This creamy rice pudding is a warm and comforting treat that’s super easy to make. With just rice, milk, sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon, you’ll have a delightful dessert in no time!
I love how this pudding brings back childhood memories of cozy nights in. It’s also perfect for those days when you need something sweet and simple. Just stir, simmer, and enjoy! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Short-Grain Rice: I recommend using Arborio rice for its creamy texture. If you can’t find it, you could substitute with medium-grain rice like sushi rice. Long-grain varieties won’t give you that same creaminess, so stick to shorter grains for best results!
Whole Milk: Whole milk gives the pudding richness. You can easily swap it with 2% milk or even a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk, though the flavor and creaminess might be a bit lighter.
Granulated Sugar: Adjust the level of sweetness to your taste. You could also substitute with brown sugar for a deeper flavor, or use alternative sweeteners like maple syrup or honey, keeping in mind they may change the texture slightly.
Egg: The egg helps thicken the pudding. For a vegan version, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or silken tofu blended until smooth as an alternative.
How Do You Easily Caramelize the Sugar on the Tartlets?
Caramelizing the sugar tops is a fun finishing touch. Here’s how to do it:
- Sprinkle an even layer of sugar on each tartlet. Less is more here; a teaspoon per tartlet works well.
- If using a kitchen torch, move it in small circles until the sugar melts and bubbles, turning golden brown. Watch closely to prevent burning!
- For the broiler method, place tartlets on a baking sheet and watch them very closely as they can burn quickly—just about 1-2 minutes should do the trick!
Let the caramel cool for a minute; it will harden for that delightful crispy layer. Enjoy your sweet creation!
How to Make Creamy Easy Rice Pudding Tartlets
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Rice Pudding Filling:
- 3/4 cup short-grain rice (e.g., Arborio)
- 4 cups whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For the Tart Shells:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuit crumbs)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Caramelized Top:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare, plus at least 2 hours to chill. You’ll also need a little extra time for caramelizing the tops, but it’s all well worth it for that delicious finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Rice Pudding:
Start by rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch. In a saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, whole milk, and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium until it reaches a gentle boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer while stirring often, for about 30 to 40 minutes, until the rice is tender and the milk is mostly absorbed.
2. Sweeten and Thicken the Pudding:
After the rice is cooked, stir in the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Keep cooking for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens slightly. This creamy goodness is what makes the pudding so delightful!
3. Combine with Egg:
Remove the saucepan from the heat. To temper the egg, beat it in a bowl and whisk a small amount of the hot rice pudding mixture into the egg first. Then, gradually add the egg mixture back into the saucepan. Place it back on low heat and stir constantly for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens further. Remember, you want it creamy but not scrambling the egg!
4. Prepare the Tart Shells:
While the rice pudding is cooling, it’s time to make the tart shells! In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until all the crumbs are evenly moistened. Then, press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of silicone or mini tart molds to form your crusts.
5. Fill the Tart Shells:
Spoon the cooled rice pudding filling evenly into each tart shell. Don’t worry about being perfect—just make sure they’re filled! Once filled, place them in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to let them set and get nice and chilled.
6. Caramelize the Tops:
After chilling, sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar evenly on the surface of each tartlet. Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it turns golden and crisp. If you don’t have a torch, you can place them under the broiler for a minute or two, but keep a close eye so they don’t burn!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the caramelized sugar top cool for a minute or two until it hardens. Then, it’s time to serve up these delicious tartlets! Enjoy your creamy rice pudding with a delightful crackling caramelized crust!
This recipe will surely impress your family and friends. Enjoy making it and savoring this delightful dessert!
FAQ About Creamy Easy Rice Pudding Tartlets
Can I Use Different Types of Rice?
Yes, you can! While Arborio rice is recommended for its creamy texture, you can substitute it with medium-grain rice like sushi rice. Just avoid long-grain rice as it won’t achieve the same creamy consistency.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make dairy-free rice pudding tartlets, simply replace the whole milk with a non-dairy milk alternative, such as almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture might vary slightly, but they’ll still be delicious!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Tartlets?
Store any leftover tartlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crust may soften slightly, but the flavors will still be wonderful. For the best texture, caramelize just before serving.
Can I Prepare the Tartlets Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the rice pudding and tart shells ahead of time. Just fill the tart shells a day before serving and refrigerate them. Add the caramelized sugar on top right before serving for that fresh crackling effect!