Orange-Cardamom Rice Pudding with Spiced Whipped Cream

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

A creamy rice pudding infused with fragrant orange zest and cardamom, topped with a lightly spiced whipped cream. This middle eastern-inspired desserts 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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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.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Orange-Cardamom Rice Pudding with Spiced Whipped Cream take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (10 min prep + 45 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 Orange-Cardamom Rice Pudding with Spiced Whipped Cream?

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 Orange-Cardamom Rice Pudding with Spiced Whipped Cream?

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 Orange-Cardamom Rice Pudding with Spiced Whipped Cream 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 Orange-Cardamom Rice Pudding with Spiced Whipped Cream?

Middle Eastern 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.

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