Holiday Rice Pudding
Festive and creamy, this holiday rice pudding combines tender rice with rich whipped cream and toasted almonds, perfect for cozy gatherings and special celebrations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, combine the milk, water, and 1/4 cup sugar; bring to a boil over high heat.
- Stir in the uncooked rice.
- Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, about 30 to 35 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat; stir in softened butter and almond flavoring until well combined.
- Cool the mixture.
- Whip the whipping cream; beat in 1 tablespoon sugar.
- Fold the whipped cream and slivered almonds into the pudding.
- Cover and chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Serve with raspberry jam or sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk or a combination of coconut milk and almond milk for a dairy-free version. If you want a touch of spice, adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor. Make sure to stir the rice occasionally while simmering to prevent it from sticking. For a festive twist, you could also fold in dried cranberries or raisins.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chilled rice pudding in individual bowls, topped with a dollop of raspberry jam or sauce for a vibrant contrast. This dish pairs beautifully with a slice of Creamy Raspberry Dessert or alongside a warm Custard Crunch Mince Pie for a festive meal. Garnish with additional slivered almonds for added crunch and visual appeal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover rice pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can dry out the pudding. Stir well before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Rice Pudding contains roughly 524 calories, with 5g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice for a nuttier flavor and added health benefits. However, the cooking time will increase, and you may need to adjust the liquid amounts as brown rice typically takes longer to cook and absorb liquid.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the milk with almond milk or any other plant-based milk, and replace the butter with a vegan butter alternative. For the whipping cream, you can use coconut cream or a vegan whipping cream product to achieve a similar texture and flavor.
What can I use instead of slivered almonds?
If you don't have slivered almonds, chopped walnuts or pecans can work well as alternatives. You could also omit the nuts altogether for a nut-free version or substitute with toasted coconut flakes for added texture.
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).