Old-Fashioned Creamy Baked Rice Pudding
Rich, creamy, and wonderfully comforting, this classic baked rice pudding is the perfect homemade dessert for any occasion. Made with simple pantry staples, it bakes into a luscious, creamy pudding with a beautifully golden top and a warm, cozy flavor the whole family will love. Serve it warm for ultimate comfort or chilled for a refreshing sweet treat!
Ingredients
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 4 cups whole milk
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– ½ cup raisins (optional)
– A pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish with butter.
2. Cook the rice:
Cook the rice according to the package instructions until tender. Drain well if necessary and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the custard mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg until smooth and well combined.
4. Combine everything:
Stir the cooked rice into the milk mixture. Add the raisins if using and mix gently.
5. Bake:
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Place it in the oven and bake for 45–60 minutes, or until the pudding is set around the edges and slightly creamy in the center. The top should be lightly golden.
6. Cool and serve:
Allow the rice pudding to cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm, or refrigerate it for several hours and serve chilled.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a little nutmeg, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra-special touch.
Helpful Tip
For the creamiest texture, avoid overbaking the pudding. It will continue to thicken as it cools, so the center should still have a slight jiggle when you remove it from the oven.
