or jasmine, which stay firm and won’t create the desired creaminess.
- Gentle Stirring is Key: Stir frequently during cooking to prevent the rice from sticking and scorching, but be gentle to keep the grains intact.
- Tempering the Eggs: This critical step ensures your pudding stays smooth and silky, avoiding any curdling or scrambling. Add the hot liquid gradually and whisk well.
- Serving Tips: This pudding can be enjoyed warm for a comforting treat or chilled for a refreshing dessert. It thickens as it cools, so expect a firmer texture if refrigerated.
- Add-Ins: Feel free to swap raisins with other dried fruits or add a sprinkle of nutmeg for extra warmth.
Chef’s Secrets for Creamy Perfection
Achieving the ideal creamy texture in rice pudding hinges on selecting the right rice and practicing gentle cooking techniques.
Using short-grain rice, such as Calrose or Arborio, is essential because these varieties release starch during cooking, resulting in a naturally thick, velvety pudding.
Stirring frequently but gently during the simmering stage prevents the rice from sticking or burning while keeping the grains intact.
Tempering the egg with a bit of the hot milk and rice mixture before adding it back to the pot is a crucial step that prevents scrambling and ensures a smooth, custard-like consistency.
Finally, low and slow heat is key: high heat risks curdling or over-thickening, so patience leads to a luscious, perfectly cooked pudding.
Serving Suggestions to Impress Guests
Rice pudding is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways.
Serve it warm with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy, comforting dessert perfect for chilly evenings.
For a refreshing twist, chill the pudding and top it with fresh berries, toasted nuts, or a dollop of whipped cream for added texture and flavor.
Pair it with a hot cup of chai or black coffee to balance the sweetness.
It also makes a great make-ahead snack or breakfast option—simply portion it into jars or bowls for grab-and-go convenience.
Storage Tips for Freshness and Quality
To store leftover rice pudding, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
The pudding will thicken further as it cools, so you might want to stir in a splash of milk or cream before reheating to restore its creamy texture.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently to prevent scorching.
Avoid freezing rice pudding, as the texture can become grainy or watery when thawed. For best flavor and consistency, consume within a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rice Pudding
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Brown rice doesn’t have the same starch content as short-grain white rice, so it won’t yield the creamy texture traditional rice pudding requires. It also takes much longer to cook and produces a firmer texture, so it’s not recommended for this recipe.
2. How do I prevent the pudding from curdling?
Tempering the egg is crucial to avoid curdling. Gradually whisk some hot rice mixture into the egg, warming it slowly, before mixing it back into the pot. Also, keep the heat low after adding eggs and never let the pudding boil.
3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute whole milk with creamy plant-based alternatives like coconut milk or almond milk. Keep in mind these may slightly alter the flavor and richness, but the texture should remain creamy if you use full-fat varieties.
4. Can I add other flavors or mix-ins?
Absolutely! Vanilla and cinnamon are classic, but you can also add cardamom, nutmeg, or citrus zest for variety. Mix-ins like chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even a swirl of jam can add exciting texture and flavor.
5. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! Rice pudding stores well in the fridge and can be portioned into containers for easy grab-and-go snacks or desserts throughout the week. Just remember to stir and reheat gently to restore creaminess.
This recipe is inspired by simplyrecipes and has been carefully refined to enhance clarity, streamline preparation steps, and ensure accurate results. We’ve also included health benefits, nutritional highlights, and Must-Have Tools to help you get the best results every time you cook.
