Introduction

Classic rice pudding is a comforting, creamy dessert that’s simple to make and endlessly satisfying. With a fragrant hint of vanilla and a touch of nutmeg, it’s perfect served warm with a spoonful of your favorite fruit jam.

Classic Rice Pudding with Nutmeg and Fruit Jam Recipe - Recipe Image

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: Preheat the oven to 160°C (140°C fan)/gas mark 3. Butter a 1.5-litre baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the pudding rice, caster sugar, vanilla bean paste or scraped vanilla seeds, whole milk, and double cream. Stir well to mix all the ingredients evenly.
Step 3: Pour the rice mixture into the prepared baking dish and grate a generous layer of nutmeg over the top for added warmth and aroma.
Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and a golden brown skin has formed on the surface.
Step 5: Remove the pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm with a dollop of your favorite fruit jam on top for a sweet, fruity contrast.

Tips & Variations

For a citrus twist, swap the vanilla for finely grated lemon or orange zest to brighten the flavor.
To make a dairy-free version, replace the butter with vegan spread and use coconut milk and coconut cream instead of whole milk and double cream.

Storage

Store leftover rice pudding covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the texture. Enjoy it warm or chilled, depending on your preference.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular rice instead of pudding rice?

Pudding rice has a higher starch content that creates the creamy texture essential for rice pudding. Using regular long-grain rice may result in a less creamy, more separate grain texture.

Do I have to bake the pudding, or can I cook it on the stove?

Baking allows for gentle, even cooking and the classic browned skin on top, but you can cook rice pudding on the stove by simmering the mixture gently while stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

Classic Rice Pudding with Nutmeg and Fruit Jam Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 65 reviews

Classic rice pudding is a creamy, comforting dessert made by baking pudding rice in a luscious mixture of whole milk, double cream, and vanilla, then topped with a sprinkle of grated nutmeg and served with your choice of fruit jam. This timeless recipe yields a rich, tender pudding with a caramelized brown skin, perfect for cozy dessert moments.

Author: Sophie
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: British

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

Butter, for greasing 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

Preheat and prepare dish: Heat the oven to 160°C (140°C fan) or gas mark 3. Butter a 1.5-litre baking dish thoroughly to ensure the pudding doesn’t stick and gains a nice crust.
Combine pudding ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together the pudding rice, caster sugar, vanilla bean paste (or scraped vanilla seeds), whole milk, and double cream until well mixed.
Assemble and flavor: Pour the rice mixture into the prepared baking dish. Grate a generous layer of nutmeg evenly over the surface to add warm aromatic notes.
Bake the pudding: Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes. The pudding is ready once it has formed a beautiful brown skin on top and the rice has become tender and fully cooked through.
Serve warm: Allow the pudding to cool slightly after baking. Then scoop portions into bowls and finish with a dollop of your favorite fruit jam for a sweet, flavorful contrast.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, substitute vegan spread for butter, and use coconut milk and coconut cream instead of whole milk and double cream.
Try experimenting with lemon or orange zest in place of vanilla to give the pudding a fresh citrus twist.
The pudding can be enjoyed warm or refrigerated and served chilled, depending on preference.
Use pudding rice or another short-grain rice variety to achieve the creamy texture characteristic of rice pudding.

Keywords: rice pudding, classic dessert, baked rice pudding, vanilla rice pudding, creamy pudding, traditional dessert