There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, creamy bowl of rice pudding-a timeless dessert that evokes memories of cozy kitchens and shared moments. And when Martha Stewart, the queen of culinary elegance, puts her twist on this classic treat, you know it’s going to be exceptional. In this article, we dive into the luscious world of Martha Stewart’s Rice Pudding with Irresistible Caramel Sauce, exploring how she transforms humble ingredients into a decadent delight. From the velvety texture of perfectly cooked rice to the rich, buttery caramel that drapes over each spoonful, this recipe is a celebration of flavor and simplicity that will captivate both novice cooks and seasoned dessert lovers alike. Get ready to indulge in a dessert that’s as comforting as it is exquisite.
Martha Stewart’s Rice Pudding with Irresistible Caramel Sauce
martha Stewart’s rice pudding with irresistible caramel sauce is a timeless dessert that combines silky, creamy textures with the rich, buttery allure of homemade caramel. This dish gently evokes nostalgic memories of cozy family gatherings and classic American kitchens, while delivering a sophisticated twist that elevates simple ingredients. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a passionate beginner, mastering the perfect rice pudding with an expertly crafted caramel sauce promises a rewarding sensory experience that’ll delight both your eyes and palate.
Prep and Cook Time
- Planning: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 50 minutes
- cooling: 1 hour (optional, for best texture)
Yield
Serves 6 generous portions
Difficulty Level
Medium – requires attention to timing and gentle stirring for perfect creaminess
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice (or any short-grain rice)
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar, divided
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- For caramel sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
- ½ cup heavy cream, warmed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water untill the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents gumminess.
- Combine milk, cream, and ½ cup sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until mixture is warm but not boiling (about 5 minutes).
- Add the rice to the warm milk mixture. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, for 35-40 minutes. The rice should be tender but slightly firm at the center.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, remaining ¼ cup sugar, vanilla extract, and sea salt.
- temper the eggs by slowly pouring a ladle of hot rice mixture into the egg mixture while whisking vigorously. This prevents scrambling.
- Pour the tempered eggs back into the saucepan with rice. Stir constantly over low heat for 3-5 minutes until the pudding thickens to a creamy consistency. Do not boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted and fully incorporated. Cover and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the caramel sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the sugar over medium heat without stirring, swirling gently until it turns a deep amber color (about 8-10 minutes).
Tip: Watch closely to avoid burning. - Remove from heat and promptly add the butter, stirring quickly until melted.
- Gradually whisk in the warmed heavy cream and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Set aside to cool.
- Serve the warm or chilled rice pudding drizzled generously with the luscious caramel sauce.
Tips for Success
- Use short-grain rice: This variety releases more starch,which is essential for achieving the pudding’s creamy texture.
- Constant stirring: Prevents the rice from sticking and promotes even cooking without clumps.
- Tempering eggs: Crucial for avoiding scrambled bits and ensuring smooth richness.
- Caramel watching: Sugar can go from perfect to burnt very fast-timing and attentiveness are everything.
- Make-ahead: Rice pudding can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain creaminess.
- Variation: Add a cinnamon stick or lemon zest while cooking rice for subtle aromatic layers.
Serving Suggestions
Present this sumptuous dessert in individual ramekins or rustic bowls for an inviting look. Generously pour warm caramel sauce over each serving to create luscious, glossy swirls. Enhance the visual and textural contrast by topping with toasted almonds or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.For a shining, fresh note, garnish with thinly sliced fresh figs or a few plump raspberries. Pair this dessert with a lightly brewed Earl Gray tea or a sweet late-harvest Riesling to complement the creamy sweetness beautifully.
| Nutritional Info (per serving) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 50 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
Discover more classic dessert recipes in our Classic Desserts Collection. For a deep dive into the chemistry behind caramelization, visit Serious Eats’ detailed caramel guide.
Q&A
Q&A: martha Stewart’s Rice Pudding with Irresistible Caramel Sauce
Q1: What makes Martha Stewart’s rice pudding recipe stand out from customary versions?
A1: Martha Stewart’s rice pudding is a luscious twist on the classic comfort dessert. not only does it feature creamy, perfectly cooked rice simmered slowly in rich milk and cream, but it’s elevated by the addition of her signature caramel sauce-deeply buttery and decadently sweet-transforming the humble pudding into a gourmet treat.
Q2: How do you achieve the perfect creamy texture in this rice pudding?
A2: The secret lies in gentle, patient cooking.Use short-grain rice like Arborio, which releases its starch beautifully, creating a naturally thick and creamy pudding.Stirring frequently at a low simmer and using a combination of whole milk and heavy cream helps achieve that silky consistency without turning it into mush.
Q3: is Martha’s caramel sauce difficult to make?
A3: Not at all! The caramel sauce is surprisingly simple but requires attention. It’s made by melting sugar until it’s golden amber, then carefully whisking in butter and cream. The result is a smooth, glossy sauce with a rich depth that pairs perfectly with the mellow sweetness of the rice pudding.
Q4: Can this recipe be adapted for dietary restrictions?
A4: Absolutely! For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut milk and a plant-based cream alternative, though the flavor will be subtly different but still delightful.To make it vegan, replace butter in the caramel sauce with coconut oil or vegan butter. Just keep an eye on the cooking times and textures as plant-based milks behave differently.
Q5: What’s the best way to serve this dessert?
A5: martha Stewart recommends serving the rice pudding warm or at room temperature, generously drizzled with her irresistible caramel sauce. For extra flair, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt atop the caramel to create a lovely sweet-and-salty harmony. A dusting of cinnamon or a few toasted nuts on the side can add a lovely textural contrast.
Q6: Can this dessert be made ahead?
A6: Definitely! Rice pudding actually develops more flavor when it sits overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving, and warm up the caramel sauce separately to drizzle over. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead dessert for dinner parties or cozy evenings.
Q7: Why does caramel sauce elevate such a humble dish?
A7: Caramel sauce brings a luxurious warmth and complexity that complements the creamy, subtle sweetness of the rice pudding. It adds layers of buttery richness and a hint of toasted sugar bitterness,creating an irresistible balance that turns a simple pudding into a showstopper dessert.
With Martha Stewart’s rice pudding and irresistible caramel sauce, you’re not just making a dessert-you’re crafting a comforting yet sophisticated experience that delights the senses at every spoonful.
In retrospect
As the comforting aroma of Martha Stewart’s rice pudding with irresistible caramel sauce lingers in your kitchen, you’ll find that this timeless dessert is more than just a sweet ending-it’s a celebration of tradition and flavor woven into every creamy spoonful.Whether enjoyed warm on a chilly evening or chilled as a refreshing treat, this recipe invites you to savor moments of simple indulgence. So next time you crave a dessert that feels both familiar and extraordinary, let Martha’s luscious creation be your go-to delight, proving that sometimes, the sweetest pleasures come in the most classic forms.
