Hi Bold Bakers! WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE: This creamy rice pudding is more than just a dessert—it’s a warm embrace in a bowl. Already have an account?
Rich and Creamy: Made with simple ingredients, this pudding achieves a perfect, velvety texture that’s irresistibly comforting. Versatile Serving: Enjoy it warm to soothe your soul on a chilly day or cold as a refreshing treat. Nostalgic Flavor: Each spoonful brings a taste of fond memories, evoking a sense of home and tradition. Easy and Quick: With ONLY 15 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready to enjoy.
For me, nothing feels more like home than a bowl of this creamy dessert. Growing up, my mum’s oven-baked rice pudding was the perfect comfort for a chilly Irish evening. While we always enjoyed it warm in Ireland, in America, it often shows up chilled in diners’ dessert cases. Even though traditional “pudding rice” isn’t available in American stores, you can still create a rich and creamy pudding with easily accessible ingredients. Each bite of this treat takes me back to our cozy kitchen in Ireland, and I’m confident it will delight everyone in your family as well.
Bold Bakers Loved it!
“Gemma, you never disappoint. I have been looking for a recipe like this for over 50 years. This is AMAZING.” — Ginny M. “Made this using medium grain rice, I am lactose intolerant, so used lactose-free milk and lactose-free cream, turned out perfect, and was one of the nicest rice puddings I’ve had.” — Christine L. “This is the best rice pudding recipe. Turned out perfectly soft and creamy. My new go to dessert on cold evenings.” — Mary S. IMPORTANT NOTE: This recipe was updated on 9/22/2024, to include new step-by-step photography, explanations and substitutes of key ingredients, flavor variations, make-ahead and storage instructions, and Pro Chef Tips.
Table of Contents
What is Rice Pudding?
Rice pudding is a classic dessert made by cooking rice in milk and sugar until it becomes creamy and tender. It’s a comforting treat that has variations around the world. Here’s what you need to know:
Creamy Texture: The rice absorbs the milk and sugar, creating a smooth, velvety consistency that melts in your mouth. Versatile Flavor: Typically flavored with ingredients like vanilla, cinnamon, or nutmeg, it can be enjoyed plain or with various toppings like fruit or jam. Simple Ingredients: Made from basic ingredients like rice, milk, and sugar, with optional additions for enhanced flavor and richness. Global Variations: While often served warm in Ireland, it can be enjoyed cold in other regions, and recipes may vary with different types of rice and additional ingredients.
Tools You Need for the Best Rice Pudding Recipe
Medium saucepan Measuring cups Measuring spoons Wooden spoon or rubber spatula
Key Ingredients and Substitutes
Short-Grain Rice
The primary ingredient that absorbs milk and sugar, providing the pudding’s texture and structure. Alternatives include Arborio, Calrose, or sushi rice. In Ireland and England, you will find “pudding rice” in baking sections. It’s a general term for short-grain white rice used for making rice pudding.
Whole Milk
Creates a creamy base and provides the liquid needed to cook the rice. Dairy-free alternatives include almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk.
Sugar
Adds sweetness to the pudding. It can be replaced with honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup for natural sweetness. For a lower-sugar option, try stevia, erythritol, or other sugar-free substitutes from our chart.
Butter
Contributes to the richness and smooth texture of the pudding. Coconut oil or dairy-free butter substitutes work well for a vegan alternative. We prefer slated butter because salt enhances flavors. But unsalted butter will also work.
Vanilla Extract
Enhances the flavor with a sweet, aromatic note. Vanilla bean paste can be used as a substitute.
Cinnamon
Provides warmth and spice, complementing the sweetness of the pudding. Nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice are great alternatives for a different flavor profile.
How to Make the Creamiest Rice Pudding Recipe
Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips
For the best results, don’t overcook this pudding! Leave it saucy: you want the rice to be tender, but you should take your saucepan off the heat when the liquid has ALMOST been absorbed. Letting your rice sit for 20 minutes afterward will cause it to absorb all that deliciousness and leave you with a rich and creamy dessert. To make a vegan or dairy-free rice pudding, you can substitute dairy-free milk such as coconut milk, almond milk, oat milk, or cashew milk for milk. And substitute coconut oil or vegan butter for butter. Instead of raspberry jam, you can top this with one of our 3-Ingredient Microwave Jams or some macerated berries. Rice has a natural sweetness and makes some delicious desserts from around the world. If you like rice pudding, definitely try our Thai Coconut Sticky Rice with Mango, Filipino Chocolate Rice Pudding or the classic Danish Christmas dessert Risalamande.
Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
Once cooled, store any leftover rice pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Enjoy it cold or reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or heavy cream, or in the microwave in a covered bowl for about 30 seconds.
What is the best rice for making rice pudding?
In a creamy rice pudding recipe, short-grain rice such as Arborio rice is often considered the best choice. Its high starch content is released to create rich, creamy texture that’s perfect for this dessert. In Ireland and England, you will find “pudding rice” in baking sections. Alternatively, medium-grain rice like Calrose can also yield a similar creamy consistency while still maintaining a bit of texture. However, long-grain rice such as Basmati rice or jasmine rice won’t work well. They will not absorb the liquid like the rice mentioned above.
What are other flavor variations of a cream rice pudding recipe?
These variations can elevate the classic recipe to suit different tastes and occasions.
Spiced Rice Pudding: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for warm, aromatic flavors. Coconut Rice Pudding: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk and top with toasted coconut. Fruit-Infused Pudding: Stir in fresh or dried fruits like mango, raisins, or berries. Chocolate Rice Pudding: Mix in cocoa powder or melted chocolate for a rich twist. Caramel or Dulce de Leche: Swirl in caramel sauce for added sweetness.
Get More Pudding Recipes!
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And don’t forget to buy my Bigger Bolder Baking cookbook for more desserts! Full (and printable) recipe below the video! IMPORTANT NOTE: This recipe was updated on 9/22/2024, to include new step-by-step photography, explanations and substitutes of key ingredients, flavor variations, make-ahead and storage instructions, and Pro Chef Tips.
