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
Scale
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
