Introduction

Classic rice pudding is a comforting dessert featuring creamy textures and warm vanilla flavors. This easy-to-make baked pudding delivers a tender, gently caramelized top perfect for cozy evenings. Serve it with your favorite fruit jam for a delightful finish.

Classic Oven-Baked 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) and butter a 1.5-litre baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a bowl, combine the pudding rice, caster sugar, vanilla bean paste or scraped seeds, whole milk, and double cream. Stir well to mix all ingredients evenly.
Step 3: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, then grate a generous layer of nutmeg over the top to add warm spice.
Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes until the pudding forms a brown skin on top and the rice is cooked through and tender.
Step 5: Allow the pudding to cool slightly before scooping into bowls. Serve warm with a dollop of your chosen fruit jam for added sweetness and flavor.

Tips & Variations

Try swapping vanilla for lemon or orange zest to bring a fresh citrus twist to the pudding.
To make a dairy-free version, use vegan spread instead of butter, and substitute coconut milk and coconut cream for the dairy milk and cream.
For extra texture, sprinkle chopped nuts or dried fruits on top before baking.

Storage

Store any leftover rice pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the texture if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice?

Traditional pudding rice is best because it releases starch to create a creamy texture. Short-grain rice can work as a substitute, but long-grain rice will result in a less creamy pudding.

How can I tell when the rice pudding is done?

The pudding is ready when the rice is tender and cooked through, and a golden brown skin has formed on top. The cooking time is typically about 1 hour 30 minutes, but ovens vary, so check by tasting a small amount of rice.

Classic Oven-Baked Rice Pudding with Nutmeg and Fruit Jam Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 87 reviews

A comforting and creamy classic rice pudding baked to perfection with a hint of vanilla and nutmeg, topped with a delicious fruit jam for added sweetness. This traditional dessert is baked slowly until tender, developing a lovely browned skin on top.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 1 hr 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 40 mins
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: British

Ingredients

Scale

Main 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

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 prevent sticking.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the pudding rice, caster sugar, vanilla bean paste or vanilla seeds, whole milk, and double cream until fully combined.
Pour Mixture: Transfer the rice mixture into the prepared buttered baking dish, spreading evenly.
Add Nutmeg: Grate a generous layer of nutmeg over the surface of the rice mixture for added flavor.
Bake the Pudding: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes. The pudding is done when the rice is cooked and tender and a brown skin has formed on top.
Cool Slightly and Serve: Allow the pudding to cool slightly before scooping it into individual bowls. Serve warm with a dollop of your favorite fruit jam, such as strawberry or apricot, on top.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with vegan spread, and use coconut milk and coconut cream instead of whole milk and double cream.
Try varying the flavor by replacing the vanilla with lemon or orange zest.
The pudding is best served warm but can also be enjoyed cold.
Ensure to use pudding rice for the best texture; other types of rice may not yield the same creamy consistency.

Keywords: rice pudding, classic dessert, baked rice pudding, vanilla rice pudding, creamy pudding, nutmeg dessert, comforting dessert