Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe for a Comforting Dessert

Looking for a dessert recipe that’s warm, comforting and absolutely delicious? Look no further. I bring to you the Simply Splendid Rice Pudding Recipe, a bowl of pure comfort that’ll leave you feeling satisfied and happy.

This delightful pudding is perfect for a cold winter’s day or a cozy night in with your loved ones. With its creamy texture and sweet vanilla flavor, it’s sure to impress even those who think they don’t like rice pudding.

I developed this recipe based on my love for classic comfort food desserts that are easy to make and always satisfying. There’s something about a good rice pudding that just warms your heart and nourishes your soul.

In this recipe, you’ll find all of the classic rice pudding ingredients — short-grain rice, whole milk, butter, brown sugar and vanilla — as well as some special tips and tricks that I’ve picked up over the years to make this dish truly unforgettable.

So why wait? Grab your apron and let’s get started on making this simply splendid rice pudding recipe. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll never want to go back to any other pudding recipe again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simply Splendid Rice Pudding
Simply Splendid Rice Pudding

Listen up, fellow foodies! I’m here to tell you why this Simply Splendid Rice Pudding Recipe is a must-try.

Are you a fan of sweet, creamy desserts that evoke nostalgia and comfort? If so, then this recipe is calling your name. Not only is it easy to make, but the end result is a dreamy, delicious bowl of rice pudding that will have you coming back for more.

Let’s talk about the ingredients. We’ve got short-grain rice, whole milk, vanilla, brown sugar, and butter – all simple ingredients that come together to create something magical. And the best part? This recipe is easily customizable, so feel free to add in some raisins or pine nuts for a little extra crunch and flavor.

But why do I love this recipe so much? Frankly, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of rice pudding on a chilly day. The creaminess combined with the warming spices produces an instant sense of comfort and happiness. Plus, it’s a versatile dessert that can be served as is or paired with cookies for an extra touch of sweetness.

So what are you waiting for? Whether you’re a die-hard rice pudding fan or simply looking for a new dessert to add to your arsenal, this Simply Splendid Rice Pudding Recipe is sure to win you over. Trust me – give it a try and thank me later.

Ingredient List

 Warm and cozy dessert for chilly evenings
Warm and cozy dessert for chilly evenings

Ingredients for Simply Splendid Rice Pudding Recipe

To cook this Simply Splendid Rice Pudding Recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

  • Short-grain rice: 3/4 cup
  • Whole milk: 4 cups
  • Brown sugar, packed: 1/2 cup
  • Butter, unsalted: 2 tablespoons
  • Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
  • Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
  • Cinnamon stick: 1 (optional)

Note that you can use brown or white short-grain rice for this recipe. If you only have leftover rice, you can use them after grains are cooked. Skimmed milk or any other light version of milk can be used for a light rice pudding version. Vegetarian lovers should try adding raisins, pine nut, lemon or anything else they like to make this wonderful dessert.

The Recipe How-To

 Creamy and delicious with a sprinkle of cinnamon
Creamy and delicious with a sprinkle of cinnamon

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to start making this simply splendid rice pudding.

Step 1: Cook the Rice

First, take a saucepan and start cooking short-grain rice along with whole milk, salt, and a cinnamon stick. Bring the mixture just up to a boil and then reduce the heat to low, cover it and simmer for about 25 minutes while stirring occasionally. It is crucial to check the rice regularly to ensure that it isn’t sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Step 2: Add Sugar and Butter

Once the rice is cooked, add brown sugar and stir it in until dissolved. Then add a small amount of butter into the pudding and mix all these ingredients well.

Step 3: Flavor The Pudding

Next, remove the cinnamon stick from the pudding, and then go ahead to add some vanilla extract or scrape half of a vanilla bean pod into your rice pudding. Keep stirring until incorporated.

Step 4: Thicken The Pudding

Continue by bringing the mixture back down to boiling point over a medium heat setting; once it starts boiling, reduce heat slightly so that it simmers steadily. Make sure you continue stirring constantly for approximately another five minutes – this helps thicken up the whole mixture while ensuring that every grain of rice is thoroughly cooked through.

Step 5: Let it Cool

When ready, remove your pudding from heat and allow it to cool on its own for about 5 mins. Don’t worry if its consistency is still runny because as it cools down at room temperature or in the fridge, it will thicken significantly.

Step 6: Serve

Finally, grab yourself a medium-sized bowl or glass mug and serve up some of this delicious pudding recipe with a splash of milk or whip cream on top for that elegant touch.

Voila! There you have a perfect bowlful of creamy, rich Simply Splendid Rice Pudding recipe ready in no time!

Substitutions and Variations

 A classic dessert everyone will love
A classic dessert everyone will love

Listen up, bakers! You can switch things up with this Simply Splendid Rice Pudding Recipe to give it an extra edge. Here are some variations and substitutions that you can try without losing the fabulous taste:

– Rice Options: Short-grain rice is key for the creaminess and thickness of this pudding. But if you’re feeling adventurous, try arborio or jasmine rice for a different texture.

– Milk Options: I used whole milk for the recipe because it adds richness to the pudding. However, you can use rice milk, skimmed milk or even almond milk in your rice pudding.

– Sweetener Options: The original recipe uses brown sugar, but white sugar or maple syrup work just as well if you’re looking for a different taste.

– Flavoring Options: Vanilla extract and cinnamon stick are classic choices for flavoring rice pudding, but feel free to add in other spices like nutmeg or cardamom. You can also swap vanilla with a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a chocolate twist!

– Mix-ins Options: Raisins, pine nuts, lemon zest and whipped cream are all classic pairings with rice pudding. Experiment with your favorite toppings and make it your own!

Remember that making these substitutions may affect the final outcome of your pudding, so take care when modifying the ingredients. But don’t be shy to get creative and try new things – that’s what cooking is all about!

Serving and Pairing

 A comforting treat with a homemade touch
A comforting treat with a homemade touch

When it comes to serving and pairing, this simply splendid rice pudding recipe is incredibly versatile. There are so many options to choose from, you’ll never get bored.

First of all, let’s talk about how to serve this delicious pudding. When it’s freshly made and still warm, I absolutely love to eat it on its own, with just a dollop of whipped cream on top. The creaminess of the pudding combined with the airy sweetness of the cream is a match made in heaven.

But if you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, there are plenty of ways to mix things up. One option is to add some fresh fruit on top – strawberries or raspberries work particularly well. Or, for a more indulgent twist, you could try drizzling some chocolate sauce over the pudding.

As for pairing, there are plenty of beverages that go well with rice pudding. A nice cup of tea is always a winner – I personally love earl grey or chai tea with my rice pudding. If you’re a coffee lover, try pairing it with a creamy cappuccino or latte.

If you really want to take things up a notch, try pairing your rice pudding with a dessert wine – something like Moscato or Riesling would be perfect.

Finally, if you’re feeling really creative, why not use your leftover rice pudding to make other desserts? You could use it as a filling for crepes or pancakes, or even bake it into muffins or cupcakes.

In short, this simply splendid rice pudding recipe is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving and pairing. So go ahead and get creative – the possibilities are endless!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

 Rich and flavorful dessert made easy
Rich and flavorful dessert made easy

Now that you have mastered the art of making a simply splendid rice pudding, let me tell you how to store and reheat it for later. The best part about this recipe is that you can prepare it ahead of time, or even make a double batch so that you have leftovers for days to come.

If you want to make-ahead, then here’s what you need to do. Let the pudding cool down first at room temperature, then cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. When ready to serve, just give it a quick stir and add a dash of milk or cream if necessary.

If you want to freeze the leftover simply splendid rice pudding, then transfer it into an airtight container or plastic bag and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When it’s time to reheat, remove the container from the freezer and thaw it out overnight in the refrigerator. Heat it up in the microwave or on the stove top and give it a good old-fashioned stir.

If you want to reheat on the stove top, then all you need is a saucepan on the stove with some milk or cream. Warm up the liquid but do not boil over high heat as this will cause the pudding to curdle. Add the chilled pudding and continue stirring until everything is heated through thoroughly.

If you want something different, then try baked rice pudding by spooning your simply splendid rice pudding mix into a baking dish, sprinkle some brown sugar on top, dot with butter before baking at 350F (180C) for approximately 20 minutes until lightly golden and crispy on top.

This recipe is also suitable as a single serving dessert option; cook a little extra quantity with your leftovers so that you can take one serving size to work each day instead of reaching for pre-made sugar cookies or any other unhealthy snack options.

Overall, there are several ways to make this deliciously creamy rice pudding work for you. Whether you serve it fresh off the stove top or bake it until golden brown, simply splendid rice pudding is easy-to-make comfort food perfect for any occasion.

Tips for Perfect Results

 The perfect dessert for any occasion
The perfect dessert for any occasion

When it comes to rice pudding, the texture is key. You want the pudding to be smooth and creamy, without any lumps or grains of rice that are still hard. To ensure you get the perfect texture every time, here are some tips to keep in mind.

First and foremost, use short-grain rice such as Arborio or Jasmine. These varieties have a higher starch content than long-grain rice so they will create a creamier texture. If you don’t have short-grain rice on hand, don’t fret. You can still make this recipe with white or brown long-grain rice but you may need to cook it a little longer to soften it up.

Another important tip is to use whole milk instead of skimmed milk. Whole milk will add richness and creaminess to the dish that you won’t get with skimmed milk. If you want a lighter option, you can use light rice milk instead.

When cooking the rice for the pudding, use a heavy-bottomed pot or saucepan that is large enough to hold all of your ingredients without boiling over. A larger pot will also help the pudding cook evenly and prevent it from sticking to the bottom.

In terms of sweeteners, brown sugar lends a lovely caramel flavor and buttery color to this pudding recipe when used in place of white sugar. Plus, it dissolves easily and produces moist baked goods which contribute to dense and rich puddings. However, for an extra touch of sweetness, you can serve each portion of pudding with simply splendid sugar cookies or mix raisins, pine nuts, lemon zest or chocolate chips in with the mixture right before baking.

Finally, if your rice pudding turns out too thick for your liking once cooked, there’s an easy fix: just add a little more milk! Stir gently until your desired consistency is reached. With these tips and tricks under your belt, there’s no doubt that your perfect bowl of rice pudding is just one step away – so go ahead and whip up this simply splendid recipe!

FAQ

Before we wrap up this recipe article, it is essential to go through some commonly asked questions about this simply splendid rice pudding recipe. Below are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions that will help you create the best result with ease, and without much trouble.

What does rice pudding do to your body?

Rice pudding, despite its sweet taste and creamy texture, can actually provide vital nutrients to our body. This dessert contains significant amounts of vitamins B1 and B2, along with potassium and magnesium as well as other essential minerals. When prepared with cow’s milk, a single serving of rice pudding can deliver vitamins A, B, D, E and K, calcium, iodine and zinc, making it a nutritious treat. Recent studies suggest that enjoying rice pudding once in a while can have health benefits.

What thickens rice pudding?

Different rice pudding recipes use various methods to achieve a thick and creamy consistency. While many rely on the starch content of the rice or milk, others may incorporate eggs or even cornstarch for a denser texture.

Why is my rice hard in my rice pudding?

Getting the rice just right is crucial for the perfect pudding. Overcooked rice will be too soft and mushy. Meanwhile, undercooked rice will be tough and unpalatable. So, make sure to cook the rice correctly before adding it to the pudding mixture.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a dessert recipe that will leave both your belly and taste buds happy, look no further than this Simply Splendid Rice Pudding Recipe. With its creamy texture, delicious flavor, and unlimited variations, it’s the perfect sweet treat for any occasion. Plus, with our helpful tips on making substitutions and storing leftovers, you’ll be able to enjoy this pudding recipe all week long. So indulge in the comfort food goodness of rice pudding and join the legions of people who already know that simply splendid is truly splendid!

Simply Splendid Rice Pudding

Simply Splendid Rice Pudding Recipe

This recipe is posted for a Recipezaar member who is looking for an eggless, baked rice pudding. It’s untried by me, but it sounds good so I’ll likely try it soon! I found it in Rose Murray’s cookbook, “Hungry For Comfort: The Pleasures of Home Cooking” (which, incidentally, is a great book). This is what Rose Murray says about this recipe: “Risottos seem to have replaced the old-fashioned rice pudding as modern comfort food, but I think that the traditional baked rice pudding should be revived since it is so easy to make and provides the same wonderfully creamy texture as an upscale risotto.”
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: International
Keyword: < 4 Hours, Beginner Cook, Brunch, Dessert, Easy, Inexpensive, Kosher, Oven, Potluck, Rice, Short-Grain Rice
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Calories: 197.4kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 cups milk (NOT skim)
  • 1/3 cup uncooked short-grain rice (if you can’t find regular short-grain rice, arborio works well)
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 300F; have ready a greased 8-cup baking dish (preferably glass, says Rose Murray).
  • Heat the milk in a large saucepan over medium-high heat just until bubbles appear around the edge; remove from the heat.
  • Add all the remaining ingredients to the milk, combine well, then pour into the prepared pan.
  • Bake in preheated oven for two hours, until rice is just tender and most of the milk has been absorbed; stir twice during the first hour of baking.

Your Own Notes

Nutrition

Serving: 186g | Calories: 197.4kcal | Carbohydrates: 25.4g | Protein: 6.1g | Fat: 7.9g | Saturated Fat: 4.9g | Cholesterol: 27.9mg | Sodium: 122.9mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 8.9g