Introduction
This rice pudding is voluptuously creamy, with firm but tender grains of Arborio rice suspended in a creamy yolk-tinged, vanilla-scented, milky pudding. It’s always amazing to me how little rice you really need to make a good rice pudding; remember, it’s the milk that makes the dish, reducing as the rice cooks.
Ingredients
| ½ | cup Arborio (risotto) rice |
| 8 | cups whole milk |
| ½ | cup sugar |
| 1 | vanilla bean, split in half lengthwise |
| ¼ | tsp. ground cinnamon |
| ¼ | tsp. salt |
| 2 | large egg yolks |
| 1 | cup heavy cream |
| 2 | tsp. pure vanilla extract |
| ~ | Freshly grated nutmeg (optional) |
Steps
- Combine the rice, milk, sugar, vanilla bean, cinnamon, and salt in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring every 5 minutes as the mixture starts to thicken, for about 30 minutes.
- Continue cooking until the rice is tender but not too mushy, about 15 minutes longer. The milk will be thick and the rice tender, but the mixture will still be very soupy, which is what you want. (As the pudding cools, it thickens, and if it is too thick while still hot, it will firm up into a thick, stodgy lump without the unctuous creaminess of a great rice pudding.)
- In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks and cream together and stir into the rice pudding. Continue cooking the pudding over medium-low heat for about 2 to 3 minutes, until the eggs are cooked through and pudding is creamy and glossy, but still fairly soupy. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Grate a little nutmeg, if you like, into the pudding. Remove the vanilla pod.
- Pour the pudding into a serving bowl or individual serving dishes and press plastic wrap over the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until cold, about 2 to 3 hours. Serve cold.
Notes
This pudding is delicious as is, but you can also fold a dollop of whipped cream into each serving, or layer the pudding in a parfait glass with dulce de leche or caramel sauce, or just drizzle some sauce on top before serving.
Copyright @ 2007 Chronicle Books
There are 171 comments on this item
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Average Rating 4.6
15% recommend this recipe
1. by mverno on Feb 1, 2008 at 9:08 AM PST
sounds great i’ll try it
2. by amwhiteh on Feb 1, 2008 at 9:12 AM PST
It does sound yumster!
3. by anonymous on Feb 1, 2008 at 9:13 AM PST
My husband will love me even more after I make this for him!
4. by Angel on Feb 1, 2008 at 9:15 AM PST
mmmmm yummy
5. by corinne on Feb 1, 2008 at 9:21 AM PST
rice pudding to me has always been one way to use leftover white rice, not a recipe with a purpose. This sounds wonderful!
6. by greenwolf on Feb 1, 2008 at 9:26 AM PST
Yummy!
7. by agordon10 on Feb 1, 2008 at 9:26 AM PST
I looooove rice pudding
8. by ouachitagurrl on Feb 1, 2008 at 9:50 AM PST
This sounds so delicious. I most definitely want to try it with the dollop of whipped cream in the parfait glass with caramel drizzle.
Yummm!
9. by anonymous on Feb 1, 2008 at 10:10 AM PST
This sounds yummy
10. by jamaila on Feb 1, 2008 at 10:24 AM PST
This sounds great! I’d love to see what other gooey goods are in the book!
11. by sillelin on Feb 1, 2008 at 10:56 AM PST
Hi. Add my entry please.
12. by casey h on Feb 1, 2008 at 11:05 AM PST
I’d love to try this one out! Please enter me in the contest too!
13. by binabug on Feb 1, 2008 at 11:13 AM PST
sounds like my sort of cooking
14. by Jessica Aaron on Feb 1, 2008 at 11:42 AM PST
What a wonderful mixture of textures!
15. by Paige on Feb 1, 2008 at 12:01 PM PST
Sounds delicious!
16. by brozy on Feb 1, 2008 at 12:02 PM PST
This looks wonderful. I’ll be trying it soon.
17. by anonymous on Feb 1, 2008 at 12:20 PM PST
YUMMY!!!!!!
18. by kimberly Daboo on Feb 1, 2008 at 12:38 PM PST
I love rice pudding and I love chocolate, but have never put them together. I will be trying this recipe asap!
19. by vchrzanowski on Feb 1, 2008 at 1:05 PM PST
I Love Rice Pudding! Yum-O
20. by herrinfamily on Feb 1, 2008 at 1:13 PM PST
YUM.
21. by Caroline Morin on Feb 1, 2008 at 1:39 PM PST
I could never pull off something like that without some help!
22. by ben on Feb 1, 2008 at 1:39 PM PST
sounds delicious! count me in please. Thanks
23. by Fiksu on Feb 1, 2008 at 1:56 PM PST
You have to be sure to use arborio rice -- it’s got to be nice and starchy to work.
24. by Longenecker383 on Feb 1, 2008 at 1:57 PM PST
I’ve never made rice pudding before, but the way you describe it makes me definitely want to try.
I’m new to the site, by the way, and I think it’s great!
25. by gorzd on Feb 1, 2008 at 2:15 PM PST
I looooooooooooooove rice puddings and will definitely try this one!
26. by Karen on Feb 1, 2008 at 2:22 PM PST
Sounds yummy.
27. by kfsonshine on Feb 1, 2008 at 2:28 PM PST
I can’t wait to try this!
28. by Katie K on Feb 1, 2008 at 2:29 PM PST
Wow, what a large milk to rice ratio. Intriguing.
29. by Vickie McCoy on Feb 1, 2008 at 2:30 PM PST
That sounds fabulous! I’ve never used risotto before. Sounds like a nice book, too. I need to try some new desserts.
30. by drala625 on Feb 1, 2008 at 2:54 PM PST
This is a scrumptious sounding recipe. Thanks for providing it.
31. by idahomom on Feb 1, 2008 at 3:21 PM PST
Sounds Yummy! I need some new recipes.
32. by denice on Feb 1, 2008 at 3:28 PM PST
i love rice pudding even better if you add raisins to it!
33. by Colengal on Feb 1, 2008 at 3:29 PM PST
OH, talk about elevating good ol’ rice pudding to the decadant list!
34. by deckit on Feb 1, 2008 at 3:32 PM PST
please count me in
35. by joni514 on Feb 1, 2008 at 3:38 PM PST
This sounds so good
36. by ydsddd on Feb 1, 2008 at 3:42 PM PST
Makes me hungry
37. by ydsddd on Feb 1, 2008 at 3:42 PM PST
Makes me hungry
38. by Linda Moeller on Feb 1, 2008 at 4:04 PM PST
The recipe sounds wonderful
39. by ch12 on Feb 1, 2008 at 4:13 PM PST
What a great title for a book! The recipe sounds yummy and now I am hungry - off to the kitchen for a snack!
40. by Aisling on Feb 1, 2008 at 4:14 PM PST
This rice pudding sounds wonderful! I’d love to have a recipe book full of delicious foods like that!
41. by julietsalbato on Feb 1, 2008 at 4:40 PM PST
I’ve been eyeing this book for weeks now... looking forward to trying the recipe.
42. by anonymous on Feb 1, 2008 at 4:44 PM PST
Mmmm.... sounds good.
43. by slcrose on Feb 1, 2008 at 6:02 PM PST
Rice Pudding - brings childhood memories
Unfortunately they are not good. But it
doesn’t sound like my mom’s pudding.
44. by Jenn on Feb 1, 2008 at 6:02 PM PST
Oh wow - I’m almost drooling!
45. by patschraier on Feb 1, 2008 at 6:10 PM PST
I’ll try every one of them.
46. by ezmerelda on Feb 1, 2008 at 6:16 PM PST
I am a cookbook addict and think this would be a great addition to my collection. The recipe sounds really yummy.
47. by Nora Scott-Platt on Feb 1, 2008 at 7:09 PM PST
this sounds so wonderful
48. by funnyjello on Feb 1, 2008 at 8:21 PM PST
Sounds great! I love cook books!
49. by thursdaynightsmackdown on Feb 1, 2008 at 9:48 PM PST
yuuum. i spy a good recipe for weekend brunch, definitely with the caramel sauce.
50. by Stephanie on Feb 1, 2008 at 9:53 PM PST
MMmmmmm...there goes my diet! lol
51. by jkershen on Feb 1, 2008 at 10:11 PM PST
This sounds fantastic!
52. by pauline jones on Feb 1, 2008 at 10:47 PM PST
delicious! great if you use half coconut milk and cook it in a slow cooker! the book sounds great!
53. by humbleh on Feb 1, 2008 at 11:02 PM PST
Please enter me, thanks.
54. by dolls123 on Feb 1, 2008 at 11:57 PM PST
sounds good
55. by mikhastur on Feb 2, 2008 at 12:09 AM PST
my favorite rice pudding is made with “forbidden” black rice and coconut milk.... mmmmmm.
56. by tiacarter on Feb 2, 2008 at 4:19 AM PST
i hope i win
57. by clc408 on Feb 2, 2008 at 4:35 AM PST
Sounds like a delicious rice pudding. Thanks.
58. by Jaleigh78 on Feb 2, 2008 at 5:22 AM PST
My 12 yr old wants to be a chef I would love to get this for him
59. by etrnlone on Feb 2, 2008 at 5:53 AM PST
oh yummy, count me in
60. by denyse on Feb 2, 2008 at 6:20 AM PST
Ohh- Yum, this is great!
61. by mommyof3inva on Feb 2, 2008 at 6:45 AM PST
This recipe sounds wonderful! I LOVE rice pudding, so I’ll have to give it a try. :)
62. by Darwin on Feb 2, 2008 at 6:52 AM PST
Sounds Yummy In For My Tummy.
63. by Jason on Feb 2, 2008 at 7:15 AM PST
sounds delicious! count me in please. Thanks
64. by kentd99 on Feb 2, 2008 at 7:46 AM PST
Looks Yummy!
65. by Jaclyn on Feb 2, 2008 at 8:17 AM PST
Sounds rich and delicious!
66. by anonymous on Feb 2, 2008 at 8:31 AM PST
I would like to win too!
67. by Kimberly P on Feb 2, 2008 at 8:58 AM PST
Oh wow I want to try this! off to Publix
Thank you!
68. by jesika252 on Feb 2, 2008 at 9:17 AM PST
Sounds delicious!
69. by Francine on Feb 2, 2008 at 9:42 AM PST
Has anyone actually made this - it sounds great, but I’d like an opinion before I invest 8 cups of milk!
70. by Athios on Feb 2, 2008 at 9:54 AM PST
Ooooh, that’s making me drool!
And I don’t normally read cookbooks, but with a title like that, I’d definitely love to give it a try. A book collection has to start somewhere, right?
71. by redron on Feb 2, 2008 at 9:57 AM PST
on a diet please speak softly of this gooey stuff
72. by miniloulous on Feb 2, 2008 at 9:59 AM PST
I have almost the same recipe...without cinnamon and even the egg yolks part if I’m too rushed and it’s one of my favorites ! I like it warm or cold and with a layer of melted chocolate on top...yummy !!!!!
Go for it, there’s no comparison with a store bought rice pudding !
73. by fshapiro on Feb 2, 2008 at 10:10 AM PST
Great site!
74. by Sarah Stern on Feb 2, 2008 at 10:21 AM PST
This sounds delicious, but I’ll have to wait until we have company to try it, because my crazy husband won’t eat rice pudding!
75. by Julie D on Feb 2, 2008 at 10:48 AM PST
Hm...sounds interesting
76. by gervitsd on Feb 2, 2008 at 11:06 AM PST
This sounds tasty, being gluten intolerant, it’s always great to find desserts that are not made with flour.
77. by Nicole on Feb 2, 2008 at 12:07 PM PST
This pudding sounds delicious!
78. by bison61 on Feb 2, 2008 at 12:15 PM PST
sounds so good!!
79. by PLNJ on Feb 2, 2008 at 12:55 PM PST
The perfect comfort food!
Rice pudding, yum.
80. by Dejah on Feb 2, 2008 at 1:13 PM PST
Love it! My son want to eat this for every meal!
81. by RobsGirl123 on Feb 2, 2008 at 2:46 PM PST
Sounds awesome! I can’t wait to try the recipe!
82. by georcr on Feb 2, 2008 at 3:17 PM PST
Just in time for Valentine’s Day! <3
83. by annette21 on Feb 2, 2008 at 3:21 PM PST
I want this!
84. by joanne117 on Feb 2, 2008 at 3:45 PM PST
Just tried this recipe-loved it! I’d love the opportunity to win the book and try some of the others. THANKS!
85. by llinda29 on Feb 2, 2008 at 3:50 PM PST
sounds good to me
86. by erika Olson on Feb 2, 2008 at 3:56 PM PST
looks amazing!!!
87. by ahedden on Feb 2, 2008 at 4:04 PM PST
enter me
88. by Tina12312 on Feb 2, 2008 at 4:15 PM PST
This sounds like such a fun book. Thank you!
89. by LIDARKSIDE on Feb 2, 2008 at 4:18 PM PST
It’s butter in it’s ingredients.
90. by anonymous on Feb 2, 2008 at 4:37 PM PST
That sounds delicious and fat-free ;-).
91. by hellokiki on Feb 2, 2008 at 5:39 PM PST
My husband would LOVE this!
92. by Jennelle henderson on Feb 2, 2008 at 6:43 PM PST
I’ve never had rice pudding.
93. by Brooke Allen on Feb 2, 2008 at 7:05 PM PST
Yum!
94. by hity88 on Feb 2, 2008 at 7:48 PM PST
sounds great.
95. by Teacher A on Feb 2, 2008 at 8:57 PM PST
I always thought rice pudding sounded like an odd treat, until I got a chance to try it. Now I love it!
96. by Sharon on Feb 2, 2008 at 9:01 PM PST
My husband and son are homemade pudding freaks. They will love this recipe.
97. by landeses on Feb 2, 2008 at 9:06 PM PST
I gave this book as a gift to my niece. It looked wonderful! I would love to have a copy of the book, too.
98. by Marni on Feb 2, 2008 at 9:07 PM PST
I am very excited. I happen to have all of these ingredients in my kitchen right now. I’m very superstitious. This could be a sign. :-) Thanks for sharing the recipe! And I love this blog! My mom just introduced it to me today!
99. by Tracy on Feb 2, 2008 at 9:59 PM PST
I am looking forward to trying this recipe, oh yes.
100. by fangirl on Feb 2, 2008 at 10:00 PM PST
Wow, this sounds good, but maybe a bit rich.
101. by Cynthya on Feb 2, 2008 at 10:00 PM PST
I love rice pudding and this looks like a wonderful recipe.
102. by Phillip Fry on Feb 2, 2008 at 10:39 PM PST
This looks delicious! I’d love to try this!
103. by drming5k on Feb 3, 2008 at 1:43 AM PST
Sounds yummy can’t wait to try.
104. by leucanthemum on Feb 3, 2008 at 7:15 AM PST
Yum this sounds great! I just made rice pudding but I’m sure this would be so much better. :)
105. by Jay French on Feb 3, 2008 at 8:09 AM PST
Looks like a book the kids would love to experiment with
106. by angelarose on Feb 3, 2008 at 8:15 AM PST
Love the recipe
Good for all ages
God Bless
&
Good Luck To All
107. by lindatro on Feb 3, 2008 at 8:43 AM PST
Maybe I’ll make this during the superbowl today as a surprise dessert! Sounds delicious
108. by Wordmariner on Feb 3, 2008 at 8:53 AM PST
I honestly think rice pudding can be served after almost any meal. I like pouring a tablespoon or two of coconut cream over the top as an added richness... it adds a great flavor to the already delicious texture! Greater than YUMMY! heavenly!
109. by anonymous on Feb 3, 2008 at 12:14 PM PST
Sweet niblets!
110. by pastrygirl on Feb 3, 2008 at 3:35 PM PST
I really love the photos in this book - glad to see it’s being promoted!
111. by kamewh on Feb 3, 2008 at 3:37 PM PST
This sounds delicious- I added the ingredients to my shopping list for tomorrow!
112. by blueviolet on Feb 3, 2008 at 5:28 PM PST
This sounds sooooo good! I’ve never tried a rice pudding before. I’ve made a hot fudge pudding twice and that was as decadent and sinfully delicious as anything I’ve ever had.
113. by contestbethany on Feb 3, 2008 at 5:42 PM PST
My diet is in grave danger. :)
114. by Sherrie Maner on Feb 3, 2008 at 5:46 PM PST
I love rice pudding. This recipe sounds so good.
115. by Melinda Singer on Feb 3, 2008 at 5:48 PM PST
Love rice pudding. Wonder if you can substitute a different type of rice for the arborio rice?
116. by christopher h on Feb 3, 2008 at 6:20 PM PST
sounds great
117. by bkh61959 on Feb 3, 2008 at 6:22 PM PST
I can’t wait to try, yep I’m one of those that gets exited about food, can’t help myself thanks and good luck to all of you
118. by artmarcia on Feb 3, 2008 at 6:27 PM PST
Sticky....Gooey....Chewy Sounds like my kind of cookbook.
119. by Jessilyn82 on Feb 3, 2008 at 6:38 PM PST
This sounds delicious! I’d love to try some of the other recipes in the book.
120. by gamblerx17 on Feb 3, 2008 at 7:35 PM PST
Yummy!
121. by mtngirl on Feb 3, 2008 at 9:24 PM PST
That looks great!
122. by eshayward on Feb 3, 2008 at 10:09 PM PST
I’m a huge rice pudding fan, and this looks wonderful. Once, I had an amazing rice pudding that had a hint of lemon in it, and I’m almost thinking about trying to replicate it using this recipe, to balance the sweetness & richness of this recipe. But that’s just me...I’m going to give it a shot for sure, especially since I’m looking for every excuse to try out my new range!
123. by fadedblue on Feb 3, 2008 at 10:30 PM PST
this looks delicious!
124. by Sabine Blanch on Feb 4, 2008 at 1:15 AM PST
Sounds great, my kids love rice pudding. I think I will try this!
125. by mblanch36 on Feb 4, 2008 at 1:17 AM PST
Great recipe
126. by paryjeja on Feb 4, 2008 at 2:17 AM PST
The rice pudding sounds divine!
127. by Carolyn on Feb 4, 2008 at 3:12 AM PST
I live in Zimbabwe, where it is generally hard to find risotto and, when it is available, is expensive. But a few months ago, I happened upon some risotto that the shopkeepers must have forgotten about when they raised all the other prices in the store to keep up with the crazy inflation here. I bought all ten bags on offer! So far, I’ve only been making risotto for dinners - I am happy to now have a dessert recipe, too! Thanks!
128. by katherine dunn on Feb 4, 2008 at 5:31 AM PST
This is fabulous! Would definitely make again :)
Thanks!
129. by pancak on Feb 4, 2008 at 6:42 AM PST
Oh, this sounds delish!
130. by mariana on Feb 4, 2008 at 6:59 AM PST
Sounds yummy!!
131. by basilfry on Feb 4, 2008 at 7:21 AM PST
Oh-h-h the ultimate in comfort food. I’m rattling the pans, checkin’ out the frig and cupboards for the ingredients. I know what I’m having tonight for my curl up time with my honey. Can’t wait to check out the book and hope to see it in my cookbook bookcase.
132. by borogirl on Feb 4, 2008 at 7:27 AM PST
Love the recipe - love rice in every way!
133. by Lagniappe on Feb 4, 2008 at 7:27 AM PST
I can just imagine the rich, creamy texture on my palate now. Thanks for such a delicious concoction.
134. by egreca on Feb 4, 2008 at 7:38 AM PST
I’m not a big rice person, but this sounds good!
135. by jessica applegate on Feb 4, 2008 at 7:38 AM PST
sounds yummy!
136. by hohana on Feb 4, 2008 at 7:55 AM PST
pudding is my ultimate confort food. :)
137. by jodene on Feb 4, 2008 at 8:21 AM PST
Wow, this sounds great.
138. by rosidentevil on Feb 4, 2008 at 8:46 AM PST
sounds heavenly
139. by Katie on Feb 4, 2008 at 10:05 AM PST
We are such whores for sticky yummies!
140. by tiffginn21 on Feb 4, 2008 at 10:27 AM PST
sounds good to me:)
141. by ksh123 on Feb 4, 2008 at 10:29 AM PST
Sounds yummy.
142. by Jenn on Feb 4, 2008 at 10:40 AM PST
I love Arborio rice but never tried it in a dessert. I’ll be making this soon.
143. by Eva Daniell on Feb 4, 2008 at 10:41 AM PST
sound delightful. I need some more recipes to spice up our dinners
144. by AICORP on Feb 4, 2008 at 11:04 AM PST
I’ve never found a good rice pudding recipe but I’m always willing to keep trying.
145. by gracie8777 on Feb 4, 2008 at 12:58 PM PST
I think I will try this next weekend -seems kind of simple and sounds delicious!
And the book sounds interesting.
146. by SandraLynn128 on Feb 4, 2008 at 1:21 PM PST
Just made this pudding...in the frig as I type..I have to say, was one of the best spoon lickings I’ve ever had!
147. by leeway49 on Feb 4, 2008 at 2:31 PM PST
I love the name of the cookbook! I think using the Arborio rice will make this nice and sticky!
Yumsters.
148. by mcnerd on Feb 4, 2008 at 3:38 PM PST
I would HAVE to have this with the whipped cream but I don’t think my doctor would appreciate my indulgence.
149. by redfantum on Feb 4, 2008 at 5:05 PM PST
I’ve always liked rice pudding. This looks terrific.
150. by anonymous on Feb 4, 2008 at 8:00 PM PST
pleas enter me thanks
151. by Susan White on Feb 4, 2008 at 8:18 PM PST
I just ate and I am full as a tick but this sounds so good!
Thanks so much for the contest!
152. by laralin2266 on Feb 4, 2008 at 9:27 PM PST
I absolutely love rice pudding! And, I hate to admit it but I usually make it out of a box. I’m excited to try this recipe! Thanks so much!
153. by C Duran on Feb 4, 2008 at 9:46 PM PST
Sounds great!....very yummy!
154. by JOYVEN on Feb 4, 2008 at 10:20 PM PST
sounds great
155. by That's nuts! on Feb 4, 2008 at 11:14 PM PST
This recipe sounds good-- i think i could probably do it with more readily available Japanese short grained rice. I’ve only recently made my first rice pudding but I also like to add rasins.
156. by bndraldy on Feb 4, 2008 at 11:34 PM PST
This reminds me of the rice pudding my grandmother used to make. She was PA Dutch and a marvelous cook! My mother loves rice pudding (and bread pudding), but always comments on how much better her mother’s always tasted. Eureka!!! I think we found gold!!! I will make this and see what she thinks. Thanks so much for another wonderful giveaway contest.
157. by samanthapayntr on Feb 4, 2008 at 11:44 PM PST
oooo this looks really good, i used to think rice pudding would be gross, then i tried some when i went to Vegas and it was delicious!
“I feel full after the Risotto”
158. by anonymous on Feb 5, 2008 at 1:01 AM PST
I love rice pudding
159. by Atreau on Feb 5, 2008 at 7:01 AM PST
I love rice pudding!
160. by choochoo on Feb 5, 2008 at 7:30 AM PST
This sounds great. I think I’ll make it this weekend...test it out with the kids. Thank you!
161. by Tamara Leonard Merritt on Feb 5, 2008 at 8:26 AM PST
I love rice pudding with raisins and cinnamon. My DH hates raisins :-(
162. by Betty Curran on Feb 5, 2008 at 8:41 AM PST
Rice pudding has to be special for me to enjoy it. This recipe looks like it fills the bill.
163. by Nina on Feb 5, 2008 at 9:11 AM PST
Sounds great!
164. by Dawn Walters on Feb 5, 2008 at 9:34 AM PST
Wow this one sounds worth the calories.....just a couple more minutes on the treadmill.
165. by anniehall4000 on Feb 5, 2008 at 9:51 AM PST
I have to try making this, the only pudding i’ve ever made was the kind that comes in a box! It looks really yummy!
166. by airalynn on Feb 5, 2008 at 10:03 AM PST
Yum, rice pudding! The book looks good too!
167. by Gina on Feb 5, 2008 at 10:34 AM PST
OMGoodness, that looks divine!
168. by Denise on Feb 5, 2008 at 10:40 AM PST
Sounds like my kind of stuff!
169. by mrstrooper on Feb 5, 2008 at 10:46 AM PST
I’m not a rice pudding fan but my husband is!
170. by lilyk on Feb 5, 2008 at 11:12 AM PST
Please enter me into the contest. Thanks!
171. by zipporahs on Feb 5, 2008 at 11:36 AM PST
MMM, I hope there’s a recipe for Coconut Cream Pudding in this book.