Rice pudding is a dish made from rice mixed with water or milk. Further flavours are added such as cinnamon and raisins. Different variants are used for either desserts or dinners. Rice Pudding is a marmite moment for me as my children, husband, brothers, sister, nieces and nephews love it but I don’t! This dish can be served both hot and cold. Companies charge a lot for a little tub of this, while for the less you can make a lot more.
This is a classic British dessert, has been a cherished staple in British homes for centuries. With its creamy texture and simple, comforting flavours, this humble dish has a special place in the hearts and kitchens of many. Whether enjoyed hot or cold, rice pudding embodies the essence of British culinary tradition, offering warmth and nostalgia with every spoonful.
A Historical Perspective
Rice pudding’s history in Britain dates back to the Tudor period, when rice was a precious commodity imported from Asia. Initially, rice pudding was a luxurious treat reserved for the wealthy. Over time, as rice became more accessible, the dish found its way into the homes of ordinary people, becoming a beloved comfort food across all social classes. Traditionally cooked in a slow oven, rice pudding evolved from a simple rice and milk mixture to a rich, custardy delight, often flavoured with spices like nutmeg and cinnamon.
The slow baking process allows the rice to absorb the milk fully, creating a creamy, luscious consistency. The top develops a beautiful golden skin, a hallmark of a well-made rice pudding.
Modern Twists and Serving Suggestions
While the traditional recipe remains popular, modern variations have emerged, infusing new life into this classic dessert. Some recipes incorporate vanilla extract or a cinnamon stick for added depth of flavour. Some also add a dash of rum to make it a real winter warmer. Others might replace some of the milk with cream for an extra rich and indulgent pudding. For a contemporary twist, try adding a handful of sultanas or a drizzle of golden syrup before serving.
Rice pudding can be enjoyed in various ways. Hot from the oven, it’s the ultimate winter warmer, perfect for a cosy night in. Cold rice pudding, on the other hand, is wonderfully refreshing in the summer months. Serve it with a dollop of fruit compote, a sprinkle of cinnamon or a spoonful of jam. They all help to enhance its flavour.
British rice pudding is more than just a dessert; it’s a culinary tradition that has been passed down through generations. Its simplicity, versatility, and comforting nature make it a dish that continues to be loved by many. There is no set recipe for this dish. So you can stick to the classic recipe or experiment with modern twists, this dish is a testament to the timeless appeal of this British dish.
Rice Pudding
Ingredients
- 13 oz evaporated milk canned
- 1 large eggs lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup dried fruit washed and deseeded
- 3 tbsp butter melted
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp lemon zest grated
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1 splash Cognac or rum
Instructions
- Combine the milk, egg, fruit, butter, brown sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest in a bowl, stirring to mix thoroughly.13 oz evaporated milk, 1 large eggs, 1/2 cup dried fruit, 3 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 tsp lemon zest
- Place the cooked rice in a well greased slow cooker and pour the milk mixture over it.2 cups cooked rice
- Sprinkle with cinnamon and cook covered on high heat for 2 hours, until the pudding is set and a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.1/4 tsp cinnamon
- Spoon into individual serving bowls and drizzle with a little cognac for added kick.1 splash Cognac
36 comments
There is something about old dishes that I enjoy and they are making a come back.
I enjoyed the simplicity of this dish and the fact that it uses everyday ingredients.
A delicious pudding, although mine needed a little extra cooking time to soften the rice fully.
Delicious, creamy and wonderfully traditional. I will be adding this one to my regular pudding collection.
Made this for the family on Sunday, and there was not a spoonful left in the dish.
This is proper comfort food and a welcome change from fancy desserts.
This is the sort of pudding that never goes out of fashion. Simple food made properly.
Really enjoyed this rice pudding. It was creamy, filling and just sweet enough for my taste.
I prefer a thicker rice pudding, so I cooked mine a little longer. The result was lovely.
This was lovely after a roast dinner. It felt like a proper homemade family dessert.
A comforting dessert that takes me straight back to childhood. I will definitely make it again.
I added a sprinkle of cinnamon, which gave the pudding a lovely flavour.
I enjoyed the creamy texture, although I would have liked mine a little sweeter.
Such a simple dessert, but it always seems to please everyone around the table.
Very tasty and wonderfully comforting. I would perhaps add a little more vanilla next time.
Lovely creamy rice pudding that reminds me of the desserts my mum used to make when I was young.
My children enjoyed it with jam, and I loved having a dessert that reminded me of my childhood.
A lovely pudding that tastes even better with a spoonful of strawberry jam stirred through it.
A great pudding for a cold evening. It was warm, comforting and very satisfying.
Served mine with a little golden syrup, and it was absolutely delicious.
I added some raisins for extra sweetness, and they worked beautifully with the creamy rice.
A proper old-fashioned pudding that tastes wonderful and is so simple to enjoy.
This was delicious served warm with a spoonful of raspberry jam. The family loved it.
A little more sweetness would suit my taste, but a drizzle of golden syrup soon sorted that out.
I used a little nutmeg on top, which gave it that familiar old-fashioned flavour.
I found it a little too rich for my liking, but the rest of the family thoroughly enjoyed it.
This reminded me of school dinners in the best possible way. A real taste of nostalgia.
A dependable family favourite that is easy to make and lovely to eat.
A cheap and cheerful dessert that makes enough to satisfy everyone after a family meal.
Rice pudding is one of those classic desserts that brings back happy memories, and this was no exception.
The flavour was lovely, but I prefer my rice pudding slightly less thick.
The golden skin on top was my favourite part. It is just how I remember homemade rice pudding.
The rice was beautifully soft, and the creamy milk made every mouthful enjoyable.
I served mine chilled from the fridge, and it made a lovely dessert on a warmer day.
A good traditional recipe that is easy to adapt depending on what you have in the cupboard.
A lovely traditional pudding that proves you do not need expensive ingredients to make something special.