Easy Alton Brown Rice Pudding Recipe: Creamy & Sweet Comfort

Alton Brown’s rice pudding transforms ordinary ingredients into a creamy, comforting dessert that whispers nostalgia with every spoonful.

This classic treat combines simple pantry staples into something magical and irresistible.

Creamy textures mingle with subtle sweetness, creating a dessert that feels both familiar and luxurious.

Warm spices dance through the pudding, elevating humble rice to a gourmet experience.

Home cooks adore how quickly this dessert comes together, making it perfect for spontaneous sweet cravings.

Each bite promises a delightful balance of richness and lightness that satisfies without overwhelming.

Smooth, silky, and utterly indulgent, this pudding represents comfort food at its finest: prepare to fall in love.

Tricks to Perfect Alton Brown Rice Pudding

• Crack Pistachios Perfectly: Roughly chop nuts to maintain substantial bite without powdery texture.
• Control Raisin Sweetness: Toast golden raisins briefly to intensify natural sugars and prevent overwhelming pudding flavor.
• Master Cardamom Blending: Grind whole pods fresh for maximum aromatic intensity before whisking into creamy mixture.
• Prevent Scorching Technique: Use heavy-bottomed pot and stir continuously with wooden spoon to distribute heat evenly.
• Temperature Timing Trick: Lower heat gradually as pudding thickens to ensure smooth, creamy consistency without burning bottom layer.

Safekeeping Alton Brown Rice Pudding

• Sealed Container Method: Transfer cooled rice pudding into an airtight glass container with a tight-fitting lid. Press plastic wrap directly onto the pudding's surface to prevent skin formation and moisture loss. Refrigerate immediately after cooling to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezer Preservation Method: Portion rice pudding into individual freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn and potential texture changes. Label containers with the date and contents for easy tracking. Freeze flat to save space and ensure even freezing.
• Quick Consumption Strategy: Enjoy refrigerated rice pudding within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture. Check for any signs of spoilage like unusual odors or mold before consuming. Gently stir the pudding before serving to restore its creamy consistency after refrigeration.

Creative Ways to Customize Alton Brown Rice Pudding

• Tropical Coconut Rice Pudding: Swap regular raisins with toasted coconut flakes and add a splash of rum for a Caribbean-inspired dessert.
• Spiced Apple Cinnamon Rice Pudding: Replace pistachios with chopped almonds, mix in diced caramelized apples, and sprinkle ground cinnamon for a warm autumn flavor.
• Chocolate Hazelnut Rice Pudding: Stir in dark chocolate chips and crushed hazelnuts during the final cooking stage, creating a rich and decadent dessert option.
• Berry Vanilla Rice Pudding: Fold in fresh mixed berries like raspberries and blueberries, and enhance the flavor with a touch of vanilla extract for a light and fruity version.

Final Reflection on Alton Brown Rice Pudding

Rice pudding becomes magical when Alton Brown transforms humble ingredients into a creamy, comforting dessert.

Classic techniques meet global flavors through his innovative approach to this timeless treat.

Cardamom whispers exotic notes while pistachios provide delightful crunch against silky pudding textures.

Rich coconut milk elevates traditional recipes with subtle tropical undertones.

Strategic stirring ensures perfect consistency without burning delicate ingredients.

Passionate cooks discover pure culinary joy through simple yet sophisticated techniques that celebrate global dessert traditions.

Readers who savor this recipe: snap a photo, share your delicious creation, spread delightful inspiration across social networks, and let fellow epicureans marvel at your kitchen prowess.

Why Alton Brown Rice Pudding is Comfort in a Bowl

• Savor Creamy Comfort: This rice pudding delivers a luxurious, velvety texture that wraps you in pure comfort, transforming simple ingredients into a decadent dessert that feels like a warm hug.
• Master Quick Gourmet Cooking: Alton Brown's method proves gourmet desserts can be whipped up in just 30 minutes, making sophisticated cooking accessible even for busy home chefs with minimal culinary skills.
• Celebrate Exotic Flavor Fusion: Cardamom and coconut milk create an unexpected taste adventure, elevating traditional rice pudding with aromatic spices and rich, tropical undertones that dance across your palate.
• Enjoy Versatile Serving Flexibility: Whether served chilled or at room temperature, this pudding adapts effortlessly to your mood and preference, making it perfect for impromptu desserts or planned gatherings.

Crucial Ingredients for Alton Brown Rice Pudding

Main Ingredients:

Rice: White, long-grain rice is classic for creamy texture and neutral base for the pudding.

Milk: Whole milk provides rich, smooth foundation for the pudding’s consistency.

Coconut Milk: Adds tropical flavor and creamy depth to the traditional rice pudding.

Heavy Cream: Enhances richness and contributes to the luxurious, silky mouthfeel.

Sweeteners and Spices:

Sugar: Brings balanced sweetness to the entire dessert.

Cardamom: Warm, aromatic spice that offers complex, subtle flavor profile.

Garnish and Texture Elements:

Pistachios, Raisins: Provide delightful crunch and sweet-nutty contrast to creamy pudding.

Plastic Wrap: Essential for preventing skin formation and maintaining moisture while cooling.

Making Alton Brown Rice Pudding Step by Step

Step 1: Combine Milk and Rice

In a large nonstick sauté pan, mix milk and cooked rice over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Simmer and Thicken

Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Watch for the sauce to start thickening and become creamy.

Step 3: Add Creamy Ingredients

• Coconut milk
• Sugar
• Ground cardamom
• Heavy cream

Simmer and stir occasionally for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture slightly thickens again.

Step 4: Incorporate Nuts and Dried Fruit

• Chopped pistachios
• Raisins

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Transfer pudding to individual serving dishes or a glass bowl. Cover directly with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation. Serve at room temperature or refrigerate for a chilled dessert. Enjoy within 3 days for best flavor and texture.

Alton Brown Rice Pudding Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Alton Brown’s rice pudding delivers creamy comfort with a classic Southern twist. Rich, vanilla-infused grains meld into a silky dessert that wraps you in sweet, nostalgic warmth.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked long-grain or basmati rice
• ¾ cup (180 milliliters) coconut milk
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream

Sweeteners and Spices:

• 2 ounces (56 grams), approximately ¼ cup sugar
• ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom

Nuts and Dried Fruits:

• 1 ½ ounces (42 grams), approximately ⅓ cup golden raisins
• 1 ½ ounces (42 grams), approximately ⅓ cup chopped unsalted pistachios

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Instructions

1. Combine cooked rice and milk in a large nonstick sauté pan, positioning over medium heat. Gently bring the liquid to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally to prevent rice from sticking.
2. Reduce heat to low, allowing the mixture to simmer while stirring frequently. Maintain a gentle consistency for approximately 5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken and develop a creamy texture.
3. Gradually increase heat to medium, introducing coconut milk, granulated sugar, ground cardamom, and heavy cream. Whisk the ingredients thoroughly to ensure smooth integration and prevent lumping.
4. Continue simmering the pudding mixture, stirring intermittently, for 5 to 10 minutes. Monitor the consistency, allowing it to slightly re-thicken and develop a rich, velvety appearance.
5. Use a whisk to prevent cardamom from clustering and ensure even distribution throughout the pudding. Once the desired thickness is achieved, remove the pan from heat.
6. Fold in roasted pistachios and plump raisins, gently incorporating them into the creamy rice pudding for added texture and flavor.
7. Transfer the pudding to individual serving dishes or a glass bowl, smoothing the surface. Cover directly with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation and maintain moisture.
8. Allow the pudding to cool to room temperature or refrigerate for a chilled dessert experience. Serve within 24 hours for optimal taste and texture.

Notes

• Crush nuts finely to prevent large chunks disrupting the smooth pudding texture.
• Toast pistachios briefly in dry pan for deeper, nuttier flavor enhancement.
• Sprinkle nuts just before serving to maintain maximum crispness.
• Golden raisins add unexpected sweetness and tender bursts between creamy spoonfuls.
• Soak raisins in warm water first to plump and soften their delicate skin.
• Select golden raisins over dark varieties for lighter, more delicate sweetness.
• Whisk cardamom powder thoroughly to eliminate potential spice clumps.
• Grind whole cardamom pods freshly for more intense, aromatic flavor profile.
• Use fine-mesh sifter when adding ground spices to ensure even distribution.
• Control heat meticulously while simmering to prevent scorching delicate mixture.
• Stir constantly during thickening process to maintain consistent smooth texture.
• Lower temperature gradually to allow gentle, even cooking without burning.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 596 kcal
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 65 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 66 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 72 mg