There is something mighty comforting about a simple baked dessert that starts with pantry staples and turns into a soft, creamy spoonful of sweetness right out of the oven. This old-fashioned rice dessert reminds me of the sorts of frugal country sweets that Midwestern home cooks have leaned on for generations, making a little bit of rice, milk, sugar, and spice feel special enough for Sunday supper. Using dry uncooked white rice right in the casserole dish makes it wonderfully easy, and the oven does the patient work for you.
This warm rice dessert is lovely served just as it is, still a little steamy from the oven, though I do like it with a splash of cold cream or milk over the top. A spoonful of stewed apples, a few raisins on the side, or even a bit of cinnamon sprinkled over each serving fits it beautifully. For drinks, coffee, black tea, or a glass of cold milk all make fine company for a cozy bowl.
5-Ingredient Oven Baked Rice Dessert
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 cup dry uncooked white rice
4 cups whole milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F and lightly butter a medium oven-safe casserole dish if it is not already well seasoned for baking.
2. Pour the dry uncooked white rice evenly into the bottom of the casserole dish. Sprinkle in the sugar and cinnamon, then give the dry ingredients a gentle stir right in the dish.
3. Pour the milk over the rice mixture, then scatter the butter pieces across the top so they melt down into the dessert as it bakes.
4. Bake uncovered for 1 hour and 20 minutes to 1 hour and 35 minutes, stirring gently once about halfway through, until the rice is tender and the mixture is creamy with a lightly golden top.
5. Let the dessert rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving so it thickens up a touch. Spoon into bowls and serve warm.
Variations & Tips
Raisin Rice Dessert: If your family likes an old-fashioned raisin pudding flavor, stir in 1/2 cup raisins halfway through baking. They plump up nicely and give every bite a little extra sweetness.
Vanilla Touch: Though the base recipe keeps to five ingredients, a small splash of vanilla added with the milk gives it a bakery-style aroma that is especially nice for holidays and family suppers.
Watch the Liquid: Different rice varieties can drink up milk at different rates. If the dish looks too dry before the rice is fully tender, add a small splash of warm milk and continue baking until it softens.
Make It Ahead: Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a little extra milk stirred in, since the rice will continue to thicken as it sits.
Sugar and Spice Adjustment: For a less sweet dessert, reduce the sugar by a couple of tablespoons. If you love a warmer spice note, add a bit more cinnamon on top just before serving rather than in the baking dish.