Whatever you are doing right now – stop! Trust me, this is something you can’t miss. I was all set to write a completely different post today, something already lined up and scheduled for the day, but then, an impulsive craving hit me. I got this strong craving for something simple, nostalgic, and incredibly comforting: the good old rice pudding. I unraveled a new story to be written!
I wanted this warm, creamy delight sprinkled with cinnamon, just like when I was a kid. You know, those cozy desserts that instantly bring back happy childhood memories?
But here is where things took a delicious turn. Sitting on my counter was something I’d prepared earlier in this morning: caramelized pineapple. Since I was already set on making rice pudding, I thought to myself, “What if I take a different turn and experiment a bit?” And as they say, the rest is history.
What is Rice Pudding?
For me, rice pudding is my go-to when I am tired, uninspired, but in need of something warm and comforting. It is like a hug in a bowl that brings back cozy childhood memories and instantly lifts my mood. For others, it might be simply rice cooked in a creamy mixture of milk, vanilla, and cinnamon. Easy to make, but oh-so-delicious and satisfying.
Caramelized Pineapple, You Say?
Yes, you read that right. No caramelized apples (though they would be a perfect match too), but caramelized pineapple chunks. I think I may have just reached a dessert epiphany! I am in awe!
The way the juicy pineapple caramelizes and mingles with the creamy rice pudding is something out of a dream. For me, this dessert brought an ultimate wrap-up for an amazing week, a warm, cozy, and full of flavour one.
Why You Need This in Your Life
What I love the most about this recipe is that it is super simple and so easy to make. Also, all you need is just a few ingredients, and you will get a flavor with a huge payoff.
It is such a creamy, rich delight, paired with the slightly tangy, sweet caramelized pineapple . It is comforting like a warm hug, with a very unique tropical twist and so versatile, that you can eat it any time of the day, as a breakfast, brunch or your dessert of the day. Such a perfect balance of flavours. Plus, it’s a total showstopper at any gathering or even for a solo treat.
What do you need for the rice pudding
Rice – The best choice would be Arborio rice as it is starchy and we need that for the pudding. Today, I used whole grain brown rice. I find it equally delicious, slightly darker, but sometimes I do not mind to compromise the well-know white texture of the rice pudding for some more nutrients. So you can’t go wrong here. Stay open-minded and follow me on this.
Milk – Whole fat milk is the best for the creamy delicious texture we are looking for here.
35% Fat Cream – A whole fat cream enhances the flavours and adds an extra layer of creaminess to this simple yet delicious dish. Trust me on this, for the best results, definitely add some cream.
White Sugar – While I don’t typically use white sugar in my cooking, today I was craving those nostalgic childhood flavors, so I opted for fine white sugar to bring back that classic sweetness.
Pure Vanilla Extract – This is the absolute star of the show, it elevates the dish to a whole new level, turning it into perfection. I love vanilla, especially in a rice pudding dish.
Cinnamon Sticks – I highly recommend using cinnamon sticks for cooking. Ground cinnamon is great for sprinkling on top of your desserts, but when it comes to infusing flavors while cooking, cinnamon sticks make all the difference.
Maple Syrup – I love adding maple syrup to my desserts. It not only tastes amazing, but also adds a beautiful, rich color.
Caramelized Pineapple – This is what takes this dish from amazing to out of this world. The caramelized pineapple chunks are the true star of the show. Don’t even question it, just try it, and I promise you will be just as amazed as I am. I am practically so excited to convince the entire world to give it a try. If you want another equally delicious option, my caramelized apples would be a perfect match for this dish too. Check out that recipe and let me know which combo becomes your favorite.
Dutch Oven – Yes, my absolute favorite kitchen companion, the Dutch Oven. If you don’t have one yet, you need to get on board. It is incredibly versatile and can replace so many of the pots and pans cluttering up your kitchen. And not only does save space, but it is also a budget-friendly investment that lasts for years! It is so pretty and brings out the best in flavors. I honestly believe everything tastes so much better when cooked in a Dutch Oven.
I could go on and on about why you need one, and if you want all the details, check out my post on why every kitchen needs a Dutch Oven.
Creamy Rice Pudding with Caramelized Pineapple
Course: dessert, Breakfast, BrunchDifficulty: Easy2
servings5
minutes35
minutes40
minutesThis creamy rice pudding recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Made with just a few ingredients like rice, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla. It is rich, cozy, and perfect for satisfying nostalgic cravings when you need an easy, feel-good treat that hits all the right spots.
Ingredients
- For rice pudding:
1 cup rice - Arborio or any short-grain rice works best.
4 cups milk - I prefer full fat milk rather than skim milk for best results
½ cup of 35% fat cream
½ cup fine white sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
½ cup maple syrup
1-2 cinnamon sticks (plus extra for dusting)
- For the caramelized pineapple
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
2 tablespoons sage-based herb butter
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon maple syrup
Directions
- For the rice pudding
- In a Dutch Oven, combine the rice, milk, and sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Lower the heat, and stir in the vanilla extract and cinnamon, adjusting sweetness to your taste.
- Continue to cook for about 30-35 minutes, stirring often, until the rice is tender and the pudding is thick and creamy.
- Once ready, remove from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- For caramelized pineapple
- In your Dutch Oven (or a small saucepan), melt the sage butter over medium heat.
- Add the pineapple chunks, brown sugar and maple syrup cooking until the pineapple is golden and caramelized, about 5-10 minutes. Stir occasionally, allowing the pineapple to absorb the butter and sugar and become slightly sticky and rich.
- Set it aside until rice pudding is ready to be served.
Recipe Video
Notes
- You can substitute the caramelized pineapples with caramelized apples or pears. Follow the same process for caramelizing the fruit of your choice.
- If raisins are something you are particularly fond of, add a handful towards the end of the cooking process so they can absorb the creaminess and incorporate nicely in the mixture.
How to serve the rice pudding
Simply pour the creamy rice pudding into small serving bowls and add on the side a generous scoop of caramelized pineapple chunks. Sprinkle it with a bit more cinnamon and some ground nutmeg (if you want extra flavour). I recommend to serve immediately and be ready to be changed for life.
How to store
No freezing please, it doesn’t work. When it comes to refrigerating, I do not recommend doing it with the rice pudding for more than a day. Cooler temperatures tend to make the rice too dense and thick, taking away from the creamy texture it is meant to have. As for the caramelized pineapple, you can store it in the fridge for up to seven days. Just keep it in a mason jar or airtight container, and it will stay delicious. You can absolutely use it as a toping for pancakes, aside to a perfectly roasted pork, as a toping to your favourite pie and many more delicious pairings.
Final Thoughts
I couldn’t wait to share this recipe with you. It is honestly one of my new favorites. The creamy rice pudding on its own is amazing, but the caramelized pineapple takes it to a whole new level. So next time you are craving something simple yet extraordinary, give this recipe a try.
Trust me, you will want to stop everything and make this right now. Let me know how it turned out. I am so curious to get your feedback. Can’t wait!
If I poked your curiosity, make sure you try more recipes I have for you
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