Orange Cardamom Rice Pudding with Toasted Almonds

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

A comforting rice pudding gently infused with fragrant cardamom and bright orange zest, topped with crunchy toasted almonds for texture contrast. This mediterranean-inspired desserts ready in about 55 minutes layers short-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.

★ 4.5 (12 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 3/4 cup short-grain white rice under cold water until water runs clear, then drain.
  2. Step 2: In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, 4 cups whole milk, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp ground cardamom, 1 tbsp finely grated orange zest, and 1/4 tsp salt. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 35-40 minutes until the rice is tender and the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract. Transfer pudding to serving bowls.
  5. Step 5: In a small skillet, melt 1 tsp butter over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup sliced almonds and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until golden and fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle toasted almonds over the warm pudding and serve immediately or chilled.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Orange Cardamom Rice Pudding with Toasted Almonds 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 Toasted Almonds?

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 Toasted Almonds?

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 Toasted Almonds 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 Toasted Almonds?

Mediterranean 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.

What others are saying

Related recipes