Old Fashioned Rice Pudding

Old-Fashioned Baked Rice Pudding: A Timeless Classic of Comfort and Elegance

Old-Fashioned Baked Rice Pudding is a nostalgic, creamy dessert beloved for its golden custard top and rich, comforting flavor. Learn how to make this traditional treat with simple ingredients, expert tips, and elegant serving ideas.

Why This Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding Is Irresistible

Few desserts capture the warmth of home quite like Old-Fashioned Baked Rice Pudding. With its creamy custard base, gentle sweetness, and golden caramelized top, this recipe combines the best of simplicity and sophistication.

• Nostalgic charm: A classic dessert that brings back comforting memories.
• Simple ingredients: Made from everyday pantry staples.
• Elegant appearance: A rustic yet refined look for any table.
• Versatile: Delicious warm or chilled, plain or dressed up.

Ingredients and Their Roles Explained

• Short-Grain Rice (¾ cup): Provides the creamy texture thanks to its natural starch.
• Whole Milk (4 cups): Adds richness and body to the pudding.
• Granulated Sugar (½ cup): Sweetens and enhances flavor.
• Eggs (2 large): Create the custard structure and add smoothness.
• Vanilla Extract (1½ tsp): Gives the dessert its warm, aromatic depth.
• Ground Cinnamon (½ tsp): Adds comforting spice and a golden top.
• Raisins (½ cup, optional): Provide pops of natural sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter (2 tbsp): Enriches flavor and creates caramelized edges.
• Salt (¼ tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances every flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set to 325°F (160°C) and lightly butter a 1½-quart baking dish.
2. Cook the rice: Boil 1½ cups of water, add rice, and simmer 10–12 minutes until just tender.
3. Mix the custard base: Whisk milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
4. Combine: Stir in cooked rice and optional raisins.
5. Assemble: Pour mixture into dish and dot with butter pieces.
6. Bake: Bake uncovered 60–75 minutes until golden and mostly set.
7. Rest: Cool 15–20 minutes before serving for perfect consistency.

Pro Tips for Perfect Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding

• Use short-grain rice for the creamiest results.
• Bake gently at a low temperature to avoid curdling.
• Do not overcook the rice before baking; it should finish cooking in the custard.
• Let it rest before serving — it thickens beautifully as it cools.
• Customize flavors: Add nutmeg, cardamom, or citrus zest for variety.

Why People Love This Dessert

This classic baked rice pudding is timeless because it combines rich comfort with simplicity. It’s economical, adaptable, and endlessly comforting — the kind of dessert that feels like home.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic: Serve warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon and melted butter.
• Chilled: Top with whipped cream and a dash of nutmeg.
• Fruit garnish: Add fresh berries or poached pears for a light twist.
• Caramel drizzle: Pour warm caramel or butterscotch sauce for indulgence.
• Holiday version: Add rum-soaked raisins, nuts, or orange zest.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container up to 5 days.
• Reheat: Microwave or warm gently in the oven; add a splash of milk to refresh.
• Freeze (optional): Not ideal for texture, but can be done if thawed slowly in the fridge.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Calcium: 15% DV

The Legacy of Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding

The charm of Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding lies in its enduring simplicity. Passed down through generations, it embodies warmth, patience, and the beauty of homemade desserts. From English cottages to American kitchens, this baked version remains a favorite — comforting, aromatic, and universally loved.

Final Thoughts: Simple, Elegant, and Utterly Delicious

This Old-Fashioned Baked Rice Pudding is more than a recipe — it’s a connection to tradition. With its golden crust, creamy custard center, and delicate sweetness, it delivers pure comfort in every bite. Serve it warm on a cold evening or chilled with fruit on a sunny day; either way, it’s a dessert that transcends time and trends.

Make it today and rediscover the joy of a dessert that never goes out of style — simple, elegant, and irresistibly delicious.