Classic Rice Pudding with Fruit Jam Recipe
Introduction
Classic rice pudding is a comforting dessert with a creamy texture and a delicate vanilla flavor. This recipe bakes the pudding to perfection, creating a luscious dish topped with a hint of nutmeg and your favorite fruit jam.
Ingredients
- Butter, for the dish
- 130g pudding rice
- 70g caster sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla bean paste or 1 vanilla pod, split and seeds scraped out
- 800ml whole milk
- 170ml double cream
- Grating of nutmeg
- Fruit jam of your choice, to serve (strawberry or apricot work well)
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the oven to 160°C (140°C fan)/gas mark 3 and butter a 1.5-litre baking dish thoroughly.
- Step 2: In a bowl, combine the pudding rice, caster sugar, vanilla bean paste or vanilla seeds, whole milk, and double cream. Stir well to mix all the ingredients evenly.
- Step 3: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and grate a generous layer of nutmeg over the top.
- Step 4: Bake in the oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes until a brown skin forms on top and the rice is tender and cooked through.
- Step 5: Allow the pudding to cool slightly. Serve warm scoops in bowls with a dollop of your chosen fruit jam on top.
Tips & Variations
- For a different flavor, try swapping the vanilla for lemon or orange zest.
- To make the pudding dairy-free, use vegan spread instead of butter, and substitute the milk and cream with coconut milk and coconut cream.
Storage
Store any leftover rice pudding covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk to loosen the texture if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of rice?
Pudding rice is preferred because it’s starchy and creates a creamy texture, but you can use Arborio rice as an alternative. Avoid using long-grain rice as it won’t produce the same creamy consistency.
What can I serve instead of fruit jam?
You can serve rice pudding with fresh fruit, a drizzle of honey, cinnamon, or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
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Classic Rice Pudding with Fruit Jam Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
This classic rice pudding recipe delivers a creamy, comforting dessert with a golden brown crust, infused with vanilla and nutmeg. Baked slowly in the oven, it develops a rich, tender texture that pairs perfectly with a dollop of your favorite fruit jam. Ideal for a cozy, nostalgic treat that can be easily customized with citrus zest or made dairy-free.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- butter, for the dish
- 130g pudding rice
- 70g caster sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla bean paste or 1 vanilla pod, split and seeds scraped out
- 800ml whole milk
- 170ml double cream
- grating of nutmeg
To Serve
- fruit jam of your choice (strawberry or apricot recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Preheat your oven to 160°C (140°C fan) or gas mark 3. Generously butter a 1.5-litre baking dish to prevent sticking and help develop a golden crust on the pudding during baking.
- Mix ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pudding rice, caster sugar, vanilla bean paste (or seeds from the vanilla pod), whole milk, and double cream. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are fully integrated.
- Fill the dish and add nutmeg: Pour the rice mixture into the buttered baking dish. Grate a generous layer of fresh nutmeg evenly over the surface to infuse the pudding with warm, aromatic flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour 30 minutes. The pudding is done when it has a beautifully formed brown skin on top and the rice is tender and cooked through.
- Serve: Allow the rice pudding to cool slightly before scooping warm servings into bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of your favorite fruit jam such as strawberry or apricot for added sweetness and contrast.
Notes
- To vary the flavor, swap vanilla bean paste with lemon or orange zest for a citrus twist.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with vegan spread, and use coconut milk and coconut cream instead of whole milk and double cream.
- Pudding rice is preferable for its short grain and high starch content, which creates a creamier pudding.
- The grating of nutmeg not only adds flavor but enhances the warmth and aroma of the dessert.
- The brown crust that forms on top is a hallmark of traditional baked rice pudding, adding texture and flavor contrast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: classic rice pudding, baked rice pudding, creamy dessert, vanilla rice pudding, nutmeg, homemade pudding, traditional dessert
