Creamy Rice Pudding & My Spring Break Must-Haves
You know what doesn’t typically go hand-in-hand? Creamy rice pudding and spring break. Absolutely nothing about rice pudding makes me want to throw on a bathing suit, but with that special week just around the corner and my recent rice pudding obsession well underway, there was no avoiding the inevitable. Today, I’m going to share all my favorite things I’ve been picking out for the change of seasons as well as this simple stovetop rice pudding that I cannot stop making. Who says we can’t have it all, anyways?!
Let’s start with the spring break must-haves. Now, don’t confuse me for someone who is still trying to pass for a Daytona-bound college student; I’m well beyond my twenties. But every year, come March, I’m reminded of those fun weeks away with friends and suddenly get the itch to ready my wardrobe for the coming season. Today, I have a few of my [slightly more grown-up] faves to share with you. Here they are:
Spring Break Must-Haves
- Blow Dry Brush For quick-drying those salty locks, look no further than this round brush!
- Bucket Hat Protect your hair color (& skin!) with this throwback look.
- Net Bags If you’re traveling with kiddos, be sure to pack some mesh bags for shaking sand out of toys!
- Full-Coverage Bikini There are few things as challenging as shopping for a full coverage bikini in 2022, but this one from J. Crew hits all the marks!
- Sun Bunny Bronzer For faking a spring break glow, this bronzer is my absolute fave.
- Warby Parker Sunglasses Colorful sunglasses you can try on from the comfort of home? Yes, please!
- Vintage Tees These soft tees from Madewell are great for covering up with or wearing out.
- Supergoop Makeup Resetting Spray with SPF Protect your skin and your makeup with this SPF makeup setting spray.
- St. Tropez Self-Tanning Mousse No more tanning oils- get your tan before you even leave for vacay with my favorite mousse from St. Tropez.
- Montce Sarong These simple sarongs make for a great daytime coverup.
- Woven Sandals Whether you’re headed for the beach or out to lunch, these sandals are a great summery option.
- Tinted Lip Treatment with SPF This SPF lipstick glides on smooth and adds just a hint of color.
Rice Pudding
And now for the weirdest blog post transition of my life, let’s talk about rice pudding. (LOL)
I have long been a fan of store-bought creamy rice pudding, and when I took the topic to my social media, it seems a whole bunch of you feel the same. Don’t get me wrong- I’m not under the misconception that rice pudding is as beloved as chocolate chip cookies, apple pie, or even other pudding varieties, but it is 100% one of those cult favorite foods that some people absolutely LOVE. So if you happen to fall into the “LOVE” category wherever rice pudding is concerned, you are absolutely going to adore today’s recipe.
My goal for this creamy rice pudding was a sweet cream-flavored pudding reminiscent of the store-bought favorite. I opted for arborio rice for loads of texture and quite a bit less heavy cream that many other internet recipes recommended. No vanilla and no cinnamon in this rice pudding means that the creamy milk flavor rings true, and honestly, nothing could be more delightful. Plus, it’s so easy! With just a few ingredients and a whole lot of stirring, you’ll have homemade stovetop rice pudding in less than an hour. Voila!
To make this rice pudding, simply combine the rice, sugar, milk, cream, and butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat, simmering and stirring for about 45 minutes or until the rice has plumped to an al dente. Add the eggs, stir to combine, and then place covered in the fridge to thicken and set. I like to serve this rice pudding as is, but my friends on Instagram tell me it tastes great with fresh fruit, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a handful of chocolate chips. Who knows- we love what we love!
So whether you’re going away for spring break or staying home to make loads of creamy rice pudding, I hope you’ve found something perfectly, randomly yours here today. Happy Thursday to you and Happy Baking!
If you like this creamy rice pudding you should try:
Chocolate Budino
Chocolate Pudding Pie
Classic Tiramisu
Caramelized Banana Pudding
Southern Coconut Cream Pie
Creamy Rice Pudding
This creamy rice pudding is a simple stovetop rendition of the store-bought favorite!
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 45
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 Servings
- Category: Dessert
Ingredients
- 7 cups reduced fat or whole milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup medium-grain or arborio rice
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- Optional: 2 teaspoons vanilla extract or ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the milk, cream, rice, sugar, butter, and salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, and then decrease the heat to low to simmer. Stirring about every 8 minutes or so, continue to cook the mixture on low heat until the rice is tender but not falling apart, about 45 minutes. Once tender, remove from heat and whisk the two eggs together in a bowl. While whisking, slowly and carefully add in 1 cup of the hot milk mixture to temper the eggs, and then add all of the egg mixture into the saucepan containing the rice. If desired, stir in the vanilla or cinnamon (I prefer plain!) Stir together to combine and then pour the pudding into a heat-safe container. Place a sheet of plastic wrap directly on top of the pudding so it doesn’t form a thickened layer on the top. Allow to cool in the fridge about 4-6 hours or until cold. Stir and serve!
