If you’ve ever longed for a dessert that is both comforting and delightfully fresh, then this Creamy Rice Pudding with Orange recipe will quickly become your new favorite. Combining the rich, velvety texture of classic rice pudding with the bright, tangy zest of fresh orange, this dish offers an exciting twist that balances sweetness and citrusy freshness perfectly. Whether you want a cozy treat for chilly nights or a refreshing dessert to end a summer meal, this Creamy Rice Pudding with Orange is an absolute must-try that’s simple to make and guaranteed to please.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort food with a twist: Classic rice pudding gets a vibrant citrus upgrade with fresh orange zest and juice.
- Simple ingredients, amazing flavor: Minimal pantry staples come together to create an unforgettable taste experience.
- Perfect creamy texture: Slow-cooked rice melds beautifully with cream and orange for a silky mouthfeel.
- Family-friendly and versatile: Loved by both kids and adults, great for everyday meals or special occasions.
- Customizable to your liking: Easily adapted with spices, nuts, or other fruits to keep the dessert fresh and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that combine to deliver that luscious creaminess and vibrant citrus flavor, ensuring every bite is a perfect balance of rich and refreshing.
- Arborio rice: Short-grain rice that creates the dish’s creamy and tender texture.
- Whole milk: Adds richness and enhances the pudding’s smooth consistency.
- Heavy cream: Boosts the creaminess and gives a luxurious mouthfeel.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the pudding just right without overpowering the orange notes.
- Fresh orange zest: Brings an aromatic citrus punch essential to the pudding’s bright flavor.
- Fresh orange juice: Adds refreshing tang that complements the creamy base.
- Vanilla extract: Lends a warm, sweet undertone that balances the citrus.
- Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors beautifully.
- Cinnamon stick (optional): Adds gentle warmth to deepen the flavor profile.
Variations for Creamy Rice Pudding with Orange
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! It’s incredibly flexible, making it easy to adjust based on your taste preferences, dietary needs, or the ingredients you have on hand.
- Vegan version: Swap dairy milk and cream for coconut milk and almond milk for a dairy-free twist.
- Spiced up: Add cardamom, nutmeg, or ginger for an exotic flavor boost.
- Nutty crunch: Top with toasted almonds, pistachios, or walnuts for added texture.
- Fruity add-ins: Mix in dried cranberries, chopped apricots, or fresh berries for extra bursts of sweetness.
- Chocolate orange: Stir in dark chocolate chips or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a decadent layer.
How to Make Creamy Rice Pudding with Orange
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Begin by zesting and juicing the oranges, ensuring you only use the bright orange part of the peel and avoid the bitter white pith. Measure out the Arborio rice, milk, cream, and sugar so everything is ready for the cooking process.
Step 2: Cook the rice
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the rice with milk, cream, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add the cinnamon stick if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
Step 3: Add the orange zest and juice
Once the rice is partially cooked and has absorbed some liquid (about 15–20 minutes), add the fresh orange zest and juice, and vanilla extract. Stir well to incorporate the citrus flavors thoroughly into the creamy base.
Step 4: Simmer until creamy
Continue to simmer the rice pudding gently, stirring often until the rice is completely tender and the mixture is thick and creamy, typically around 25–30 minutes total. Remove the cinnamon stick before serving.
Step 5: Cool and serve
Transfer the pudding to bowls or ramekins and let it cool slightly. The pudding can be enjoyed warm or chilled, depending on your preference. Garnish as desired before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Rice Pudding with Orange
- Use Arborio rice: Its starch content creates the signature creamy texture that regular rice can’t match.
- Patience is key: Stir regularly to prevent sticking and to develop an even, smooth consistency.
- Balance the citrus: Fresh orange zest provides aroma, while the juice adds brightness—both are essential.
- Cook low and slow: A gentle simmer helps to prevent curdling and encourages creaminess.
- Adjust sweetness last: Taste towards the end and add more sugar if you prefer it sweeter.
- Keep stirring after adding orange: Helps the citrus infuse evenly and prevents curdling.
How to Serve Creamy Rice Pudding with Orange
Garnishes
Sprinkle with a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg, add a few fresh orange segments or a twist of orange peel for color and extra zest, or even scatter chopped toasted nuts for a delightful crunch that contrasts the softness of the pudding.
Side Dishes
This rice pudding pairs wonderfully with light, fruity salads or a cup of strong black coffee to counterbalance the creamy sweetness. For a special occasion, serve alongside a crisp fruit tart or vanilla-infused shortbread cookies.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, layer the pudding with mascarpone cream or a fruit compote in clear glass jars. Alternatively, serve in small vintage bowls with an edible flower or thin orange slice perched on top for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Rice Pudding with Orange in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
This pudding can be frozen in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Be aware that the texture might slightly change upon thawing, so give it a good stir or a quick warm-up to restore creaminess before serving.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring often to avoid hotspots and to bring back that silky smooth texture. You may need to add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I use other types of rice for this pudding?
While Arborio rice is recommended for its creamy starch, short-grain sushi rice or other starchy rice varieties can work, though the texture may differ slightly.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
The traditional Creamy Rice Pudding with Orange uses dairy, but you can substitute with plant-based milks and creams such as coconut milk and almond milk to make it vegan-friendly.
Can I prepare this pudding ahead of time?
Yes! This pudding actually tastes better after resting overnight in the fridge, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert.
How can I make the pudding thicker or thinner?
To thicken, cook longer to evaporate more liquid or add a bit more rice. To thin, stir in additional milk or cream when reheating.
Can I use orange juice concentrate or bottled juice?
Freshly squeezed orange juice is best for bright, natural flavor, but in a pinch, 100% pure bottled juice can be used—just adjust the amount to taste.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Rice Pudding with Orange is more than just a dessert; it’s a warm, inviting experience filled with comforting cream and lively citrus. Once you try this recipe, you’ll appreciate how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or enjoy a cozy night in, give this recipe a whirl and watch it become a beloved classic in your kitchen!
Related Posts
- Discover Crispy Chinese Fried Milk Magic Today
- Discover Irresistible Raspberry Cream Buns Recipe
- Discover Irresistible Pecan Nut Fudge Brownies Today
Creamy Rice Pudding with Orange
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Rice Pudding with Orange offers a comforting yet refreshingly vibrant dessert that combines the classic velvety texture of slow-cooked Arborio rice with bright, tangy fresh orange zest and juice. Perfect for cozy nights or light summer meals, this easy-to-make pudding features a luscious creaminess balanced with citrusy freshness that appeals to the whole family.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 2 oranges (bright orange part only, no pith)
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Begin by zesting and juicing the oranges, ensuring you only use the bright orange part of the peel and avoid the bitter white pith. Measure out the Arborio rice, milk, cream, and sugar so everything is ready for the cooking process.
- Cook the rice: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the Arborio rice with whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add the cinnamon stick if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
- Add the orange zest and juice: Once the rice is partially cooked and has absorbed some liquid (about 15 to 20 minutes), add the fresh orange zest, fresh orange juice, and vanilla extract. Stir well to incorporate the citrus flavors thoroughly into the creamy base.
- Simmer until creamy: Continue to simmer the rice pudding gently, stirring often until the rice is completely tender and the mixture is thick and creamy, typically around 25 to 30 minutes total. Remove the cinnamon stick before serving.
- Cool and serve: Transfer the pudding to bowls or ramekins and let it cool slightly. The pudding can be enjoyed warm or chilled, depending on your preference. Garnish as desired before serving.
Notes
- Use Arborio rice for its high starch content, which creates the signature creamy texture.
- Stir regularly to prevent the rice from sticking and to develop an even, smooth consistency.
- Balance the citrus by using both fresh orange zest and juice for aroma and brightness.
- Cook on low heat to prevent curdling and promote creaminess.
- Taste the pudding near the end and adjust sugar if you prefer it sweeter.
- Keep stirring after adding orange to help citrus infuse evenly and prevent curdling.
- Optional variations include vegan substitutions, adding spices like cardamom or nutmeg, topping with nuts, mixing in dried or fresh fruits, or adding chocolate for decadence.
- Leftovers keep for up to 3 days refrigerated and can be frozen for up to 1 month.
- Reheat gently and add milk or cream if needed to loosen texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg