Baked Rice Pudding Recipe

Cozy Vanilla-Kissed Baked Rice Pudding Recipe for Sweet Comfort

Creamy baked rice pudding brings comfort to chilly afternoons with its warm, silky embrace.

Sweet aromas drift through kitchens, promising delightful moments of pure indulgence.

Generations have cherished this simple dessert, passing down treasured techniques from grandmothers to eager learners.

Memories of childhood whisper softly in each tender spoonful.

Milky richness blends perfectly with delicate hints of vanilla and cinnamon.

Minimal ingredients create maximum satisfaction in this classic treat.

Baked Rice Pudding That’s Warm, Sweet, and Classic

  • Quick Comfort Creation: Minimal effort transforms simple ingredients into a heartwarming dessert anyone can master at home.
  • Family-Friendly Delight: Gentle flavors and soft texture make this pudding perfect for kids and adults, creating a universal treat that brings everyone together.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy warm straight from the oven or chilled later, offering flexible enjoyment for different preferences and times of day.
  • Budget-Friendly Recipe: Uses basic pantry staples like leftover rice, eggs, and milk, making it an economical dessert that doesn't compromise on taste or satisfaction.

Baked Rice Pudding Ingredient List

Main Ingredients:
  • Rice: Cooked rice is the hearty base of this classic dessert, providing a creamy and comforting texture. Long-grain white rice works best for a smooth consistency.
  • Eggs: The binding agent that gives the pudding its rich, custard-like structure. Fresh, large eggs are ideal for the best results.
  • Milk: Creates the creamy liquid base that softens the rice and helps develop the pudding's smooth texture. Whole milk is recommended for maximum richness.
Sweeteners and Flavors:
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the creamy rice and enhance the overall flavor. White granulated sugar is the standard choice.
  • Vanilla: Provides a warm, classic flavor that complements the rice pudding. Pure vanilla extract offers the most authentic taste.
  • Raisins: Offers bursts of natural sweetness and chewy texture throughout the pudding. Golden or dark raisins work well.
Finishing Touches:
  • Salt: Enhances and balances the overall sweetness of the pudding. A small amount makes a big difference in flavor.
  • Cinnamon: Sprinkled on top for a warm, aromatic finish that adds depth to the dessert. Ground cinnamon provides the best distribution of flavor.
  • Light Cream (Optional): A rich, smooth topping that can be served with the pudding for extra indulgence.

Baked Rice Pudding in Simple Old-School Style

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 325°F, creating the perfect toasty environment for your delightful dessert.

Step 2: Whip Up The Magical Mixture

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine these delicious ingredients:
  • Slightly beaten eggs
  • Whole milk
  • Fluffy cooked rice
  • Granulated sugar
  • Sweet raisins
  • Fragrant vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Blend everything together until the mixture looks smooth and inviting.

Step 3: Prepare The Baking Dish

Pour your creamy concoction into a rectangular baking dish, spreading it evenly for maximum deliciousness.

Step 4: First Baking Round

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

When the timer dings, give the pudding a gentle stir to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Sprinkle And Finish

Dust the top with a sprinkle of warm cinnamon.

Continue baking for another 20-25 minutes until a knife inserted comes out clean.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Let the pudding cool slightly.

Serve it warm or chilled, optionally drizzling light cream on top for extra indulgence.

Enjoy your comforting dessert!

Rice Pudding Tips for an Oven-Baked Creamy Finish

  • Gently temper eggs by slowly adding warm milk while whisking to avoid curdling and ensure smooth, creamy texture.
  • Use leftover long-grain white rice or swap with short-grain rice for different consistency and richer mouthfeel.
  • Adjust sugar quantity based on preference or substitute with honey, maple syrup, or alternative sweeteners for dietary needs.
  • Add nutmeg, cardamom, or orange zest for unexpected aromatic twist and depth of flavor in traditional pudding.
  • Mix in toasted almonds, coconut flakes, or dried fruits for extra crunch and interesting textural elements.

Chill Baked Rice Pudding for Later

  • Store leftover rice pudding in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep chilled for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Warm individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating. Add a splash of milk to restore creamy texture.
  • Transfer pudding to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • When serving leftovers, sprinkle extra cinnamon or add fresh whipped cream to revive the pudding's delightful flavor and appearance.

Baked Rice Pudding Serving Ideas

  • Enhance Sweet Comfort: Pair creamy baked rice pudding with bold flavors and complementary textures.
  • Recommend Beverage Companion: Serve alongside warm chai tea or rich espresso to balance the pudding's sweetness with aromatic spices.
  • Create Delightful Garnish: Top with toasted almond slivers and fresh berries to add crunch and bright, tangy notes that contrast the pudding's smooth consistency.
  • Explore Flavor Adventure: Drizzle warm caramel sauce or add a sprinkle of orange zest to elevate the traditional dessert with unexpected, sophisticated touches.

Baked Rice Pudding with Mix-In Options

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace milk with coconut milk or almond milk for a creamy, lactose-free version. Use dairy-free butter alternative and skip the cream topping.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Swap regular rice for brown rice or quinoa for added nutrition and safe consumption.
  • Reduced Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or honey. Reduce overall sweetness while maintaining the pudding's rich texture.
  • Protein-Packed Boost: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder to increase protein content. Include chia seeds or chopped nuts for extra nutritional value and crunch.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of rice for this recipe?

Yes, you can use various rice types like long-grain, short-grain, or even leftover cooked rice. Just ensure the rice is cooked and soft before mixing with other ingredients.

  • Is it okay to skip raisins or replace them?

Absolutely! You can omit raisins or substitute with other dried fruits like cranberries, chopped dates, or dried cherries. Feel free to customize according to your preference.

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

Insert a knife near the center of the pudding. If it comes out clean without wet batter, your pudding is ready. The texture should be set but still creamy and slightly wobbly.

  • Can I make this pudding dairy-free?

Yes, replace dairy milk with alternatives like almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. These substitutions will slightly change the flavor but still create a delicious pudding.

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Baked Rice Pudding Recipe

Baked Rice Pudding Recipe


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4.5 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy “baked rice pudding” delivers pure comfort from classic European kitchens, blending simple ingredients into a silky dessert. Warm spices and rich custard invite home cooks to savor each spoonful of this timeless sweet treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

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

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Garnish:

  • Cinnamon (for sprinkling)

Instructions

  1. Whisk eggs in a spacious mixing vessel, creating a smooth foundation for the creamy dessert.
  2. Gradually incorporate milk, ensuring a silky consistency without lumps.
  3. Fold in previously cooked rice, allowing each grain to absorb the rich liquid mixture.
  4. Introduce granulated sugar, stirring until completely dissolved and evenly distributed.
  5. Gently mix in plump raisins, providing bursts of natural sweetness throughout the pudding.
  6. Enhance the flavor profile with aromatic vanilla extract and a delicate touch of salt.
  7. Transfer the velvety mixture into a rectangular ceramic baking dish, spreading evenly.
  8. Slide the dish into a preheated oven maintained at 325°F, initiating the transformative baking process.
  9. After 25 minutes, carefully remove and gently stir the partially set pudding to promote uniform cooking.
  10. Dust the surface with a delicate layer of ground cinnamon, adding warmth and visual appeal.
  11. Return to the oven, continuing baking until the center sets firmly and a knife emerges cleanly.
  12. Allow the pudding to rest momentarily, letting the flavors meld and intensify.
  13. Serve elegantly warm or thoroughly chilled, optionally accompanied by a drizzle of light cream for added indulgence.

Notes

  • Experiment with alternative grains like quinoa or brown rice for a nutritious twist that adds extra fiber and a unique texture to the classic dessert.
  • Swap refined sugar with honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar to create a lower glycemic index version that’s more diet-friendly and naturally sweet.
  • For a dairy-free adaptation, replace milk with almond, coconut, or oat milk, ensuring those with lactose intolerance can still enjoy this comforting dessert.
  • Toast raisins briefly before adding to enhance their natural sweetness and prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking, creating a more evenly distributed flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 70 mg
  • Fat: 4 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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