Creamy Alton Brown Rice Pudding Recipe

Quick Alton Brown Rice Pudding Recipe: Dreamy Spoonfuls

Alton Brown’s rice pudding transforms ordinary kitchen moments into a luscious symphony of comfort and flavor.

Creamy whispers of nostalgia swirl through each spoonful, weaving memories with delectable sweetness.

Simple ingredients dance together, creating a magical dessert that feels both rustic and elegant.

Fragrant spices embrace soft grains, turning humble rice into a luxurious treat that beckons you closer.

Smooth textures melt effortlessly, promising a sensory journey of pure indulgence.

Every bite tells a story of warmth and culinary creativity.

This pudding isn’t just a dessert; it’s an invitation to savor life’s delicious simplicity.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 4

What You Need for Alton Brown’s Rice Pudding

For Base Ingredients:
  • Cooked Rice: Select long-grain rice for best texture and smooth consistency.
  • Milk: Choose whole milk for richer, creamier pudding results.
For Creamy Enrichment:
  • Coconut Milk, Heavy Cream: Opt for full-fat versions to enhance luxurious mouthfeel.
  • Sugar: Use fine granulated sugar for seamless blending.
  • Ground Cardamom: Select fresh, fragrant spice for vibrant aromatic notes.
For Textural Garnish:
  • Pistachios, Raisins: Pick plump, glossy raisins and unsalted pistachios for balanced crunch and sweetness.

Tools for Alton Brown’s Rice Pudding

  • Large Nonstick Sauté Pan: Perfect for even heat distribution and preventing rice from sticking.
  • Whisk: Essential for smoothly blending ingredients and preventing cardamom clumps.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps stir rice mixture without scratching the pan.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
  • Individual Serving Dishes or Glass Bowl: For presenting and chilling the pudding.
  • Plastic Wrap: Covers pudding to prevent skin formation during cooling.

Cooking Instructions for Alton Brown’s Rice Pudding

Cooking Instructions for Alton Brown’s Rice Pudding
  • Create Rice Pudding Base

Warm cooked rice and milk in a large nonstick pan over medium heat, stirring gently to blend ingredients smoothly and prevent sticking.

  • Develop Creamy Texture

Lower heat and let mixture simmer, stirring consistently until sauce transforms into a rich, velvety consistency with a luxurious sheen.

  • Enhance Flavor Profile

Boost heat and incorporate coconut milk, sugar, cardamom, and heavy cream. Whisk carefully to distribute spices evenly and develop deep, complex taste. Continue simmering until sauce reaches a luscious thickness.

  • Finish with Elegant Touches

Remove pan from heat and gently fold in chopped pistachios and raisins, creating delightful pockets of crunch and sweetness throughout the pudding.

  • Serve and Savor

Transfer pudding to elegant serving dishes, covering surface with plastic wrap to maintain smooth texture. Enjoy immediately at room temperature or chill for a refreshing dessert experience. Best consumed within three days for optimal flavor and silky consistency.

Rice Pudding Tips from Alton Brown

Explore creative ways to elevate this classic rice pudding with exciting twists and personal touches.

Replace cardamom with cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract for a different flavor profile that matches your taste preferences.

Experiment with alternative milk options like almond, oat, or soy milk to create a completely plant-based version of this comforting dessert.

Enhance the pudding by topping with fresh mango chunks, passion fruit pulp, or caramelized bananas for a burst of tropical excitement.

Toast nuts before adding to create a deeper, nuttier crunch that adds an extra layer of complexity to the creamy pudding.

How to Serve Alton Brown’s Rice Pudding

  • Garnish with Elegance: Sprinkle extra chopped pistachios and a light dusting of ground cardamom on top for a beautiful, aromatic finish that adds texture and visual appeal.
  • Pair with Complementary Treats: Serve alongside fresh seasonal fruits like sliced mangoes or berries to balance the creamy richness of the rice pudding and provide a refreshing contrast.
  • Create Temperature Variations: Experiment with serving the pudding warm or chilled, depending on personal preference or the current weather, to enjoy different taste experiences.
  • Enhance with Sweet Companions: Add a small drizzle of honey or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence and a personalized touch to this classic dessert.

Storage Guide for Alton Brown’s Rice Pudding

  • Preserve Pudding Perfection: Store the rice pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its creamy consistency and prevent moisture loss.
  • Chill and Savor: Refrigerate the dessert for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify while keeping the texture smooth and inviting.
  • Revive Leftover Delight: Gently reheat the pudding with a splash of milk to restore its original creamy texture, stirring carefully to prevent scorching.
  • Freeze for Future Treats: Portion the pudding into freezer-safe containers, keeping it frozen for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator for a quick and delicious dessert.
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Creamy Alton Brown Rice Pudding Recipe

Creamy Alton Brown Rice Pudding Recipe


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4.6 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Alton Brown’s rice pudding blends creamy comfort with classic simplicity. Rich ingredients merge seamlessly to create a delightful dessert you’ll savor with pure culinary pleasure.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup cooked long-grain or basmati rice
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) coconut milk
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
  • ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
  • 2 oz (56 g), approximately ¼ cup sugar
  • ¼ tsp ground cardamom
  • 1 ½ oz (42 g), approximately ⅓ cup golden raisins
  • 1 ½ oz (42 g), approximately ⅓ cup chopped unsalted pistachios

Instructions

  1. Initial Blending: Merge cooked rice with milk in a large nonstick sauté pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent rice from adhering to the surface while bringing the liquid to a gentle boil.
  2. Simmering Foundation: Reduce heat, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop a creamy consistency while stirring frequently, incorporating coconut milk, granulated sugar, ground cardamom, and heavy cream to create a smooth, integrated base.
  3. Texture Development: Continue simmering the pudding, whisking intermittently to prevent cardamom clustering and ensure even distribution, monitoring the consistency until it reaches a rich, velvety thickness that coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Final Embellishment: Remove from heat and gently fold in roasted pistachios and plump raisins, distributing them evenly throughout the creamy mixture to enhance texture and flavor profile.
  5. Cooling and Serving: Transfer the pudding to serving dishes, cover directly with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation, and allow to cool to room temperature or refrigerate. Serve within 24 hours to preserve optimal taste and creamy consistency.

Notes

  • Prevent Rice Sticking: Stir occasionally during initial cooking to stop rice from clumping or burning at the bottom of the pan.
  • Manage Heat Carefully: Adjust heat levels gradually to control pudding’s consistency and prevent scorching or uneven texture.
  • Whisk Thoroughly: Use continuous whisking when adding new ingredients to create smooth, lump-free pudding with even flavor distribution.
  • Serve Fresh: Consume within 24 hours for best taste and texture, storing with direct plastic wrap contact to maintain moisture and prevent skin formation.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 60 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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