Orange-Cardamom Rice Pudding with Spiced Whipped Cream

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-08-03 · Updated 2026-08-03

A creamy rice pudding infused with fragrant orange zest and cardamom, topped with a lightly spiced whipped cream. This Middle Eastern-inspired recipe, ready in about 55 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 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.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup short-grain rice
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp, finely grated orange zest
• 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup, chilled heavy cream
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt

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 the rinsed rice, 4 cups whole milk, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tbsp orange zest, 1/2 tsp ground cardamom, and 1/4 tsp salt. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.
3. Step 3: Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 35-40 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until the rice is tender and the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: While the pudding cools slightly, whip 1/2 cup chilled heavy cream with 2 tbsp powdered sugar and 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon until soft peaks form.
5. Step 5: Serve the warm rice pudding in bowls topped with a dollop of the spiced whipped cream for a comforting dessert with bright citrus and warm spice notes.