Ina Garten Rum Raisin Rice Pudding Recipe

This Ina Garten Rum Raisin Rice Pudding is a creamy and comforting dessert, which includes Arborio rice and golden raisins soaked in dark rum. It’s a rich, elegant treat that comes together in about 45 minutes.

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Ina Garten Rum Raisin Rice Pudding Ingredients

• ½ cup golden raisins
• ¼ cup dark rum
• ¾ cup Arborio rice (or other short-grain rice)
• 5 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for garnish)

How To Make Ina Garten Rum Raisin Rice Pudding

1. Soak the raisins:
   In a small bowl, combine golden raisins and dark rum. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until plump.
2. Cook the rice:
   In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine Arborio rice, whole milk, and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
3. Simmer until thickened:
   Reduce heat and simmer, stirring often, for 25–30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
4. Add sugar and flavoring:
   Stir in the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar.
5. Add the raisins:
   Drain the raisins (reserving a bit of rum if desired) and stir them into the pudding. Mix gently to combine.
6. Cool and serve:
   Let the pudding cool for 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm or chilled. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.

Recipe Tips

• Can I use regular raisins?
  Yes, but golden raisins are softer and slightly sweeter, which pairs well with the rum.
• Do I have to use Arborio rice?
  Arborio gives the best creamy texture, but you can use another short-grain rice if needed.
• Can I make this ahead of time?
  Yes, it’s delicious chilled and can be made up to 2 days in advance. Add a splash of milk when reheating to loosen the texture.
• Can I skip the rum?
  Yes, substitute with apple juice or water if avoiding alcohol.
• How to make it extra rich:
  Use all cream instead of milk, or stir in a knob of butter at the end for more richness.

What To Serve With Rum Raisin Rice Pudding

This creamy dessert is delicious on its own or paired with:

• Whipped cream
• Toasted coconut flakes
• A drizzle of caramel sauce
• Fresh berries
• A small espresso or dessert wine

How To Store Rum Raisin Rice Pudding

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Freeze: Not recommended, as rice pudding can separate and become grainy after thawing.

Rum Raisin Rice Pudding Nutrition Facts

• Calories: ~350 per serving (based on 4 servings)
• Carbohydrates: ~45g
• Protein: ~6g
• Fat: ~15g
• Sugar: ~22g
• Sodium: ~150mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary depending on ingredients and portion size.

FAQs

Can I serve this warm or cold?
Yes, it’s delicious either way. Just chill if you prefer a firmer, custard-like texture.

Can I use leftover cooked rice?
You can, but reduce the cooking time and liquid, as pre-cooked rice won’t absorb as much.

Why is my rice pudding too thick?
It thickens as it cools. Add a splash of milk before serving or reheating to loosen it up.

Is this similar to Ina Garten’s exact recipe?
This version is inspired by Ina’s signature style, with a creamy base and elevated flavors.

Try More Recipes:

• Ina Garten Lemon Poppyseed Cake
• Ina Garten Sugar Cookie Recipe
• Garten Chocolate Mousse Recipe