Baked Rice Pudding

Do you have a soft spot for desserts that are warm, comforting, and totally nostalgic? Well, get ready because this Baked Rice Pudding is everything you’ve been craving and more. It’s creamy, dreamy, and that golden-brown top? Pure magic. Whether you’re reminiscing about childhood desserts or discovering rice pudding for the first time, this one is bound to win you over. It’s cozy, simple, and can be enjoyed any time you want to treat yourself to something sweet and satisfying. So grab your spoon, and let’s dive into this dessert that’s as warm and inviting as a hug.

Why You’ll Love Baked Rice Pudding

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments that bring comfort to your day. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner, a family gathering, or simply because you need a sweet pick-me-up, this dish is the perfect choice. Here’s why it’s such a favorite:

Versatile: Great for any occasion. Serve it as a simple dessert after a family dinner, or top it with fresh fruit for a brunch treat. It’s perfect for cozy evenings in or even as a special dish to share at a gathering.

Budget-Friendly: It uses basic pantry ingredients that you probably already have. You don’t need to spend a fortune to create a delicious, comforting dessert.

Quick and Easy: The best part? This rice pudding is incredibly easy to make. With minimal prep and a little time in the oven, you’ll have a dreamy dessert with minimal effort.

Customizable: Want to add a little extra flavor? Try adding cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a splash of vanilla extract. You can adjust the sweetness and spices to your liking, making it truly your own.

Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a dessert that’s sure to please all ages. Whether it’s kids after dinner or adults enjoying a late-night treat, baked rice pudding is a crowd favorite that never fails to impress.

Ingredients

Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to make this baked rice pudding come to life:

Rice: The base of this pudding is a creamy, tender rice. Short-grain or medium-grain rice is ideal because it becomes soft and sticky, giving you that perfect pudding texture.

Milk: Whole milk adds richness and creaminess to the pudding, creating a smooth and velvety base. You can also use a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk if you prefer.

Sugar: A little sweetness goes a long way! You’ll need sugar to balance the richness of the milk and rice. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference.

Eggs: Eggs help give the pudding its rich custard-like texture. They add structure and that beautiful smooth consistency.

Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla gives the pudding an aromatic warmth that makes it feel extra special.

Cinnamon: This is the spice that takes this dish from simple to spectacular. It adds warmth and a little kick to the flavor profile.

Salt: Just a pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and brings all the flavors together.

Butter: A little butter adds richness and depth of flavor, giving the pudding that extra comfort-factor.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Now, let’s walk through how to make this dreamy dessert:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your rice pudding will bake evenly and get that perfect golden top.

Step 2: Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, cook the rice according to package instructions until it’s soft and tender. You want the rice to be fluffy and ready to soak up all that creamy goodness.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir in the cinnamon for that signature warm spice.

Step 4: Combine Rice and Milk Mixture: Once the rice is cooked, add it to the bowl with the milk and egg mixture. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the pudding is set and has a nice golden-brown top. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to make sure it doesn’t overcook.

Step 6: Let It Cool: After baking, let the rice pudding cool for a few minutes. The flavors will continue to develop, and the pudding will firm up slightly.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy: Serve your rice pudding warm or chilled, topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a drizzle of honey, or fresh fruit for a little extra flavor. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 220

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve Baked Rice Pudding

This baked rice pudding can be enjoyed in a variety of ways! Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience:

With Fresh Fruit: Top with berries, sliced bananas, or roasted peaches for a fruity contrast to the creamy pudding.

Drizzle of Honey or Maple Syrup: A drizzle of honey or maple syrup adds a natural sweetness and a little extra decadence.

With Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top makes it feel like a special treat, perfect for a dessert buffet or a weekend indulgence.

Spiced Nuts: Add a sprinkle of chopped, spiced nuts like pecans or almonds for a crunchy texture that complements the smooth pudding.

As a Breakfast Treat: Yep, this pudding is so good, it could double as a breakfast! Serve it warm with a side of toast for a cozy, comforting morning.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to make sure your rice pudding turns out perfectly every time:

• Prep Ahead: You can make this rice pudding the night before and let it cool in the fridge. It tastes just as delicious the next day!
• Make It Extra Creamy: If you want an even creamier pudding, swap some of the milk for heavy cream. It’ll give you that luscious texture you’re looking for.
• Spice Variations: While cinnamon is classic, you could also experiment with a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or even a dash of almond extract.
• Store Leftovers: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This pudding tastes just as good after a couple of days, and you can enjoy it chilled or reheated.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A1: Yes! Brown rice will work too, but it will need a little more time to cook, and it will give the pudding a chewier texture.

Q2: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A2: Absolutely! You can substitute the milk with any non-dairy milk, like almond or coconut milk, and use dairy-free butter to make this recipe dairy-free.

Q3: Can I make this rice pudding ahead of time?
A3: Yes, it’s great for make-ahead! You can bake it, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat before serving.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It can be enjoyed chilled or reheated in the microwave or oven.

Q5: Can I freeze this pudding?
A5: Yes, you can freeze baked rice pudding! Just make sure it’s in an airtight container and it will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat when ready to eat.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes! If you’re cooking for a crowd, feel free to double the ingredients. Just use a larger baking dish and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Q7: How do I make the top of the rice pudding more golden and crispy?
A7: To get that golden-brown top, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning!

Q8: Can I add raisins or other dried fruits to the pudding?
A8: Absolutely! Adding raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dates would give the pudding a lovely, chewy texture and enhance the sweetness.

Q9: Is there a way to make this rice pudding more custard-like?
A9: To get a thicker, custard-like texture, you can increase the number of eggs or reduce the baking time slightly.

Q10: Can I serve this with something savory?
A10: This is definitely a sweet dish, but if you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of sea salt or a few pieces of crispy bacon could create an interesting contrast.

Conclusion

This Baked Rice Pudding is the ultimate comfort dessert, bringing a warm, creamy, and slightly nostalgic sweetness to any meal. Whether you’re enjoying it as a treat for yourself or sharing it with friends and family, this recipe is bound to be a crowd-pleaser. Easy to make, budget-friendly, and infinitely customizable, it’s a dessert that will bring comfort to your kitchen and your heart. So go ahead—spoon up that creamy goodness and enjoy every bite!

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