Appleton VX Rum-Spiced Caribbean Rice Pudding

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Creamy rice pudding infused with Appleton VX rum, warm spices, and dried apricots for a comforting Caribbean-inspired treat. This caribbean-inspired desserts ready in about 40 minutes layers long grain white rice, whole milk, granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 3/4 cup long grain white rice under cold water until water runs clear.
  2. Step 2: In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine rinsed rice, 4 cups whole milk, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, for about 25 minutes until rice is tender and mixture thickens.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped dried apricots, 1/4 cup Appleton VX rum, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1 tsp vanilla extract.
  5. Step 5: Continue to cook for 5 more minutes, stirring often, until the pudding is creamy and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving warm or chilled.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Appleton VX Rum-Spiced Caribbean Rice Pudding take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (5 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Appleton VX Rum-Spiced Caribbean Rice Pudding?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Appleton VX Rum-Spiced Caribbean Rice Pudding?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Appleton VX Rum-Spiced Caribbean Rice Pudding for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Appleton VX Rum-Spiced Caribbean Rice Pudding?

Caribbean desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.