No Bake Brown Rice Pudding

When I was little, my mom would make rice pudding from dinner leftovers. She’d whip it up with raisins and it was always topped with a healthy dash of cinnamon. To this day, rice pudding is one of my go-to comfort foods. Served warm or cold from the fridge, it’s all delicious to me.

I’ve been craving rice pudding more often these days, so I’ve been experimenting with my rice pudding ingredients to create a version I feel good eating on the daily.

Made with whole grain brown rice, reduced-fat milk and sweet raisins, this version makes for a wholesome breakfast or mid-day snack. For years, I made rice pudding in the oven, but more recently I’ve been making mine on the stove which creates a super creamy and rich-tasting pudding every time. It’s passed the extended family taste test and, most importantly, the toddler taste test.

A healthy dash of cinnamon, orange zest, fresh orange juice and vanilla extract kick up the flavor a bit, too.

No Bake Brown Rice Pudding

This recipe makes about 3 1/2 cups of rice pudding which makes about five-six portions for us.

1. Combine all ingredients in a medium-sized saucepan: 2 cups of cooked brown rice (I always use Trader Joe’s cooked, frozen bagged brown rice), 3 cups of 2% milk, 1/3 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of raisins. Add a pinch of salt, splash of pure vanilla extract (approximately 2 teaspoons), a dash of cinnamon (more or less depending on your preference), orange zest from one medium-sized orange and a splash of fresh orange juice (approximately 1 tablespoon). Stir ingredients together.
2. Bring to a rolling boil and lower the heat (between simmer and low). Cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring often.
3. Once the milk is absorbed and the rice pudding is thickened, turn off heat.
4. Let sit about five minutes and serve warm or transfer pudding to a small casserole dish or individual bowls/mason jars for cooling and storing in the fridge. Enjoy cold or re-heat in the microwave.

This recipe is a great way to get more whole grains in your day and introduce (sneak) more whole grains into your kids diet. If you’re an oatmeal breakfast lover, try this brown rice pudding for a little change-up in your morning routine.  Experiment with the ingredients – use your milk of choice, less sugar or other dried fruit like dried cherries – to create your favorite version. If you do, please share your favorite version with me!

XOXO,

Emily