This caramel rice pudding is luxuriously creamy with deep, nutty notes from brown butter and a rich homemade caramel. Finished with tangy crème fraîche, it strikes a beautiful balance between sweetness and richness, making it an elegant yet comforting dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deep caramel flavor created directly in the pan for maximum richness
• Brown butter adds a warm, nutty complexity
• Creamy texture that thickens perfectly as it chills
• Simple pantry ingredients transformed into a refined dessert
• Delicious served cold or slightly cool, perfect for make-ahead entertaining

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup crème fraîche, plus extra for serving
• 1/2 cup short-grain white rice
• 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

Directions

1. Place the butter in a 3-quart heavy saucepan over medium heat. Allow it to melt and foam. Once the foaming subsides and brown specks appear, stir gently until the butter smells nutty and turns a deep golden color.
2. Sprinkle in 1/4 cup of the sugar and stir. Switch to a whisk and cook, whisking constantly, until the sugar melts and forms a smooth, deep brown caramel, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove the pan from the heat. Carefully whisk in the crème fraîche and 1/2 cup of the milk. The mixture will bubble vigorously. Return the pan to medium heat and whisk in the remaining milk, the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar, vanilla seeds, and salt. Continue whisking until smooth.
4. Switch to a wooden spoon and stir in the rice. Increase the heat and bring to a boil, then reduce to a steady simmer. Cook uncovered for about 25 minutes, stirring frequently, especially near the end, until the rice is tender and the pudding is thick but still loose.
5. Transfer the pudding to a container, cover, and refrigerate until fully chilled. Serve in individual bowls with a spoonful of crème fraîche on top.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Cooling time: 2 hours
• Total time: about 2 hours 40 minutes

Variations

• Replace half of the milk with coconut milk for a subtle tropical note
• Add a pinch of ground cardamom or cinnamon for gentle spice
• Stir in chopped dates or raisins during the last 5 minutes of cooking
• Use light brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a deeper molasses flavor

Storage/Reheating

Store the rice pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Serve chilled, or let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving. If it becomes too thick, stir in a small splash of milk to loosen the texture.

FAQs

Can I use medium-grain rice instead of short-grain?

Yes, but the pudding will be slightly less creamy than with short-grain rice.

Why did my caramel seize?

Caramel can seize when dairy is added. Keep whisking over gentle heat and it will smooth out again.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, this pudding is ideal for making ahead and tastes even better after chilling.

Is crème fraîche necessary?

It adds tang and creaminess, but thick cream or cultured cream can be used if needed.

How do I know when the pudding is done cooking?

The rice should be tender and the mixture thick but still loose, as it thickens more when cooled.

Can I reduce the sugar?

You can slightly reduce the sugar, but it will affect the caramel depth and sweetness balance.

What type of milk works best?

Whole milk provides the creamiest texture and best flavor.

Can this be served warm?

It can be served slightly warm, but the flavor and texture shine best when chilled.

Why use a heavy saucepan?

A heavy pan distributes heat evenly and prevents scorching during caramelization.

Can I freeze rice pudding?

Freezing is not recommended, as it can alter the creamy texture.

Conclusion

This caramel rice pudding with brown butter and crème fraîche transforms simple ingredients into a deeply flavorful, comforting dessert. With its silky texture and layered caramel notes, it’s a dish that feels both nostalgic and refined, perfect for quiet evenings or special gatherings.

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