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**Creamy Baked Rice Pudding with Cinnamon: A Cozy and Delicious Dessert**
This version of rice pudding is baked to perfection, resulting in a luscious, creamy texture that is elevated with the warm, fragrant touch of cinnamon. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and can be enjoyed both warm and chilled, making it a versatile dessert for any time of year.
Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to create this delicious, cozy dessert in your own kitchen.
This recipe requires just a handful of simple ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
– **1 cup Arborio rice** (or any short-grain rice, which helps give the pudding its creamy texture)
– **2 1/2 cups whole milk** (you can use half-and-half or heavy cream for extra richness, or even dairy-free milk options if preferred)
– **1/2 cup sugar** (adjust to taste, you can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor)
– **2 large eggs**
– **1 tablespoon butter** (for a richer, velvety texture)
– **1 teaspoon vanilla extract**
– **1/4 teaspoon salt**
– **1 teaspoon ground cinnamon** (plus extra for sprinkling)
– **1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg** (optional, for a hint of spice)
– **1/4 cup raisins** (optional, for added sweetness and texture)
**Step 1: Preheat the Oven**
Begin by preheating your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. This will ensure that the oven is at the right temperature for baking the pudding.
**Step 3: Mix the Custard Base**
While the rice is cooking, in a separate bowl, whisk together the **eggs**, **sugar**, **remaining 1/2 cup of milk**, **butter**, **vanilla extract**, **salt**, and **cinnamon** (and nutmeg, if using). This mixture will form the creamy custard that will enrich the rice pudding.
**Step 5: Add Raisins (Optional)**
If you’re using raisins, stir them into the mixture now. The raisins will absorb some of the liquid and soften as the pudding bakes, adding a sweet, chewy texture that complements the creamy rice.
**Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish**
Pour the rice pudding mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish (or similar-sized casserole dish). Smooth out the top with a spatula.
**Step 8: Serve and Enjoy**
Once the pudding is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. For extra flavor, sprinkle a little more cinnamon on top before serving. This rice pudding can be served warm or chilled, depending on your preference.