There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of Baked Rice Pudding. Creamy and fragrant with a hint of cozy spices, it’s the kind of classic dessert that conjures up sweet nostalgia and a sense of home with every spoonful. With tender rice suspended in a silky custard and a bronzed golden top, this is an irresistible treat for both simple weeknight cravings and special occasions. Whether you grew up loving it or are discovering it for the first time, Baked Rice Pudding is a tried-and-true favorite that’s always a hit.

Baked Rice Pudding Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Baked Rice Pudding lies in its simplicity—each ingredient is essential and easy to find, but together, they create a dessert that’s truly memorable. Every component brings something to the table, from creamy richness to subtle spice and just the right touch of sweetness.

Whole milk: Provides creaminess and a classic custard texture; using whole milk keeps the pudding rich and comforting.
Cooked white rice: Gives structure and that signature spoonable heartiness—leftover rice works great!
Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the delicate custard flavors.
Large eggs: Bind everything together, creating a luscious, set pudding with a slight wobble.
Vanilla extract: Infuses the dessert with fragrant warmth; don’t skip it!
Ground cinnamon: Gives the familiar, cozy aroma and flavor that elevates every bite.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and heightens the other flavors subtly but importantly.
Ground nutmeg: Adds an extra aromatic layer that perfectly complements the cinnamon.
Raisins (optional): For those who love a chewy, sweet surprise in their pudding—highly recommended!
Butter, softened: Adds a touch of richness and helps create a lightly golden top.

How to Make Baked Rice Pudding

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly buttering a 1½-quart baking dish. This step ensures that your Baked Rice Pudding will come out cleanly and gives a hint of buttery flavor around the edges. Set your dish aside while you prepare the rest.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard Base

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until everything is well blended. This is the heart of your pudding, and giving it a thorough whisk will make sure the custard sets up silky smooth.

Step 3: Add Rice and Mix-ins

Gently stir in the cooked white rice and, if you like, the raisins. Fold until the rice is evenly distributed and the raisins are dotted throughout. If your rice is cold from the fridge, break up any clumps for an even texture.

Step 4: Assemble and Add Butter

Pour the rice and custard mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top as needed. Dot the surface with small pieces of softened butter—this touch helps create a golden, slightly crisp top that’s irresistible.

Step 5: Prepare the Water Bath

Place the baking dish inside a larger roasting pan. Carefully pour hot water into the outer pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of your baking dish. The water bath helps the Baked Rice Pudding cook gently and evenly, resulting in that dreamy, creamy texture.

Step 6: Bake Until Set

Transfer the entire setup to your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. The pudding should be set (it will jiggle slightly in the center) and develop a lovely golden top. If you’re unsure, insert a knife near the center—it should come out mostly clean.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Carefully remove the pudding from the water bath and let it cool for at least 15 minutes before serving—this allows it to firm up just right. You can enjoy Baked Rice Pudding warm for ultimate comfort or chill it for a firmer, refreshing treat.

How to Serve Baked Rice Pudding

Garnishes

Dress up each portion with a light dusting of cinnamon, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts. Fresh fruit or a little orange zest can add a lovely pop of color and flavor, too. Don’t underestimate the impact of even a simple garnish—it makes your Baked Rice Pudding extra special.

Side Dishes

Since Baked Rice Pudding is creamy and a little rich, consider serving it alongside something a bit tart or crisp like fresh berries or a fruit compote. A pot of coffee or robust black tea also balances the sugar perfectly for an after-dinner treat everybody will remember.

Creative Ways to Present

Individual ramekins make a chic presentation for dinner parties, or try layering the pudding with stewed fruit in glasses for a parfait effect. You can even spoon leftover Baked Rice Pudding into pastries or use it as a fancy ice cream topping for something totally new!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To store leftover Baked Rice Pudding, simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it perfect for snacking throughout the week. The flavors actually meld and get even better after a day in the fridge!

Freezing

If you want to make Baked Rice Pudding ahead, it can be frozen successfully. Divide it into individual portions and wrap tightly or store in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying; keep in mind the texture may be slightly softer after freezing but still delightful.

Reheating

Warm individual portions gently in the microwave or reheat larger amounts in a low oven (about 300°F) until heated through. Add a splash of milk if needed to loosen up the pudding and restore its creamy consistency. It’s just as comforting reheated, especially on chilly days.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and a bit more chew to your Baked Rice Pudding. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding to the custard mixture.

Do I have to use raisins?

Not at all. Raisins are optional and can easily be left out or swapped for other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped apricots for a fun twist.

Why is my Baked Rice Pudding watery?

If your pudding seems watery, it may not have baked long enough or the water bath got into the dish. Make sure to bake until just set and always check the pudding’s center—it should wobble slightly but not be soupy.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute whole milk with your favorite plant-based milk (like almond, coconut, or oat). Use dairy-free butter or leave it off entirely for a vegan-friendly version. The flavor and texture may change slightly but it still makes a wonderful dessert.

Is it better served warm or chilled?

It’s totally up to you! Warm Baked Rice Pudding is ultra comforting, while chilled pudding is perfect for sunny days. Try both ways and see which you love more—there’s no wrong answer here.

Final Thoughts

If comfort had a flavor, it would be Baked Rice Pudding. This recipe is simple, budget-friendly, and endlessly adaptable, making it a staple for sweet cravings and celebrations alike. Give it a try and make it your own—you might just find it becomes your new go-to dessert!

Baked Rice Pudding Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 6 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy comfort of this classic Baked Rice Pudding recipe. A delicious dessert that is perfect served warm or chilled.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

3 cups whole milk
1 cup cooked white rice
⅓ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt

Optional Ingredients

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ cup raisins
1 tablespoon butter, softened

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F and butter a 1½-quart baking dish.
Mix Wet Ingredients: Whisk milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Add Rice and Raisins: Stir in cooked rice and raisins if using. Pour into baking dish.
Bake: Place in a water bath, bake for 45–55 minutes until set and golden.
Cool and Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving warm or chilled.