Raisin-Rice Custard
A comforting rice custard infused with raisins and vanilla, baked to creamy perfection. Ideal for family dessert or special occasions, served warm or cold.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Butter a 1-quart casserole dish.
- In a medium bowl, mix half and half, cooked rice, sugar, raisins, beaten eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
- Place the casserole in a large baking pan and fill the pan with boiling water to reach halfway up the side of the casserole.
- Bake for 40 minutes.
- Carefully stir the custard to distribute the raisins; sprinkle with nutmeg.
- Bake for an additional 30 minutes or until a knife inserted 1 inch from the edge comes out clean.
- Serve warm or cold.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, you can use whole milk instead of half and half. If you prefer a healthier option, try substituting the sugar with honey or maple syrup. Soaking the raisins in warm water or rum for a few minutes before adding them enhances their flavor. If you have leftover cooked rice from dishes like Texas Biscuits, this is a great way to repurpose it.
Serving Suggestions
This Raisin-Rice Custard can be enjoyed warm or cold, making it a versatile dessert. Consider serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. It pairs beautifully with Pineapple Crumb Tart for a delightful dessert spread. A sprinkle of cinnamon can also enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the custard in a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F until heated thoroughly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Raisin-Rice Custard contains roughly 392 calories, with 5g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. It also contributes 8g 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, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture and cooking time. Brown rice has a nuttier flavor and chewier texture, which can add an interesting twist to the custard.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute half and half with a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk or almond milk. Ensure that you also use dairy-free eggs or a suitable egg replacement, like flaxseed meal mixed with water, for the custard to set properly.
Can I add other fruits to this custard?
Absolutely! You can incorporate other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped apricots for added flavor and texture. Fresh fruits such as sliced bananas or berries can also be added right before serving for a fresh burst.
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).