Baked Rice Pudding Recipe

Smooth & Sweet Baked Rice Pudding Recipe

Comfort flows through every spoonful of this delectable baked rice pudding, promising warmth and sweetness in each creamy bite.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen dance around the edges of this classic dessert.

Soft grains of rice nestle beneath a golden, caramelized surface that whispers of gentle love.

Vanilla and cinnamon weave their magic, creating an aroma that draws you closer to the dish.

Smooth and rich, the pudding offers a simple yet profound pleasure that speaks directly to your soul.

Chilled or warm, this dessert adapts to your mood, ready to comfort and delight.

Prepare to fall in love with a recipe that turns humble ingredients into pure magic.

Classic and Comforting Baked Rice Pudding

  • Simplify Leftover Rice: Transform yesterday's rice into a delightful dessert without extra cooking or complicated steps.
  • Customize Family Comfort: Adapt the recipe by adding favorite mix-ins like nuts, different spices, or alternative dried fruits to suit every family member's taste.
  • Quick Family Dessert: Create a satisfying sweet treat that requires minimal preparation and delivers maximum flavor, perfect for weeknight dinner endings or unexpected sweet cravings.
  • Versatile Temperature Delight: Enjoy this pudding warm for a cozy comfort or chilled for a refreshing dessert option, making it suitable for any mood or season.

Ingredients for Baked Rice Pudding

For the Base Ingredients:
  • Cooked Rice: A soft, fluffy foundation that provides texture and substance to the pudding.
  • Milk: A creamy liquid that helps create a smooth and rich consistency.
  • Eggs: A binding agent that adds richness and helps set the pudding.
  • Sugar: A sweet ingredient that enhances the overall flavor of the dessert.
For the Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla: A classic flavoring that adds depth and warmth to the pudding.
  • Raisins: Sweet dried fruits that provide bursts of natural sweetness and chewy texture.
  • Cinnamon: A warming spice that sprinkled on top adds aromatic complexity.
For the Seasoning:
  • Salt: A small amount that balances and heightens the sweet flavors in the pudding.
  • Light Cream: An optional topping that can be drizzled for extra richness when serving.

How to Bake Creamy Rice Pudding

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 325F (160C), getting ready for a delightful dessert adventure.

Step 2: Create the Pudding Base

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and whisk together these yummy ingredients:
  • Softly beaten eggs
  • Creamy milk
  • Perfectly cooked rice
  • Sweet sugar
  • Plump raisins
  • Fragrant vanilla
  • A pinch of salt

Blend everything until it’s smooth and dreamy.

Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour your luscious mixture into a rectangular baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 4: First Baking Session

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.

After this initial baking, gently stir the pudding to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Final Baking Flourish

Sprinkle a generous dusting of warm cinnamon across the top.

Return to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes. The pudding is ready when a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Dish out this comforting dessert warm or chilled. For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle with light cream if you’re feeling fancy.

Pro Tips for Perfect Baked Rice Pudding

  • Use leftover rice to save time and reduce food waste, ensuring the rice is cooked and cooled before mixing into the pudding.
  • Swap raisins with other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped dates for variety and different flavor profiles.
  • Consider using alternative milk options such as almond or coconut milk for those with dairy restrictions or seeking a plant-based version.
  • Check pudding's doneness by inserting a knife near the center – it should come out clean, indicating perfect baking without overcooking.
  • Enhance flavor by adding a pinch of nutmeg alongside cinnamon or garnishing with toasted nuts for extra texture and depth.

Variations on Rice Pudding to Try

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Swap milk with coconut milk and use almond-based rice for a creamy, lactose-free version.
  • Tropical Remix: Replace raisins with chopped mango or pineapple chunks, adding a bright, fruity flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Protein Power Pudding: Mix in a scoop of vanilla protein powder to boost nutritional value and create a more filling dessert.

Pairing Ideas for Rice Pudding

  • Complement Creamy Cinnamon Comfort: Pair this warm, sweet rice pudding with a robust black coffee that cuts through its richness and enhances the dessert's delicate spices.
  • Refresh with Fruity Notes: Serve alongside a chilled glass of sweet Riesling wine, which complements the pudding's vanilla and raisin flavors with its light, crisp undertones.
  • Boost Dessert Indulgence: Top the pudding with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, creating a delightful temperature contrast and adding extra creamy texture to the warm, cinnamon-spiced dessert.
  • Enhance Spice Experience: Garnish with toasted almond slivers or chopped pistachios to introduce a delightful crunch and nutty depth that elevates the pudding's soft, comforting profile.

Storage Advice for Baked Rice Pudding

Store leftover pudding in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation.

Transfer cooled pudding to a freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of milk to restore moisture, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.

Warm pudding in a preheated 325F oven for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally and add a little milk if needed to maintain creamy texture.

FAQs

  • Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice works perfectly. Just ensure it’s cooked and cooled before mixing into the pudding.

  • Is it okay to skip raisins?

Absolutely! You can omit raisins or replace them with other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped dates.

  • How do I know when the pudding is fully baked?

Insert a knife near the center – if it comes out clean without wet mixture, the pudding is done. The top should also look set and slightly golden.

  • Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute regular milk with almond, coconut, or oat milk to create a dairy-free version of the baked rice pudding.

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Baked Rice Pudding Recipe

Baked Rice Pudding Recipe


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4.6 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Rich, creamy rice pudding masterfully blends comfort and nostalgia, delivering a classic dessert that whispers sweet memories. Silky grains nestled in a luscious custard promise pure indulgence that beckons you to savor each heavenly spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups cooked rice
  • 2 cups milk
  • 3 eggs

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup raisins

Seasoning and Flavoring:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • Cinnamon for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Prepare a welcoming environment for the rice pudding by heating the oven to 325F (160C), ensuring a cozy baking atmosphere.
  2. Whisk together eggs, milk, precooked rice, sugar, raisins, vanilla, and salt in a spacious mixing bowl, blending the ingredients into a harmonious mixture.
  3. Transfer the creamy concoction into a 10x6x2-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a smooth surface.
  4. Place the dish in the preheated oven and allow the pudding to bake for 25 minutes, gently disrupting its surface with a careful stir to promote even cooking.
  5. Dust the surface with a delicate sprinkle of cinnamon, then return the pudding to the oven for an additional 20-25 minutes until a knife inserted near the center emerges pristine and clean.
  6. Once baked to perfection, remove from the oven and let the pudding rest briefly, offering the option to enjoy it either warmly embracing or refreshingly chilled, with an optional drizzle of light cream for extra indulgence.

Notes

  • Customize the rice by using brown rice for added fiber and nutty flavor, making the dessert more nutritious.
  • Replace raisins with alternative mix-ins like chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or chocolate chips to suit different taste preferences.
  • Create a dairy-free version by substituting dairy milk with coconut milk or almond milk, ensuring those with lactose intolerance can enjoy this comforting dessert.
  • Control sweetness by reducing sugar or using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a healthier twist on the classic recipe.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 275 kcal
  • Sugar: 26 g
  • Sodium: 80 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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