If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you simply must try this Creamy Rice Pudding with Orange. This delightful treat perfectly marries the velvety texture of rich rice pudding with the bright, refreshing zing of orange zest and juice. Each spoonful is a comforting blend of sweetness and citrus that never fails to satisfy cravings and brighten any meal. Whether enjoyed warm or chilled, this dessert delivers a luscious experience that’s both nostalgic and delightfully fresh.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort in a bowl: The smooth and creamy texture soothes and satisfies, making it perfect for any time of day.
Refreshing citrus twist: Orange zest and juice add a burst of bright flavor that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Simple ingredients: Made with pantry staples, it’s easy to whip up without any fancy shopping trips.
Versatile dessert: Enjoy it warm, cold, or even topped with your favorite nuts or dried fruits.
Great for any occasion: Whether a cozy family treat or an elegant dinner party finale, it fits the bill effortlessly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Creamy Rice Pudding with Orange lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients. Each item contributes a unique element to the final dessert, from the creamy body of the rice and milk to the vibrant citrus notes and the delicate sweetness that ties it all together.

Short-grain rice: Provides the perfect sticky, creamy texture essential to classic rice pudding.
Whole milk: Adds richness and smoothness for that luxurious mouthfeel.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens gently without overpowering the citrus flavors.
Fresh orange zest and juice: Infuse the pudding with bright, tangy notes that lift the whole dish.
Vanilla extract: Enhances warmth and aroma, complementing both rice and orange beautifully.
Butter: Adds silkiness and depth of flavor, rounding out the pudding’s richness.
Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies other flavors subtly.

Variations

This Creamy Rice Pudding with Orange is wonderfully adaptable, inviting you to tweak it according to your tastes, dietary preferences, or available ingredients. Here are some fun ways to make it your own.

Spiced version: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for warm, cozy spice notes that enhance the citrus.
Dairy-free twist: Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of whole milk for a dairy-free alternative with a creamy texture.
Nutty crunch: Stir in toasted almonds, pistachios, or walnuts for added texture and flavor depth.
Extra fruity: Mix in finely chopped dried apricots, raisins, or fresh berries for bursts of sweet tanginess.
Alcohol infusion: Splash in a bit of Grand Marnier or orange liqueur to amplify the orange notes with a boozy kick.

How to Make Creamy Rice Pudding with Orange

Step 1: Prepare your ingredients

Gather all your ingredients and zest the oranges first. Measure the rice, milk, sugar, and butter so everything is ready to go before the cooking starts.

Step 2: Cook the rice

In a medium saucepan, combine the rice with water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently until the rice is tender and most of the water is absorbed, about 15 minutes.

Step 3: Add milk and simmer

Stir in the whole milk and sugar, then cook over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Continue simmering until the mixture thickens and the rice absorbs most of the milk, typically 20 to 25 minutes.

Step 4: Incorporate orange and vanilla

Remove from heat and mix in the butter, fresh orange zest, juice, and vanilla extract for an aromatic burst of citrus and sweetness.

Step 5: Chill or serve warm

You can enjoy this dessert immediately for a warm, comforting pudding, or chill it in the fridge for at least 2 hours for a refreshing cold treat.

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Rice Pudding with Orange

Choose the right rice: Short-grain rice yields the creamiest texture, so avoid long-grain varieties for this recipe.
Constant stirring: Stir frequently while simmering to prevent the pudding from sticking or burning on the bottom.
Use fresh orange zest: The oils in fresh zest make a big difference in flavor compared to dried zest or pre-packaged alternatives.
Adjust sweetness last: Taste before adding extra sugar to perfectly balance the citrus and creaminess.
Add a touch of cream: For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream just before serving if desired.

How to Serve Creamy Rice Pudding with Orange

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly grated orange zest or a few segments of peeled orange on top for visual appeal and a burst of fresh flavor. A dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted coconut adds pleasing textures and taste contrasts.

Side Dishes

This pudding pairs beautifully with light, complementary sides such as almond biscotti, spiced nuts, or a simple fresh fruit salad to balance the creamy richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual portions in pretty glass jars or ramekins, layering with orange marmalade or candied peel for an elegant look. You can even top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to preserve freshness and creaminess.

Freezing

Freeze rice pudding in portioned containers for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on low heat with a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture, stirring frequently to avoid scorching.

FAQs

Can I use other citrus fruits instead of orange?

Absolutely! Lemon or mandarin can provide a different but equally refreshing flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with creamy rice pudding.

Is it possible to make this pudding vegan?

Yes, by using plant-based milk like coconut or almond milk and replacing butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, you can easily make this recipe vegan-friendly.

How thick should the pudding be?

The pudding should be creamy and thick but still spoonable; it will thicken more when chilled, so a slightly looser consistency when cooking is ideal.

Can I prepare this pudding in advance?

Definitely! In fact, letting the pudding rest and chill enhances the flavors, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert.

What do I do if the pudding is too thick after refrigeration?

Simply stir in a little warm milk and gently reheat before serving to loosen it up without losing the creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Rice Pudding with Orange is a true treasure among desserts, effortlessly combining nostalgic comfort with bright, lively citrus notes. It’s simple enough for weeknight treats yet elegant enough to impress guests. Once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself reaching for it whenever you want something both soothing and uplifting. Go ahead, dive into the luscious layers of flavor and share the joy this pudding brings!

Creamy Rice Pudding with Orange

Author: Savannah
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Creamy Rice Pudding with Orange is a comforting and luscious dessert that combines the rich, velvety texture of classic rice pudding with the bright, fresh zest and juice of orange. Perfect served warm or chilled, this easy-to-make treat offers a delightful balance of sweet and citrus flavors, ideal for any occasion from cozy family nights to elegant dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1/2 cup short-grain rice
4 cups whole milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
Zest of 1 large orange
Juice of 1 large orange (about 1/4 cup)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Prepare your ingredients: Gather all ingredients and zest the oranges first. Measure out the rice, milk, sugar, and butter so everything is set and ready before cooking begins.
Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the short-grain rice with 1 cup of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer gently until the rice is tender and most of the water is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
Add milk and simmer: Stir in the whole milk and granulated sugar. Cook over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid sticking or burning. Simmer until the mixture thickens and most of the milk is absorbed into the rice, about 20 to 25 minutes.
Incorporate orange and vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the butter, fresh orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract to infuse the pudding with a bright, aromatic flavor.
Chill or serve warm: You can serve the pudding immediately while warm for a comforting experience, or cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to enjoy a refreshing cold dessert.

Notes

Use short-grain rice to ensure a creamy pudding texture; avoid long-grain rice.
Stir frequently during cooking to prevent the pudding from sticking or burning at the bottom.
Fresh orange zest is preferred for the best citrus aroma and flavor.
Adjust sweetness after cooking by tasting and adding more sugar if needed.
For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream just before serving.
Variations include adding warm spices, nuts, dried fruits, or an orange liqueur like Grand Marnier.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
Reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: International