If you’re searching for a comforting dessert that’s just as satisfying as a warm hug, you’ve got to try this Apple Rice Pudding Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of tender apples, creamy rice, and a hint of cinnamon, finished off with a buttery, golden breadcrumb topping that adds a lovely crunch. Whether you’re serving it as a sweet side or a cozy treat, this dish brings together simple ingredients in a way that’s nothing short of magical.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Apple Rice Pudding Recipe plays a vital role, from adding rich texture to enhancing the aroma. The list is simple, but each element contributes something special, making the pudding wholesome and irresistibly delicious.
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter: This adds richness and helps toast the breadcrumbs to a perfect golden crisp.
- 1/2 cup Panko crumbs: Using plain dry breadcrumbs creates that signature crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft pudding.
- 1 1/2 lbs granny smith apples (4 medium), peeled, cored, and diced 1/2″ thick: Their tartness balances the sweetness and holds texture during baking.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dish just enough without overpowering the apples’ natural flavor.
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds warm spice that complements the apples perfectly.
- 2 cups cooked white rice such as Jasmine (from 2/3 cup uncooked): Provides the creamy base of the pudding with a fragrant note.
- 1/4 cup raisins (white or brown): These little bursts of sweetness add a chewy texture and depth.
- 3 Tbsp milk: Helps bind everything together, making the pudding luscious and moist.
How to Make Apple Rice Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Breadcrumbs
Start by preheating your oven to 350ËšF and generously butter the bottom and sides of a 9x13x2″ casserole dish to prevent sticking and add a subtle richness. Next, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Let the butter bubble and turn slightly brown—it should smell nutty and enticing. Then stir in 1/2 cup of Panko crumbs, cooking them until they’re toasted and golden. This little step creates the crunchy topping essential to the Apple Rice Pudding Recipe, so don’t rush it! Once perfectly toasted, remove the skillet from heat immediately to avoid burning.
Step 2: Mix the Apple and Rice Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced Granny Smith apples, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. The sugar mellows the tart apples, while the cinnamon brings cozy warmth to the mix. Stir in 2 cups of cooked white rice followed by 1/4 cup of raisins to add chewy bursts of sweetness throughout. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the freshly toasted breadcrumbs for topping, then fold the rest into the apple and rice mixture. Finish by drizzling 3 tablespoons of milk over everything and give it a good stir until well combined and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Spread the luscious mixture evenly into your buttered casserole dish, making sure it’s packed gently but evenly. Sprinkle the reserved 2 tablespoons of toasted breadcrumbs over the top—their crunch will give dinner guests a delightful textural surprise. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture and bake for about 35 minutes at 350˚F. When the apples are tender and the pudding is bubbly, it’s ready to come out of the oven.
How to Serve Apple Rice Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
Serving your Apple Rice Pudding Recipe with a touch of flair is easy and fun. A dusting of cinnamon or a light sprinkle of powdered sugar enhances the rustic look and adds a hint of sweetness. For an extra layer of richness, try dolloping it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—the cold creaminess perfectly contrasts the warm pudding.
Side Dishes
This rice pudding is versatile enough to pair beautifully with a variety of sides. A fresh green salad or a crisp apple slaw brings balance to the meal by cutting through the sweetness. For a heartier option, toasted nuts or a simple yogurt side add crunch and tanginess, turning dessert into a more substantial snack or even a light breakfast.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve your Apple Rice Pudding Recipe in individual ramekins for an elegant, personalized touch. You can also layer it with granola and honey in glasses for a parfait that looks as good as it tastes. Adding a sprig of mint or a few fresh berries on top makes the dish pop with color and freshness, making it perfect for gatherings or a special treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Apple Rice Pudding Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, so don’t hesitate to make it in advance or enjoy it as a convenient next-day snack.
Freezing
If you want to preserve the goodness for longer, freezing is a great option. Portion the pudding into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to two months. Just make sure to thaw it fully in the fridge before reheating to preserve the texture.
Reheating
Reheat your Apple Rice Pudding Recipe gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore its creamy consistency. Cover the dish while warming to prevent dryness, and stir occasionally for even heating. This way, every bite will be just as comforting as the first.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are perfect for their tartness and firm texture, you can swap in Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples depending on your taste preference. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples may reduce the added sugar you need.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Replace the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil, and use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. For the breadcrumbs, ensure they don’t contain any animal products. The pudding will still be wonderfully delicious.
Can I prepare the rice ahead of time?
Definitely! Using leftover cooked rice works perfectly in this Apple Rice Pudding Recipe. It actually helps because day-old rice tends to hold its shape better instead of getting mushy during baking.
What kind of rice works best in the pudding?
Jasmine rice is ideal thanks to its fragrant aroma and soft texture, but any long-grain white rice can work. Avoid using sticky or short-grain rice as it may become too dense and gummy.
Can I add other dried fruits or nuts?
Feel free to customize! Chopped dried apricots, cranberries, or toasted nuts like pecans add wonderful flavor and texture variations. Just toss them in with the apples and rice before baking.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Rice Pudding Recipe has a special place in my heart — it’s warm, comforting, and packed with simple ingredients that come together beautifully. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how easy and satisfying it is to make such a cozy dessert at home. Happy baking and even happier eating!
Print
Apple Rice Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (as a side dish)
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Apple Rice Pudding is a comforting and delicious side dish featuring tender granny smith apples combined with cinnamon-spiced cooked rice and raisins, topped with a buttery toasted panko crumb crust baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
For the Topping
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter (1/4 cup), plus more to grease the casserole
- 1/2 cup Panko crumbs (plain dry breadcrumbs)
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs granny smith apples (4 medium), peeled, cored and diced 1/2″ thick
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 cups cooked white rice such as Jasmine (from 2/3 cup uncooked rice)
- 1/4 cup raisins (white or brown)
- 3 Tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter the bottom and sides of a 9x13x2″ baking casserole dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Toast the panko crumbs: Place a medium skillet over medium heat and melt 4 Tbsp butter. Once the butter bubbles and turns slightly brown, add 1/2 cup panko crumbs. Stir constantly until the crumbs are lightly toasted and golden brown. Remove immediately from heat to prevent overcooking and set aside.
- Mix the apple and rice filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apples with 1/3 cup sugar and 1/2 tsp cinnamon. Stir in 2 cups cooked white rice and 1/4 cup raisins. Reserve 2 Tbsp of the toasted panko crumbs for topping and mix the remaining toasted crumbs into the apple and rice mixture. Drizzle 3 Tbsp milk over the mixture and stir until everything is evenly combined.
- Assemble and bake: Spread the apple rice mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the reserved 2 Tbsp toasted panko crumbs on top for a crunchy crust. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes or until the apples are tender and the pudding is heated through.
Notes
- Using granny smith apples provides a tart contrast to the sweet rice pudding.
- Make sure to remove the skillet from heat promptly after toasting crumbs to avoid burning.
- You can substitute white or brown raisins based on preference.
- This pudding is best served warm as a comforting side dish.
- Using jasmine rice adds a fragrant aroma to the pudding.
