Creamy Rice Pudding Cups

Creamy Rice Pudding Cups Recipe - USA | Ingredients, Steps & More

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Creamy Rice Pudding Cups are a delicious and comforting dessert that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines the creamy texture of rice pudding with the sweetness of fresh fruit, making it a delightful treat for your taste buds.

History

Rice pudding has been a popular dessert for centuries, with variations of the dish found in cultures around the world. This particular recipe adds a modern twist by incorporating cream cheese and orange liqueur, giving it a unique and flavorful taste.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked rice
2 cups half and half
1 x 3 oz (85 g) package of softened cream cheese
0.5 cup of sugar
1 tbsp of butter or margarine
2 beaten eggs
3 tbsp of grand marnier or other orange flavored liqueur
1 tsp of vanilla extract
8 vanilla wafers
0.25 cup of sliced strawberries
0.25 cup of sliced nectarine
0.25 cup of sliced kiwi fruit

How to prepare

Combine rice, half and half, cream cheese, sugar, and butter in a 3 qt (2.84 liter) saucepan.
Cook over medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes or until slightly thickened.
Gradually stir 0.5 cup of the hot pudding mixture into the eggs; return the egg mixture to the saucepan, stirring constantly.
Continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes, until thickened.
Do not boil.
Stir in Grand Marnier and vanilla; let it cool.
Place one wafer into each custard cup.
Fill each cup with 0.5 cup of the pudding mixture; top with sliced fruit.
Refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours before serving.

Variations

Try adding different fruits like mango, pineapple, or raspberries for a unique twist.
Substitute the orange liqueur with rum or brandy for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the pudding mixture over medium heat and stir constantly to prevent it from burning.

- Gradually adding the hot pudding mixture to the beaten eggs helps to temper them and prevent them from curdling.

- Refrigerating the pudding cups before serving allows them to set and develop a creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Creamy Rice Pudding Cups chilled with a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra indulgent treat.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking technique for this recipe is to constantly stir the pudding mixture while cooking to prevent it from burning and to ensure a smooth texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have orange liqueur, you can substitute it with orange juice or omit it altogether for a non-alcoholic version.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the pudding mixture ahead of time and assemble the pudding cups just before serving for a convenient make-ahead dessert.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Creamy Rice Pudding Cups with a sprig of mint or a dusting of cinnamon for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Creamy Rice Pudding Cups with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Creamy Rice Pudding Cups in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Creamy Rice Pudding Cups contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Creamy Rice Pudding Cups contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Creamy Rice Pudding Cups contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Creamy Rice Pudding Cups contains approximately 6 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Creamy Rice Pudding Cups are a good source of calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin A.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cream cheese, half and half), eggs, and wheat (vanilla wafers), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Creamy Rice Pudding Cups are a delicious dessert that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provides essential nutrients like calcium and vitamins.

Summary

Creamy Rice Pudding Cups are a delicious and comforting dessert that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With a creamy texture and a hint of orange liqueur, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Creamy Rice Pudding Cups. It was a warm summer day, just like any other, and I had decided to pay a visit to my dear friend Clara. Clara was known in our neighborhood for her delicious baked goods, and I always looked forward to trying out her latest creations.

As I entered Clara's cozy kitchen, I was greeted by the warm aroma of cinnamon and vanilla. Clara was busy at the stove, stirring a pot of creamy rice pudding. The sweet scent filled the room, making my mouth water in anticipation.

"Hello, dear!" Clara called out, her face lighting up as she saw me. "I'm just finishing up a batch of rice pudding. Would you like to try some?"

I eagerly accepted her offer, taking a seat at the kitchen table as Clara dished out two steaming cups of the pudding. As soon as I took my first bite, I knew that I had to learn how to make this delicious dessert myself.

"Clara, this is incredible!" I exclaimed, savoring the creamy texture and the hint of cinnamon. "Would you mind sharing your recipe with me?"

Clara smiled, pleased by my enthusiasm. "Of course, my dear. I learned this recipe from my own grandmother, who passed it down to me many years ago. I'd be happy to show you how to make it."

And so, Clara patiently taught me the art of making Creamy Rice Pudding Cups. She showed me how to simmer the rice in milk until it was tender, then sweeten it with sugar and spices. The key, she explained, was to stir the pudding constantly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

As we worked together in her kitchen, I listened intently to Clara's stories about her grandmother and the many family gatherings where this pudding was a staple dessert. I could feel the love and tradition that had been passed down through the generations, and I felt privileged to be a part of it.

After a few hours of cooking and chatting, Clara and I finally sat down to enjoy our homemade pudding. The creamy texture, the subtle sweetness, and the comforting warmth of the spices made this dessert truly unforgettable.

From that day on, Creamy Rice Pudding Cups became a regular treat in my own kitchen. I would make them for special occasions, for family dinners, or simply to satisfy a craving for something sweet and comforting.

Over the years, I have experimented with different variations of the recipe, adding raisins or nuts for extra flavor, or serving the pudding chilled on hot summer days. But no matter how I tweak the ingredients, the essence of Clara's original recipe remains unchanged - a simple, comforting dessert that brings joy to all who taste it.

As I sit here reminiscing about that fateful day in Clara's kitchen, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of this recipe. It has brought me closer to my friend, enriched my family gatherings, and given me a sense of connection to the past.

And so, whenever I make a batch of Creamy Rice Pudding Cups, I think of Clara and her grandmother, and I am reminded of the power of food to connect us to our loved ones and our traditions. In every spoonful of this sweet and creamy dessert, I taste the love and the memories that have been passed down through the generations. And for that, I am truly grateful.