Scandinavian Rice Pudding

Warm, creamy, and infused with hints of vanilla and cinnamon, Scandinavian Rice Pudding is the ultimate comfort dessert that brings a touch of Nordic tradition to your table. This classic dish features tender short-grain white rice simmered in a blend of whole milk and delicate spices, creating a rich, velvety texture that’s perfect for chilly evenings or festive gatherings. Sweetened with just the right amount of sugar and finished with a dash of cinnamon, it can be served warm for cozy indulgence or chilled for a refreshing treat. For a traditional twist, hide a whole almond in the pudding—a playful custom that promises good luck to whoever finds it. Pair it with a dollop of lingonberry or raspberry preserves for a harmonious burst of tart sweetness. Easy to make and wonderfully versatile, this Scandinavian favorite is your go-to for a heartwarming dessert embraced across generations.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 200 grams short-grain white rice
• 500 milliliters water
• 1 liter whole milk
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 piece optional almond (whole or slivered)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.

Step 2

In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the rice and water. Bring the water to a soft boil over medium heat, then reduce to low and simmer until most of the water is absorbed (about 10 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 3

Add the whole milk to the rice and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently, ensuring the milk does not scald or stick to the bottom of the pan.

Step 4

Continue to cook the rice, stirring often, for about 30-35 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the pudding has thickened to a creamy consistency.

Step 5

Once the desired consistency is reached, stir in the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and butter. Mix until fully incorporated. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.

Step 6

For a traditional Scandinavian touch, you may choose to hide a whole almond in the pudding before serving. This is often done as part of holiday festivities, where the person who finds the almond receives good luck or a small prize!

Step 7

Serve the rice pudding warm, sprinkled with ground cinnamon on top for garnish. Alternatively, allow it to cool and store in the refrigerator for a chilled version.

Step 8

Optional: Accompany with a dollop of fruit preserves (such as lingonberry or raspberry) for added flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1801.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1161.4

Total Fat 45.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 25.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.5g
Cholesterol 156.7mg	0%
Sodium 1663.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 145.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 2.3g	0%
Total Sugars 88.0g
Protein 39.0g	0%

Vitamin D 456.0IU	0%
Calcium 1351.8mg	0%
Iron 0.7mg	0%
Potassium 1649.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 35.8%

Protein: 13.6%

Carbs: 50.6%