Creamy Rice Pudding with Fruit

The elegant cousin of rice pudding. While standard rice pudding is dense, this is airy, lightened by whipped cream (Diplomat cream technique). Rice is the carrier absorbing milk, vanilla, and fruit aromas. A nostalgic dessert.
🕒 Prep Time 15 mins
🍳 Cook Time 25 mins
Total Time 40 mins
🍽️ Servings 4 servings
🔥 Calories 320 kcal
🌍 Cuisine Hungarian

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Heavy-bottomed pot
  • Whisk
  • Mixing bowl

Allergen Information

⚠️ Milk

Instructions

1

Rinse rice, then boil with milk, salt, and lemon zest.

Tip: Round grain rice's starch content provides creaminess. Salt highlights sweetness.
2

Simmer on low, stirring often until soft (20-25 mins). Add splash of milk if dry.

Tip: Milk scorches easily, hence low heat and stirring.
3

When soft, stir in sugar and vanilla, then cool completely.

Tip: Spread on a plate to cool faster.
4

Whip cold heavy cream to stiff peaks.

Tip: Only fridge-cold cream whips well.
5

Gently fold whipped cream into cold rice, then fold in chopped fruit.

Tip: Use wide motions to keep it airy.
6

Chill before serving.

Tip: Garnish with fresh fruit.

Recipe FAQ

Why is the center hard?
Added sugar too soon. Sugar draws water (osmosis) preventing rice from softening. Add sugar at the end!
Cream collapsed.
Rice was too warm when folding in cream. Rice must be completely cold.

Ingredients

  • 0.75 cup Rice (Arborio or Round grain)
  • 2.5 cups Whole Milk
  • 0.25 cup Sugar
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1 tsp Lemon Zest
  • 1 pinch Salt
  • 0.75 cup Heavy Cream (cold)
  • 10 oz Fruit (strawberries, peaches, raspberries)