Are you craving a comforting, delicious dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this oven-baked rice pudding recipe! Forget the stovetop fuss; this method delivers a creamy, dreamy texture that's hard to resist. It's the perfect healthy dessert or a delightful addition to your quick dinner ideas repertoire. This homemade cooking masterpiece is surprisingly simple, making it an ideal recipe for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros. Let's get started on this classic, elevated!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Arborio rice (or short-grain white rice)
- 4 cups whole milk (or a combination of milk and cream for extra richness)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Optional: 1/4 cup raisins, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries
Instructions:
Get started:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 2-quart baking dish. This preparation ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
Combine the ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the rice, milk, sugar, salt, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly distributed. Adding the raisins, nuts, or cranberries at this stage is a great idea for those who prefer a bit of extra texture and flavor.
Bake to perfection:
-
Pour the rice mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This prevents the top from browning too quickly while allowing the pudding to cook evenly.
-
Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the pudding is creamy. A slight jiggle in the center is okay; it will continue to set as it cools.
Cool and serve:
-
Remove the rice pudding from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling process allows the pudding to thicken further. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the pudding to reach its peak creaminess.
-
Serve chilled and enjoy your delicious homemade rice pudding!
Tips for the Best Rice Pudding:
- Don't stir too much while baking: Over-stirring can break down the rice and result in a less creamy texture.
- Adjust sweetness to your preference: If you prefer a less sweet pudding, reduce the sugar by 1-2 tablespoons.
- Experiment with different spices: Add a pinch of cardamom or allspice for a unique flavor twist.
Variations:
- Chocolate Rice Pudding: Add 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder to the mixture for a decadent chocolate flavor.
- Coconut Rice Pudding: Substitute coconut milk for some or all of the cow's milk for a tropical twist. Add toasted coconut flakes for extra texture.
- Lemon Rice Pudding: Add the zest and juice of one lemon for a bright and refreshing flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is based on a recipe yielding 6 servings and using whole milk. Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: Approximately 10g
- Protein: Approximately 6g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40g
- Sugar: Approximately 25g
This easy recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while enjoying a healthy and delicious dessert. It's a great option for meal prepping or making ahead for busy weeknights. The oven-baked method simplifies the cooking process, leaving you with more time to enjoy the delicious results! Enjoy!