Description
This classic Old Fashioned Rice Pudding recipe combines creamy cooked rice with sweetened milk, eggs, and vanilla, finished with a rich, caramelized brown sugar and butter topping. Slow-simmered on the stovetop for a luscious texture and broiled to create a golden, bubbly crust, this comforting dessert is perfect for a cozy treat or family gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice Pudding
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Topping
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, milk, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir thoroughly to mix all ingredients evenly.
- Bring to a boil: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, watching carefully to prevent the milk from scorching.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and allow the pudding to simmer uncovered for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking softens the rice and thickens the pudding to creamy perfection without sticking to the pan.
- Cool and top: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the pudding cool briefly. Transfer it to a baking dish for finishing.
- Prepare topping: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and butter pieces together until combined.
- Broil: Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar and butter mixture over the pudding in the baking dish. Place under the oven broiler for a few minutes, watching closely until the topping is golden brown and bubbling, creating a caramelized crust.
- Serve: Serve the rice pudding warm, optionally garnished with additional toppings like cinnamon or fresh fruit according to preference.
Notes
- Stir the pudding periodically during simmering to avoid the rice sticking or burning on the bottom.
- You can use whole or 2% milk depending on desired creaminess.
- For a creamier texture, use medium or short-grain rice instead of long-grain.
- Watch the broiler carefully when caramelizing to prevent burning the topping.
- Can be served warm or chilled based on personal preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: rice pudding, old fashioned dessert, creamy rice pudding, stovetop dessert, caramelized topping
