There's something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of rice pudding. This Creamy Baked Rice Pudding combines creamy textures with delicate flavors, creating a delicious dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening.
Ingredients
Scale:
1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
4 cups whole milk (or substitute with almond milk for a dairy-free rice pudding)
1 cup heavy cream
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup raisins or currants (optional)
Additional cinnamon for dusting (optional)
Chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans (optional)
Fresh fruit, like berries or sliced bananas (optional)
Drizzle of caramel sauce or chocolate syrup for an indulgent touch (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 2-quart baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
In a medium saucepan, combine the uncooked rice, 2 cups of milk, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure the rice doesn't stick. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the milk.
In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 cups of milk, heavy cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined, ensuring that the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
Once the rice has cooked, add it to the custard mixture and stir until everything is evenly mixed, creating a creamy blend of textures.
If you’re adding raisins or currants, fold them into the mixture now, distributing them evenly throughout for bites of sweetness.
Pour the rice pudding mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform cooking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. The pudding should be set and slightly golden on top; it will continue to thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a little loose right out of the oven.
Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. The pudding can be enjoyed warm or chilled. It also thickens as it cools, so you might find it even more enjoyable the next day!
