Introduction This creamy baked rice pudding with a caramelized golden top is a comforting classic dessert, rich, silky, and gently sweet, perfect for cozy evenings or elegant endings to a meal, combining simple pantry ingredients with slow, loving cooking to create deep flavor and irresistible texture
Ingredients Short-grain rice 1/2 cup Whole milk 4 cups Heavy cream 1/2 cup Sugar 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons for topping Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon Butter 1 tablespoon Salt a small pinch Eggs 2 large Optional cinnamon or lemon zest
Instructions Preheat oven to 180°C Grease small ramekins with butter Rinse rice lightly In a saucepan combine milk cream salt and rice Bring to gentle simmer Cook 20 minutes stirring often until rice is tender Whisk eggs with sugar and vanilla Slowly temper with hot milk mixture Pour into ramekins Place ramekins in a baking dish with hot water halfway up sides Bake 35–40 minutes Sprinkle sugar on top and broil or torch until caramelized
Methods Slow simmering allows starch release for creaminess Bain-marie baking prevents curdling Broiling or torching forms the crisp caramel crust Resting thickens the pudding naturally
History Rice pudding dates back to ancient Asia and the Middle East Later adopted in Europe where baked versions became popular French and British cuisines refined it with cream eggs and caramelized tops
Benefits Provides comfort and warmth Rich in calcium and protein Easily digestible Energy-boosting Naturally gluten-free Customizable sweetness
Formation Creamy interior formed by rice starch and egg custard Crispy top formed by caramelized sugar Moist base supported by gentle oven heat
Conclusion This dessert balances softness and crunch simplicity and luxury a timeless recipe that never goes out of style
Lovers Loved by children for its sweetness Adults for its nostalgia Chefs for its technique Dessert lovers for its texture
Methods Can be stovetop only Oven-baked Traditional or modern With torch or grill Served warm or chilled
Nutrition Calcium Protein Carbohydrates Moderate fats Energy-dense Comfort food Low sodium
Conclusion A spoonful delivers warmth tradition and indulgence making it perfect for family tables and special moments
Lovers Home cooks Dessert enthusiasts Traditional food lovers Comfort food fans