Few desserts feel as nostalgic, warm, and comforting as a homemade baked rice pudding. With its soft, creamy texture and lightly caramelized golden top, this classic dessert brings together simple pantry ingredients to create something incredibly rich and satisfying. Every spoonful melts in your mouth, delivering delicate sweetness, hints of vanilla, and a cozy touch of cinnamon.
This baked rice pudding recipe is perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or quiet evenings when you crave something sweet but homemade. The slow baking process transforms rice, milk, and sugar into a thick custard-like dessert that tastes both luxurious and traditional. Served warm or chilled, topped with fluffy whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, it becomes irresistible.
Easy to prepare and made with everyday ingredients, this dessert proves that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. It’s creamy, rich, and naturally satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 cup short-grain white rice
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Whipped cream for topping
- Extra cinnamon for garnish
Preparation Steps
Start by rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps prevent the pudding from becoming overly sticky. Drain well.
In a medium saucepan, add the rice and two cups of milk. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the rice absorbs most of the milk and becomes tender. This should take about 10 to 12 minutes. The rice should be soft but not mushy.
While the rice cooks, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining milk, heavy cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, salt, and half of the cinnamon. Whisk until smooth and fully combined. This mixture forms the custard base that gives the pudding its creamy consistency.
Once the rice is cooked, allow it to cool slightly before adding it to the custard mixture. Stir gently to combine. Pour everything into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Dot the top with small pieces of butter. This helps create a rich flavor and encourages the golden crust to form during baking.
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the center is just set and the top turns lightly browned. The edges should be slightly firm while the middle remains soft and creamy. Avoid overbaking to maintain the silky texture.
Remove from the oven and let the pudding rest for at least 10 minutes. This allows it to thicken naturally as it cools.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the rice pudding warm for ultimate comfort or refrigerate it for a chilled version. Both options are equally delicious.
Top each serving with a generous spoonful of whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon. For extra flavor, you can add fresh fruit, raisins, toasted nuts, or a drizzle of honey or caramel sauce.
This dessert pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, making it ideal for cozy evenings or weekend brunches.
Tips for Perfect Rice Pudding
Use short-grain or medium-grain rice for the creamiest texture. These varieties release more starch and create a thicker pudding. Avoid long-grain rice, which tends to stay separate and less creamy.
Whole milk and cream provide the richest flavor. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute with lower-fat milk, though the texture may be slightly thinner.
Stir gently when combining ingredients to avoid breaking the rice grains. Slow baking is key to achieving a custard-like consistency.
For added flavor, consider mixing in orange zest, nutmeg, or a splash of almond extract.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy baked rice pudding is simple, affordable, and made with ingredients you likely already have at home. It’s a timeless dessert that works for all seasons and occasions.
The smooth texture, warm spices, and lightly caramelized top create a beautiful contrast that makes every bite special. It’s comforting without being heavy and sweet without being overpowering.
Perfect for family dinners, celebrations, or meal prep desserts, this recipe keeps well and tastes even better the next day. Just reheat gently or enjoy cold straight from the fridge.
Once you try this homemade baked rice pudding, it will quickly become one of your favorite classic desserts — rich, creamy, and full of heartwarming flavor.