Few desserts evoke the comforting warmth of home quite like rice pudding. When Martha Stewart lends her culinary expertise to this timeless treat, the result is nothing short of extraordinary. In her recipe for Rice Pudding with Luscious Caramel Sauce, Stewart transforms simple ingredients into a silky, creamy masterpiece topped with a decadently smooth caramel drizzle that perfectly balances sweetness and richness. Whether you’re seeking a nostalgic indulgence or a complex finale to your dinner, this dish promises to delight both the palate and the soul, inviting you to savor every spoonful of comfort and elegance.

Martha Stewart’s Rice Pudding with Luscious Caramel Sauce

Martha Stewart’s rice pudding with luscious caramel sauce is more than just a dessert-it’s a comforting embrace of tradition and creamy indulgence, rooted in nostalgic family gatherings and timeless culinary craft. With each spoonful, you experience the luscious harmony of tender rice slowly simmered until velvety and creamy, finished with a rich, golden caramel drizzle that transforms a simple pudding into an unforgettable treat. This recipe reveals the secret behind the irresistibly smooth texture and the artful balance of sweetness that has captivated tastes across generations.

Prep and Cook Time

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 50 minutes
• Total: 1 hour 5 minutes

Yield

Serves 6 generous portions

Difficulty Level

Medium – perfect for home cooks ready to elevate classic comfort food with confident technique

Ingredients

• 1 cup medium-grain white rice, rinsed
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• For the caramel sauce:
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 6 tablespoons heavy cream, warmed
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed medium-grain rice, whole milk, half the sugar, salt, and the vanilla bean seeds and pod. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. Allow the rice to cook gently for about 40-45 minutes until tender and the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency. Remove the vanilla bean pod and discard.
3. Temper the eggs: slowly add about 1/2 cup of the warm rice mixture into the beaten eggs while whisking constantly. This prevents curdling when adding eggs back to the pot.
4. Gradually stir the tempered egg mixture back into the pot with the rice pudding. Cook over low heat for another 5 minutes, stirring continuously to thicken and achieve a luscious, silky texture.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream and unsalted butter until fully incorporated. Set aside to cool slightly.
6. Prepare the caramel sauce: In a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine granulated sugar and water over medium heat. Swirl gently (do not stir) until the sugar dissolves and turns a deep amber color, about 8-10 minutes.
7. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the warm heavy cream and butter until smooth and glossy. Add sea salt if using, and stir to blend.
8. Let the caramel sauce cool slightly to thicken, then drizzle generously over individual rice pudding servings.
9. Serve warm or chilled, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon or toasted nuts to enhance texture.

Tips for Success with Martha Stewart’s Rice Pudding with Luscious Caramel Sauce

• Choice of rice: Medium-grain rice provides the perfect balance of creaminess without becoming mushy. Avoid long-grain varieties for the best texture.
• Stirring gently: Keep the heat low and stir occasionally to prevent the milk from scorching and encourage a creamy coating around the rice grains.
• Egg tempering: Temper eggs carefully to avoid scrambling-this step is crucial for the pudding’s custard-like finish.
• Make-ahead: The pudding is even better after resting in the refrigerator overnight, allowing flavors to meld; reheat gently before serving if desired.
• Caramel caution: Caramel can quickly burn. Keep a close eye during cooking and remove fromthe  heat as soon as it reaches that deep amber hue.
• Variations: Substitute coconut milk for a dairy-free twist or add raisins soaked in warm rum for a boozy nuance.

Serving Suggestions

For a visually stunning presentation, serve Martha Stewart’s rice pudding with luscious caramel sauce in elegant glass ramekins or dessert bowls. Drizzle the warm caramel sauce generously over the top and finish with a light dusting of ground cinnamon or nutmeg. Garnish with toasted almonds or pistachios for a lovely crunch. Pair it alongside a cup of strong black coffee or a spiced chai latte to complement its rich flavors beautifully.

Experience the timeless delight of this classic dessert, whose creamy texture and luscious caramel sauce showcase the culinary finesse found in Martha Stewart’s rice pudding with luscious caramel sauce.

For more comforting desserts, explore our Classic Apple Crisp Recipe or learn the science behind perfect custards on Serious Eats.

Q&A

Q&A: Martha Stewart’s Rice Pudding with Luscious Caramel Sauce

Q1: What makes Martha Stewart’s rice pudding recipe stand out from customary versions?
A1: Martha Stewart’s rice pudding is a celebration of creamy indulgence elevated by a deeply rich, luscious caramel sauce. Unlike basic rice puddings that rely solely on cinnamon or nutmeg, this recipe pairs the comforting texture of perfectly cooked Arborio rice with a homemade caramel that’s decadently smooth, adding layers of flavor and a touch of gourmet elegance.

Q2: What type of rice is used in this recipe, and why?
A2: Arborio rice is the star grain here, chosen for its high starch content, which creates that irresistibly creamy and velvety texture. Though traditionally known for risotto, Arborio rice’s ability to soak up liquid while maintaining a slight bite makes it perfect for an elevated rice pudding.

Q3: How is the luscious caramel sauce made, and can it be adjusted for sweetness?
A3: The caramel sauce is lovingly crafted by gently melting sugar until it reaches a golden amber hue, then enriched with butter and cream to achieve that silky, luscious finish. Yes, sweetness can be tailored by adjusting the sugar amount in the caramel or balancing it with a pinch of sea salt that deepens the complexity without overwhelming the palate.Q4: Can this dessert be prepared ahead of time?
A4: Absolutely! Martha’s rice pudding actually benefits from resting, allowing flavors to meld and the texture to set just right. Prepare the pudding and caramel sauce in advance, then gently rewarm before serving. The caramel sauce can be stored separately in the refrigerator and reheated slightly to regain its pourable consistency.

Q5: What are some creative serving suggestions for this rice pudding?
A5: For a refined touch, serve the pudding warm in elegant ramekins with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or toasted nuts for crunch. For a summery twist, top with fresh berries or poached stone fruit. Pair it with a cup of fragrant chai or a glass of dessert wine to elevate the entire experience.

Q6: Is Martha Stewart’s rice pudding suitable for dietary restrictions?
A6: The classic recipe involves dairy and sugar, so it’s not inherently vegan or low-carb. However, you can experiment by substituting coconut milk or almond milk for cream and butter substitutes to create a dairy-free version. Keep in mind the caramel relies on real sugar, but option sweeteners could be tested with varying results.

Q7: What inspired Martha Stewart to create this luscious rice pudding recipe?
A7: Martha’s culinary philosophy often blends simplicity with sophistication. Inspired by comfort foods from childhood and her love for rich, layered flavors, this rice pudding embodies that balance-a humble staple transformed through technique and the magic of homemade caramel into a timeless dessert everybody can savor.

Discover the art of turning humble ingredients into a show-stopping finale with Martha Stewart’s Rice Pudding with Luscious Caramel Sauce dish, where creamy meets caramel in pure harmony.

Concluding Remarks

Martha Stewart’s Rice Pudding with Luscious Caramel Sauce is more than just a dessert-it’s a heartfelt invitation to slow down, savor simple ingredients, and indulge in a timeless classic elevated to new heights. Whether you’re crafting this creamy comfort on a chilly evening or sharing it with loved ones at your next gathering, the rich caramel drizzle transforms every spoonful into a moment of pure delight. So next time you crave something sweet and soothing, remember Martha’s recipe-where tradition meets elegance, and every bite feels like home.