Creamy Baked Rice Pudding
Description
Creamy Baked Rice Pudding is a timeless comfort dessert that’s rich, silky, and filled with warm vanilla and cinnamon flavor. Made with simple pantry ingredients like cooked rice, whole milk, cream, eggs, sugar, and vanilla, this old-fashioned recipe bakes into a perfectly creamy custard with a lightly golden top. Every spoonful is soft, comforting, and delicately sweet, making it an ideal dessert for family dinners, holidays, or cozy evenings at home. This classic rice pudding can be served warm straight from the oven or chilled for a refreshing treat the next day. Top it with a sprinkle of cinnamon, fresh berries, raisins, or toasted nuts for extra texture and flavor. Whether you’re recreating a nostalgic family favorite or trying baked rice pudding for the first time, this easy recipe is guaranteed to become a cherished dessert you’ll make again and again.
Ingredients For the Rice Pudding
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ cup raisins
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or almonds
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- ½ tsp ground cardamom
For Garnish
- Ground cinnamon
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream
- Mint leaves
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter.
Step 2: Prepare the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Add the Milk
Slowly whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream until smooth.
Step 4: Add the Rice
Fold the cooked rice into the custard mixture, making sure every grain is coated.
Step 5: Add Optional Ingredients
If using raisins, nuts, or orange zest, gently stir them into the mixture.
Step 6: Fill the Baking Dish
Pour the rice mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Step 7: Bake
Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until the pudding is mostly set but still slightly creamy in the center.
Step 8: Stir Once
About halfway through baking, gently stir the pudding once to keep the texture evenly creamy.
Step 9: Finish Baking
Continue baking until the top is lightly golden and the custard is fully set.
Step 10: Cool Slightly
Remove the pudding from the oven and let it cool for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Step 11: Garnish
Sprinkle with ground cinnamon and top with fresh berries or whipped cream if desired.
Step 12: Serve
Serve warm for a comforting dessert or chill for several hours and enjoy cold.
Tips, Notes & Q&A
Tips
- Day-old cooked rice works especially well because it absorbs the custard beautifully.
- Whole milk and heavy cream create the richest, creamiest texture.
- Stirring once during baking helps prevent the rice from settling.
- Add a splash of almond extract for a subtle flavor twist.
- Serve with caramel sauce or fruit compote for an extra-special dessert.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Bake the pudding a day ahead and refrigerate. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
How should I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze rice pudding?
Yes. Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I use brown rice?
Absolutely. Brown rice adds a slightly nuttier flavor and a heartier texture.
Servings
Serves 8
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fat: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Calcium: 18% DV
Creamy Baked Rice Pudding is a rich, comforting dessert that celebrates simple ingredients and classic homemade flavor. With its velvety custard, tender rice, and warm notes of vanilla and cinnamon, it’s perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or an everyday treat. Easy to prepare and wonderfully satisfying, this timeless dessert is sure to become a favorite for generations to come.