Description
This Old-Fashioned Rice Custard is a timeless baked dessert with a silky custard base, tender cooked rice, and a hint of warm nutmeg. Made with simple pantry staples, it’s an easy, comforting recipe that’s perfect served warm for family dinners, holidays, or whenever you’re craving a nostalgic homemade treat.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Custard
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups cooked rice (cooled slightly)
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- Ground nutmeg, for sprinkling
For Serving (Optional)
- Heavy cream or pouring cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and milk until smooth and well combined.
- Stir in the cooked rice and raisins, if using.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the top evenly with ground nutmeg.
- Place the baking dish inside a larger roasting pan. Carefully add hot water to the roasting pan until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the baking dish to create a water bath.
- Bake for 45–60 minutes, or until the custard is mostly set with a slight wobble in the center.
- Remove the baking dish from the water bath and let the custard cool for 10–15 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with a drizzle of cream if desired.
Notes
- A water bath helps create a silky, smooth custard and prevents overcooking around the edges.
- The custard is ready when the center still jiggles slightly; it will continue to set as it cools.
- Leftover cooked white rice is perfect for this recipe.
- Raisins are optional but add a classic old-fashioned flavor.
- Serve warm for the creamiest texture, or chill for a firmer dessert.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or enjoy cold straight from the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 248
- Sugar: 20g (approximate)
- Sodium: 190mg (approximate)
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 133mg (approximate)
Keywords: Old-Fashioned Rice Custard