Baked Cinnamon-Spiced Rice Pudding with Caramelized Apples
Warm and comforting rice pudding infused with cinnamon and nutmeg, topped with tender caramelized apple slices for a cozy dessert. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 75 minutes layers short-grain 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 320 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.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup short-grain rice
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 medium, peeled and thinly sliced apples
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup short-grain rice, 4 cups whole milk, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, then transfer to a 1.5-quart baking dish.
- Step 2: Bake uncovered for 1 hour, stirring every 20 minutes, until the rice is tender and the pudding has thickened to a creamy consistency.
- Step 3: While pudding bakes, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add 2 peeled, thinly sliced apples, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp lemon juice. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until apples are softened and caramelized.
- Step 4: Remove rice pudding from oven and stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract. Let it cool slightly.
- Step 5: Spoon the warm caramelized apples evenly over the top of the rice pudding before serving for a flavorful contrast of textures and warmth.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Cinnamon-Spiced Rice Pudding with Caramelized Apples take to make?
Total time is about 75 minutes (15 min prep + 60 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 Baked Cinnamon-Spiced Rice Pudding with Caramelized Apples?
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 Baked Cinnamon-Spiced Rice Pudding with Caramelized Apples?
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 Baked Cinnamon-Spiced Rice Pudding with Caramelized Apples 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 Baked Cinnamon-Spiced Rice Pudding with Caramelized Apples?
American 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.
