If you love creamy desserts with a touch of sweetness, this Ina Garten Rum Raisin Rice Pudding Recipe is perfect. It combines soft rice, warm milk, sugar and rum-soaked raisins for a comforting treat.
This dessert is simple to make and works for family dinners, special occasions or cozy nights at home. With easy ingredients for Ina Garten Rum Raisin Rice Pudding, you can create a rich and flavorful pudding without much effort.
In this blog, I will show you how to make Ina Garten Rum Raisin Rice Pudding step by step. Its creamy texture and sweet raisins make it a favorite dessert for everyone.
My Experience With This Recipe
I first tried this recipe last winter. The pudding was creamy and sweet with just the right touch of rum flavor. My family loved the soft rice and juicy raisins. It was easy to cook and didn’t take too long.
I especially liked that it could be served warm or chilled. Now, I make this Ina Garten Rum Raisin Rice Pudding often for holidays or weekend desserts. It feels indulgent but is very simple to prepare.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Rum Raisin Rice Pudding
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 250 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl for soaking raisins
- Serving bowls or ramekins
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Rum Raisin Rice Pudding
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 2 tablespoons dark rum
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
Step-by-Step Guide
- Soak the Raisins
Place raisins in a small bowl. Pour rum over them and let soak 10–15 minutes. - Cook the Rice
In a medium saucepan, combine rice, milk, sugar and salt. Heat over medium, stirring often. - Simmer Gently
Bring mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low. Cook 25–30 minutes until rice is tender. - Stir Frequently
Stir rice regularly to prevent sticking or burning at the bottom of the pan. - Add Soaked Raisins
Drain raisins and add to rice. Stir well to mix rum flavor evenly throughout the pudding. - Add Vanilla and Cream
Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract and heavy cream if using. Mix until smooth and creamy. - Taste and Adjust Sweetness
Taste pudding. Add more sugar or cinnamon if desired for extra sweetness or flavor. - Serve Warm or Chill
Serve immediately for warm pudding or chill in the refrigerator for a few hours for a cold dessert.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Rum Raisin Rice Pudding
- Use whole milk for a creamier texture
- Stir frequently to avoid burning at the bottom
- Soak raisins in rum for at least 10 minutes for richer flavor
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth
- Serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for presentation
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using low-fat milk, which makes pudding less creamy
- Not stirring often, causing rice to stick or burn
- Skipping rum soaking; raisins will taste plain
- Cooking on too high heat, making milk boil over
- Serving too early; pudding thickens and flavors blend better when slightly cooled
Serving Suggestions
Serve Ina Garten Rum Raisin Rice Pudding in small bowls or ramekins. Top with extra cinnamon or whipped cream for a special touch. It pairs well with coffee or tea.
You can also serve it with fresh berries for a colorful addition. This pudding works for both casual desserts and holiday dinners, making it versatile and delightful.
Variations You Can Try
- Use golden raisins or chopped dried apricots instead of regular raisins
- Add orange or lemon zest for extra citrus flavor
- Mix in toasted nuts like almonds or pecans for crunch
- Substitute rum with brandy or a non-alcoholic vanilla extract
- Serve with caramel or chocolate drizzle for a decadent twist
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftover pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until warm
- Stir well before serving to restore creaminess
- Pudding can also be served cold straight from the refrigerator
- Avoid freezing; texture may change after thawing
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Sugar | 24 g |
Health Benefits
Rice pudding contains calcium and protein from milk, which support bone health. Raisins add fiber and natural sweetness.
This Ina Garten Rum Raisin Rice Pudding Recipe is a comforting dessert that can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Homemade preparation lets you control sugar and ingredients, making it healthier than store-bought options.
Ina Garten Rum Raisin Rice Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 2 tablespoons dark rum
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
- 1/2 cup heavy cream optional for extra creaminess
Instructions
Soak the Raisins
- Place raisins in a small bowl. Pour rum over them and let soak 10–15 minutes.
Cook the Rice
- In a medium saucepan, combine rice, milk, sugar and salt. Heat over medium, stirring often.
Simmer Gently
- Bring mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low. Cook 25–30 minutes until rice is tender.
Stir Frequently
- Stir rice regularly to prevent sticking or burning at the bottom of the pan.
Add Soaked Raisins
- Drain raisins and add to rice. Stir well to mix rum flavor evenly throughout the pudding.
Add Vanilla and Cream
- Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract and heavy cream if using. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Taste and Adjust Sweetness
- Taste pudding. Add more sugar or cinnamon if desired for extra sweetness or flavor.
Serve Warm or Chill
- Serve immediately for warm pudding or chill in the refrigerator for a few hours for a cold dessert.
Notes
- Use whole milk for a creamier texture
- Stir frequently to avoid burning at the bottom
- Soak raisins in rum for at least 10 minutes for richer flavor
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth
- Serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for presentation
FAQs about Ina Garten Rum Raisin Rice Pudding
Q1: Can I make this pudding without alcohol?
Yes, substitute rum with an equal amount of orange juice or vanilla extract. Flavor remains delicious.
Q2: Can I use short-grain rice instead?
Yes, but adjust cooking time. Short-grain rice may thicken faster and become creamier.
Q3: Can this pudding be served cold?
Absolutely. Chill in the fridge for 2–3 hours. Cold pudding is firm and flavorful.
Q4: How do I make it extra creamy?
Add heavy cream at the end of cooking and stir well for a rich texture.
Q5: How long does pudding last in the fridge?
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Stir before serving for best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Ina Garten Rum Raisin Rice Pudding Recipe is simple, comforting and full of flavor. Creamy rice with sweet, rum-soaked raisins makes it a delightful dessert for any occasion.
Easy to prepare and versatile to serve warm or chilled, it is perfect for family dinners, holidays or cozy nights. With step-by-step instructions, tips and variations, you can create this classic dessert effortlessly.
Try this recipe today and enjoy a creamy, sweet and comforting pudding that everyone will love.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!