Aunt Helen'S Rice Pudding
A comforting classic rice pudding featuring creamy milk, sweet raisins, and warm spices, perfect for family dessert or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put rice, salt, and cold water in a saucepan and cook approximately 20 minutes.
- When cooked, transfer the rice to a buttered 3-quart casserole dish.
- Add the 6 beaten eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, raisins, nutmeg, and butter to the casserole.
- Place the casserole in a pan of hot water to create a water bath.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven.
- Cook approximately 50 minutes or until a knife inserted comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using whole milk instead of low-fat milk. You can substitute the raisins with dried cranberries or chopped dates for a different flavor. Additionally, adding a pinch of cinnamon can enhance the warmth of the dish. Ensure the rice is fully cooked before mixing it with the other ingredients to achieve the best consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the rice pudding warm or chilled, topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. It pairs beautifully with a side of fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a delightful breakfast option, consider pairing it with Emily'S Salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the rice pudding in a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Helen'S Rice Pudding contains roughly 1292 calories, with 19g protein, 193g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (94% of the Daily Value), iron (39% of the Daily Value), and calcium (39% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1494mg per serving (65% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this rice pudding ahead of time?
Yes, this rice pudding can be prepared a day in advance. Once baked, allow it to cool completely before refrigerating. Just reheat gently before serving to maintain its creamy texture.
What can I use instead of eggs?
For an egg-free version, try using a combination of 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana per egg. This will help bind the pudding while keeping it moist.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This rice pudding is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any wheat products. Just ensure that the ingredients, such as vanilla extract and sugar, are also labeled gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).