A delightful twist on the classic baked rice pudding, this recipe offers a creamy texture and a hint of spice.
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease a large casserole dish.
Greasing the dish prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
In the casserole dish, combine the rice, sugar, milk, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir well to mix.
Mix thoroughly to ensure the sugar dissolves evenly.
If using, add the cinnamon and raisins to the mixture and stir to distribute evenly.
Adding these ingredients now ensures they infuse the pudding with flavor.
Dot the top of the mixture with small pieces of butter.
The butter adds richness and helps create a golden top.
Bake the pudding in the preheated oven for 2-3 hours. Stir every 15 minutes during the first hour, then let it cook undisturbed.
Stirring initially prevents the rice from settling and ensures even cooking.
Check the pudding at 2 hours. If it appears dry, add a splash of milk and stir. Taste to ensure the rice is tender.
Adding milk if needed keeps the pudding creamy.
Once done, let the pudding rest for a few minutes. Serve warm, stirring in the top layer if desired.
Serving warm enhances the flavors and provides a comforting experience.