Unlock the secret: how to bake rice pudding in the oven for a heavenly treat

Rice pudding, a classic dessert that has delighted taste buds for centuries, is an absolute treat when baked in the oven. This step-by-step guide will take you through the process of creating a creamy, flavorful, and perfectly baked rice pudding in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 cup short-grain rice
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

Prepare the Rice

1. Rinse the rice thoroughly in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear.
2. In a large bowl, combine the rice, milk, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir well to combine.

Bake the Rice Pudding

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Pour the rice mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the pudding has set.

Create the Custard

1. While the rice pudding is baking, whisk the eggs, heavy cream, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until smooth.

Combine the Rice Pudding and Custard

1. Once the rice pudding is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
2. Gradually whisk the egg mixture into the rice pudding until well combined.

Bake Again

1. Pour the custard-infused rice pudding back into the baking dish.
2. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the custard has set and the top is golden brown.

Finishing Touches

1. Let the rice pudding cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.
2. Top with raisins or your favorite toppings, such as whipped cream, cinnamon, or nutmeg.

Tips for a Perfect Rice Pudding

• Use short-grain rice for a creamier texture.
• Don’t overcook the rice before baking. It should be slightly undercooked.
• If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute with milk or half-and-half.
• For a richer flavor, add a splash of vanilla bean paste or extract.
• Let the rice pudding cool completely before refrigerating to prevent it from becoming watery.

Variations

• Fruit-Filled Rice Pudding: Add 1/2 cup of your favorite fruit, such as raisins, blueberries, or chopped apples, to the rice mixture before baking.
• Spiced Rice Pudding: Enhance the flavors by adding 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger or cardamom to the rice mixture.
• Chocolate Rice Pudding: Create a decadent treat by adding 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the rice mixture before baking.

What You Need to Learn

Q: Can I use brown rice instead of short-grain rice?
A: Yes, you can use brown rice, but the texture will be slightly different.

Q: How do I know when the rice pudding is done baking?
A: The pudding is done when it has set and the top is golden brown. You can also insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the pudding is done.

Q: Can I bake rice pudding in a cast iron skillet?
A: Yes, you can bake rice pudding in a cast iron skillet. Just make sure to preheat the skillet in the oven before adding the pudding mixture.

Q: How long does rice pudding keep in the refrigerator?
A: Rice pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.