Here’s a complete recipe profile for your Baked Rice Pudding with Raisins, including every section you requested:
Introduction
This Baked Rice Pudding with Raisins is a creamy, comforting dessert that combines pantry staples into a nostalgic treat. With warm spices, soft raisins, and a rich vanilla flavor, it’s a dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. Whether served warm straight from the oven or chilled from the fridge, this pudding brings timeless satisfaction to any table.
Origin and Cultural Significance
Rice pudding has roots across many cultures—from Middle Eastern “Roz Bel Laban” to British “Spotted Dick” to Latin American “Arroz con Leche.” This version, made with instant rice and baked slowly in the oven, is quintessentially American. It reflects mid-20th-century domestic trends when easy-to-prepare desserts gained popularity. Baked rice pudding became a symbol of frugal comfort, often passed down through generations as a cherished family recipe.
Ingredients Quantity
- ⅔ cup Minute Rice (instant rice)
- 2¾ cups milk
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup raisins
- Cinnamon, to sprinkle on top
Optional Additions
- Chopped nuts (e.g., pecans or almonds) for crunch
- Coconut flakes for a tropical twist
- Lemon or orange zest for brightness
- Cardamom or allspice for deeper spice notes
- Dried cranberries or chopped dates in place of raisins
- Sweetened condensed milk for extra creaminess and richness
Tips for Success
- Use whole milk for a creamier texture; lower-fat milk works but may be thinner
- Soak raisins in hot water or rum for 10 minutes to plump them
- Butter the dish well to prevent sticking and to add richness
- Stir midway to distribute rice and raisins evenly and prevent skin from forming
- Allow to rest after baking so the pudding thickens properly
- Taste and adjust spices to your preference—nutmeg and cinnamon can be increased for more warmth
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 1-quart baking dish with butter.
- Combine Minute Rice, milk, sugar, butter, salt, vanilla, nutmeg, and raisins in the prepared dish. Stir gently to blend.
- Bake uncovered for 1 hour. Stir after 15 minutes, then again once baking is complete.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon immediately after baking.
- Serve warm or chilled. The pudding will continue to thicken as it sits.
Description
This rice pudding is creamy and sweet, with tender grains of rice suspended in a gently spiced custard. The raisins add chewy bursts of sweetness, while the cinnamon finish ties it all together. It’s nostalgic, simple, and utterly satisfying—ideal as a cozy dessert or even a breakfast treat.
Nutritional Information (Estimated per serving; makes 4 servings)
- Calories: ~280
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
Conclusion and Recommendation
This baked rice pudding is a timeless dessert that’s as easy as it is comforting. It’s perfect for family dinners, holiday tables, or a simple sweet fix. The use of Minute Rice and common ingredients makes it accessible and stress-free. Customize it to suit your taste and enjoy it as a cozy classic any time of year.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
To make this dish a bit more wholesome, consider using unsweetened almond or oat milk, cutting back on the sugar slightly, or swapping in brown rice for added fiber (with longer cook time). You can also stir in chia seeds for added texture and nutrition. Portioned mindfully and paired with fruit or a drizzle of honey, this dessert can be a guilt-free indulgence that still hits all the comforting notes.
Would you like a printable version or a variation using coconut milk or brown rice?