Ina Garten’s Cozy Rum Raisin Rice Pudding Recipe

Rum raisin rice pudding transforms ordinary ingredients into a luxurious dessert that whispers comfort and nostalgia.

Sweet memories bloom with each creamy spoonful of this classic treat.

Fragrant rum-soaked raisins dance through soft, tender rice, creating a symphony of rich flavors.

Delicate hints of vanilla and subtle warmth from the rum elevate this humble pudding into something extraordinary.

Home cooks can master this simple yet elegant dessert with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

The recipe promises a perfect balance of sweetness and depth that feels both rustic and refined.

Smooth, luscious textures and complex flavor profiles make this pudding an irresistible finale to any meal: gather your ingredients and prepare for pure delight.

Tips for Silky Pudding Texture

• Rum-Soak Brilliance: Generously soak raisins in rum for at least 15 minutes to infuse deep, rich flavor that elevates the entire dessert's taste profile.
• Stirring Mastery: Continuously stir the rice mixture while simmering to prevent scorching and ensure a smooth, creamy consistency that defines perfect rice pudding.
• Egg Tempering Trick: Gradually introduce hot rice mixture to beaten eggs, whisking constantly to create a silky smooth texture without any scrambled egg mishaps.
• Surface Shield Technique: Press plastic wrap directly onto the pudding's surface while cooling to block air exposure and prevent an unappetizing skin from forming.
• Chill for Perfection: Refrigerate the pudding for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing flavors to meld and the dessert to achieve an ultra-creamy, delightful consistency.

Storing Rice Pudding Without Losing Moisture

• Vacuum Seal: Lock in freshness by transferring the cooled rice pudding into vacuum-sealed bags, removing all air pockets. This method preserves flavor intensity and prevents freezer burn, extending storage life to 2 months with minimal taste degradation.
• Glass Container Strategy: Select thick-walled glass containers with tight-fitting lids to maintain pudding's creamy texture. Refrigerate immediately after cooling, ensuring minimal moisture condensation and preventing flavor absorption from other foods.
• Portion Freezing Technique: Divide pudding into individual serving sizes using silicone molds or small freezer-safe containers. Label each portion with the date, allowing quick defrosting and preventing repeated temperature fluctuations that can compromise texture and taste.

Variations for Boozy or Mild Versions

• Island Coconut Fusion: Replace half-and-half with coconut milk, add toasted coconut flakes, and swap rum for coconut rum for a tropical transformation.
• Maple Pecan Dream: Substitute sugar with maple syrup, fold in chopped pecans, and sprinkle cinnamon for a rich, nutty version that feels like autumn comfort.
• Berry Blissful Blend: Mix in fresh mixed berries after cooking, drizzle with berry compote, and use orange liqueur instead of rum for a bright, fruity profile.
• Chocolate Caramel Indulgence: Stir in dark chocolate chips after cooking, drizzle with salted caramel sauce, and garnish with chocolate shavings for an decadent dessert experience.

Pudding Recap from Ina’s Kitchen

Ina Garten’s rum raisin rice pudding emerges as a classic comfort dessert with sophisticated charm.

Mediterranean culinary traditions blend seamlessly with American home cooking in this delightful recipe.

Silky textures and complex flavors create an unforgettable sensory experience that transports palates to gourmet realms.

Rich half-and-half provides luxurious creaminess while rum-soaked raisins add unexpected depth and complexity.

Sweet memories of grandmothers’ kitchens merge with contemporary culinary artistry in each spoonful.

Sacred moments of indulgence await when you savor this incredible dessert – so go ahead, share the recipe, spread deliciousness, and inspire fellow dessert enthusiasts to explore Ina’s magical dish.

Why Rum Raisin Rice Pudding Stands Out

• Infuse with Rich Rum Flavor: The recipe brilliantly soaks raisins in rum, creating a deep, sophisticated taste that transforms ordinary rice pudding into an elegant dessert with complex flavor notes that dance on your palate.
• Creamy Dreamy Texture Delight: Slow-simmering rice in half-and-half produces an incredibly luxurious, velvety smooth pudding that feels like silk sliding across your tongue, delivering a comforting and indulgent mouthfeel.
• Easy Gourmet Dessert Magic: This simple yet impressive recipe allows home cooks to create a restaurant-quality dessert with minimal technical skills, making it perfect for dinner parties or a special weekend treat that looks and tastes like you've trained in a professional kitchen.
• Versatile Serving Sensation: Enjoy this pudding warm for a cozy comfort or chilled for a refreshing dessert, making it adaptable to any mood or season, and suitable for casual family dinners or sophisticated gatherings.

Ingredients Behind the Creamy Rice Pudding

• Rice: Long-grain white rice provides a creamy and soft base for the pudding, ideal for absorbing flavors.

• Half-and-Half, Whole Milk: Creamy dairy component that creates rich and smooth texture in the pudding.
• Egg: Adds richness, helps thicken the pudding, and provides a silky consistency.

• Sugar: Sweetens the rice pudding and balances the rum's intensity.
• Rum: Adds sophisticated flavor and helps plump the raisins.
• Raisins: Sweet dried fruit that brings texture and concentrated fruity taste.
• Vanilla: Provides warm, classic background note to complement other ingredients.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

Cooking Rum Raisin Pudding Like a Pro

Step 1: Prepare Raisin Soak

Grab a small bowl and pour rum over raisins. Let them dance and absorb the liquid while you work on other steps. The raisins will plump up and become flavor bombs.

Step 2: Cook Rice Base

• Rice
• Salt
• Water

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stir once gently, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 8-9 minutes until water is nearly completely absorbed. The rice should look tender and soft.

Step 3: Create Creamy Mixture

• Half-and-half
• Sugar

Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat. Simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. The mixture will transform into a luscious, creamy consistency.

Step 4: Integrate Egg

Slowly whisk beaten egg into the hot rice mixture. Cook for 1 minute, stirring continuously to prevent scrambling.

Step 5: Final Flavor Fusion

• Remaining half-and-half
• Vanilla extract
• Rum-soaked raisins

Pour into a serving bowl. Cover surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm for a comforting dessert or chill for a refreshing treat. The pudding can be enjoyed at room temperature or cold from the refrigerator.

Pro Tip: The pudding will thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems slightly runny when first prepared.

Ina Garten Rum Raisin Rice Pudding Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s rum raisin rice pudding elevates classic comfort desserts with sophisticated Caribbean flair. Plump raisins soaked in dark rum create rich layers of flavor, while creamy rice pudding offers smooth, indulgent satisfaction for dessert enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 5 cups half-and-half
• ¾ cup white basmati rice
• 1 extra-large egg

Sweeteners and Flavoring:

• ½ cup sugar
• ¾ cup raisins
• 2 tablespoons dark rum
• 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Seasoning:

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the raisins by gently soaking them in rum within a compact container, allowing the dried fruit to absorb the rich, aromatic liquid for enhanced flavor development.
2. Select a medium saucepan and combine long-grain rice, a pinch of kosher salt, and 1 of fresh water. Elevate heat until the mixture reaches a vigorous boil, gently stirring once to prevent rice from clustering, then reduce to a low simmer and cover, cooking for approximately 8-9 minutes until water is nearly completely absorbed.
3. Carefully introduce of half-and-half and granulated sugar into the rice mixture. Increase temperature until the liquid initiates a rolling boil, then immediately decrease to a gentle simmer, leaving the pot uncovered and stirring consistently to prevent bottom scorching, continuing this process for roughly 25 minutes until the rice transforms into an ultra-soft, creamy consistency.
4. Temper the beaten egg by gradually incorporating it into the rice pudding, stirring continuously to prevent curdling. Allow the mixture to cook for an additional minute, ensuring smooth integration of the egg.
5. Remove the saucepan from direct heat and fold in the remaining of half-and-half, pure vanilla extract, and the rum-infused raisins. Transfer the pudding to a serving vessel, carefully applying plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent skin formation, and serve either warmly comforting or refreshingly chilled.

Notes

• Infuse raisins with rum for a deep, boozy flavor by soaking them for 15-20 minutes before adding to the pudding.
• Gentle stirring is key when cooking rice with half-and-half to prevent scorching and ensure even, creamy consistency.
• Protect eggs from scrambling by tempering them carefully with a small amount of hot rice mixture before fully incorporating.
• Press plastic wrap directly onto the pudding’s surface to prevent annoying skin formation during chilling.
• Refrigerate pudding for a minimum of 2 hours to achieve that perfect, luscious texture that melts in your mouth.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 17 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg