Creamy Rice Pudding with Orange

Oh, where do I even begin with this one? If you’ve ever craved a comforting dessert that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, then Creamy Rice Pudding with Orange is the answer. Imagine a rich, velvety rice pudding, delicately spiced with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, and then—just when you think it can’t get any better—there’s a burst of bright, citrusy orange zest that takes this dessert to a whole new level. It’s cozy, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet, with a refreshing twist that makes every bite feel like a little indulgence. Trust me, you’ll want to keep coming back for more.

Whether you’re making it for a family dessert, enjoying a quiet night in, or treating yourself after a long day, this pudding feels special, without being fussy. It’s simple to make, but the layers of flavor make it feel like a little celebration in a bowl. Let’s dive into why Creamy Rice Pudding with Orange is going to be your new favorite dessert.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Rice Pudding with Orange

This dessert is more than just a treat—it’s a moment of pure joy. Here’s why it’s a keeper:

Comforting and Cozy: It’s the kind of dessert you’ll crave on chilly nights, the kind that makes you feel all warm and content. The creamy texture of the rice pudding combined with that zesty orange makes for an unbeatable duo.

Easy and Affordable: With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this dish that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant, all on your own. No need for exotic or expensive ingredients—just good, everyday pantry staples.

Versatile: Serve it warm for a comforting dessert, or chill it in the fridge for a refreshing treat. You can also swap the orange zest for other citrus fruits or even a touch of vanilla if you’re feeling adventurous.

Quick to Make: With a little stirring and some patience as it simmers, you’ll have a delicious, creamy rice pudding in no time. The best part? It’s a dessert that doesn’t require too much fuss, so you can enjoy it without stress.

Crowd-Pleasing: Rice pudding is a classic dessert that everyone loves. The addition of orange zest gives it a unique twist, making it perfect for serving to guests or family. It’s sweet, but not overwhelmingly so—just the right balance.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Ingredients in Creamy Rice Pudding with Orange

This dessert may be simple, but each ingredient plays a key role in making it irresistibly creamy and flavorful. Let’s break it down:

Arborio Rice

The secret to a creamy rice pudding! Arborio rice is a short-grain rice that releases starch as it cooks, creating that luscious, thick texture.

Whole Milk

Rich and creamy, whole milk is what makes this pudding indulgent. It combines with the rice to create the perfect consistency.

Heavy Cream

For extra creaminess, we add a splash of heavy cream. This makes the pudding ultra-smooth and rich—absolutely divine!

Sugar

Just the right amount of sugar to sweeten the pudding. It balances the richness of the milk and cream while letting the flavors shine.

Cinnamon and Nutmeg

A sprinkle of these two spices brings warmth and depth to the pudding, giving it that cozy, comforting flavor.

Orange Zest

The star of the show! Orange zest adds a fresh, zesty kick that cuts through the richness of the pudding and brings a burst of citrusy brightness.

Salt

A pinch of salt helps to bring out the sweetness and balance all the flavors in the pudding.

(Note: measurements for these ingredients are listed in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into making this creamy, dreamy rice pudding:

Cook the Rice

In a medium saucepan, combine the Arborio rice with the water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the rice absorbs most of the water and is just tender, about 10 minutes.

Add Milk and Cream

Once the rice is ready, add the whole milk and heavy cream to the pan. Stir to combine, and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Sweeten the Pudding

Add the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to the rice mixture. Stir it well until the sugar dissolves and the spices are fully incorporated.

Simmer and Stir

Let the rice pudding simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently. You’ll start to see the mixture thicken as the rice releases its starch, creating that creamy texture we love.

Add the Orange Zest

Once the pudding is thick and creamy, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the orange zest to infuse that lovely citrusy aroma into the pudding.

Chill (Optional)

If you prefer your rice pudding cold, let it cool to room temperature before placing it in the fridge to chill for at least an hour. If you’re craving it warm, go ahead and serve it right away!

Serve and Enjoy

Dish out the rice pudding into bowls or cups. You can garnish with extra orange zest, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a few toasted almonds for a crunchy contrast. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to cook or bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]

How to Serve Creamy Rice Pudding with Orange

This rice pudding is great on its own, but if you want to add some extra flair, here are a few serving ideas:

• Crispy Toppings: Top with toasted almonds, crushed pistachios, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a little extra texture.
• Fresh Fruit: A few slices of fresh berries or a handful of pomegranate seeds would add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
• Whipped Cream: For an extra indulgent touch, top with a dollop of freshly whipped cream.

Additional Tips

• Adjust Sweetness: If you like your pudding on the sweeter side, feel free to add more sugar to taste. You can also use honey or maple syrup as alternatives for a different flavor.
• Spice Variations: While cinnamon and nutmeg are classic, try experimenting with a little cardamom or ginger for a unique twist.
• Make Ahead: Rice pudding keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days, so feel free to make it ahead of time. Just give it a good stir before serving!
• Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, simply add a splash of milk and heat gently over low heat.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?
A1: Arborio rice works best for its creamy texture, but if you can’t find it, you can use short-grain white rice as a substitute.

Q2: Can I make this dairy-free?
A2: Yes! You can use coconut milk and coconut cream in place of the dairy for a creamy, dairy-free version.

Q3: Can I skip the heavy cream?
A3: You can, but the pudding won’t be as rich and creamy. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use more milk instead of the cream.

Q4: Can I freeze rice pudding?
A4: While rice pudding can be frozen, the texture may change a bit when reheated. If you do freeze it, be sure to stir it well and add a bit of milk to bring back the creamy texture.

Q5: How can I make this rice pudding a little more decadent?
A5: Add a splash of vanilla extract, or swirl in some sweetened condensed milk for a richer, sweeter pudding.

Q6: Can I add a little more citrus flavor?
A6: Absolutely! Feel free to add a bit of orange juice or even lemon zest for a more citrusy kick.

Conclusion

There you have it—Creamy Rice Pudding with Orange, a dessert that’s as cozy as it is delicious. It’s simple to make, rich in flavor, and has just the right amount of sweetness and zest to make it unforgettable. Whether you serve it warm or chilled, it’s the perfect ending to any meal or a sweet little treat to enjoy any time. So go ahead, treat yourself, and dive into this creamy, citrusy goodness. You deserve it!

Print