Date and Cardamom Sticky Rice Pudding

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy, fragrant rice pudding sweetened with chopped dates and infused with warm cardamom, inspired by Middle Eastern flavors. This middle eastern-inspired desserts (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes layers short-grain rice, whole milk, 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.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 3/4 cup short-grain rice under cold water until water runs clear, then drain.
  2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed rice, 3 cups whole milk, and 1/3 cup sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to low, add 1/2 tsp ground cardamom and 1/2 cup chopped pitted dates, then cook uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally until rice is tender and pudding thickens.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 1 tsp rose water for richness and aroma.
  5. Step 5: Spoon pudding into serving bowls and garnish each with 1/4 cup chopped toasted pistachios for a crunchy contrast.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Date and Cardamom Sticky Rice Pudding take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (5 min prep + 40 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 Date and Cardamom Sticky 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 Date and Cardamom Sticky 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 Date and Cardamom Sticky 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.

Is Date and Cardamom Sticky Rice Pudding vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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