Milchreis (German Rice Pudding) Recipe (2024)

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By

Jennifer McGavin

Jennifer McGavin

Jennifer McGavin learned to cook German food while living in Germany for 11 years and has worked in the food industry for many years.

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Updated on 07/23/21

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Milchreis (German Rice Pudding) Recipe (1)

Prep: 5 mins

Cook: 30 mins

Total: 35 mins

Servings: 4 servings

68 ratings

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Almost all cuisines around the world have their own version of rice pudding. A classic sweet dish made out of rice and a few other ingredients like sugar and cinnamon, it's always a comforting meal. This delicious German take on it makes for a creamy and perfectly sweet recipe that can be eaten as a breakfast, snack, and sometimes as lunch or dinner when served with additional fruit, apple sauce, or fruit compote. Our milchreis is the perfect alternative to your morning oatmeal or a great option for a warm dessert.

Although the origin of rice pudding is uncertain, China and India dispute their claims, as both places have an ancient rice-based culture. It's evident how it became ubiquitous, as no matter where you are, you can get a rice pudding. Spain, Portugal, Bulgaria, Thailand, Britain, and the United States, among many other countries, all have multiple recipes for it—with different spices, liquids, and cooking methods. Milchreis is made by cooking rice on the stovetop in milk with sugar and vanilla. Contrary to what you might think, using milk rather than cream makes for a creamier rice pudding.

In Germany, rice pudding is often found premade in grocery stores, but making it at home is very easy, too. Long- and medium-grain white rice are the best choices, but Arborio or short-grain white rice is also good. Arborio will make a thicker, stickier rice pudding. Brown rice is an alternative, though it will need to be cooked longer and won't be as creamy as the white rice version.

Ingredients

For the Rice Pudding:

  • 1 cup white rice, long or medium grain

  • 1/4 cup sugar

  • 1/8 teaspoon salt

  • 4 cups milk

  • 1 (2-inch long piece) vanilla bean, split open; or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Serving:

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Milchreis (German Rice Pudding) Recipe (2)

  2. Mix the rice, sugar, and salt in a large saucepan.

    Milchreis (German Rice Pudding) Recipe (3)

  3. Stir in the milk and add the piece of vanilla bean or the vanilla extract.

    Milchreis (German Rice Pudding) Recipe (4)

  4. Place the mixture over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring often.

    Milchreis (German Rice Pudding) Recipe (5)

  5. Reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the rice is soft and the mixture becomes thick. Stir often.

    Milchreis (German Rice Pudding) Recipe (6)

  6. Remove the vanilla bean and serve warm with cinnamon and sugar to taste. A dollop of fruit compote, fresh fruit, or your favorite combination of toppings makes this a really special sweet treat.

    Milchreis (German Rice Pudding) Recipe (7)

  7. Enjoy.

Pressure Cooker Milchreis

There's a risk of burning the pudding when you make rice pudding on the stove, as the sugar and milk can quickly burn if you're not paying enough attention. However, making milchreis in a pressure cookervirtually eliminates any chance of the pudding burning on the bottom:

  • Bring the pudding to a boil in a pressure cooker without a lid, and then remove from heat.
  • Fasten on the lid but don't close the vent.
  • Let it sit on the warm burner for 30 minutes.
  • Check the rice, and if it is not soft enough, bring it to a boil again and repeat the process once more.

Recipe Variations

Change up this basic recipe by mixing in your favorite spices, fruits, or crunchy toppings:

  • Add nutmeg, cardamom, or anise to change up the flavoring of the rice.
  • Jam, jellies, compote, or preserves add a sweet touch that is irresistible.
  • Add raisins, Craisins, dried apples, or any dried fruit you like to add extra sweetness.
  • Use nuts for a crunchy addition. Walnuts, pecans, almonds, or a mixture of two or more will always be delicious. Alternatively, store-bought granola already has dried fruit and nuts in it and is a quick cheat for great rice pudding.
  • Add semisweet chocolate chips or a spoonful of chocolate spread for a more decadent version—especially good when served with fresh strawberries.

How to Store and Reheat Milchreis

German rice pudding is best when fresh, but if you have leftovers, keep in an airtight container for up to two days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe bowl and add 1 to 2 tablespoons of full-fat milk per 1/2 cup of rice pudding. Mix well and microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the pudding is warm enough and creamy again. Add a touch of extra cinnamon and a pinch on sugar on top.

German Apple Cake (Wiener Apfelkuchen)

  • German Desserts
  • Desserts
  • German Food
  • Rice Recipes
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
241Calories
3g Fat
43g Carbs
9g Protein

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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories241
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 3g3%
Saturated Fat 2g8%
Cholesterol 12mg4%
Sodium 172mg7%
Total Carbohydrate 43g16%
Dietary Fiber 1g3%
Total Sugars 31g
Protein 9g
Vitamin C 1mg3%
Calcium 317mg24%
Iron 1mg4%
Potassium 432mg9%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Recipe Tags:

  • Rice
  • milk rice
  • dessert
  • german

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Milchreis (German Rice Pudding) Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the German brand of rice pudding? ›

Oetker "Milchreis" German Rice Pudding, 4.5 oz. "Milchreis" or rice pudding is a popular German dessert that is light, creamy, and rich.

Why is my rice pudding not thick enough? ›

However, you can add, if, if your rice pudding di or vanilla pudding didn't thicken it is not only because of the kind of milk you used, you generally you need to use some kind of a starch, either arrow root or corn starch.

Why is my rice pudding still hard? ›

As a result, the rice in the pudding can become firm and hard when it cools down. It's a natural process that occurs with certain types of rice. To prevent this, you can try adding a bit more liquid or cream to the rice pudding before refrigerating it. This may help maintain a softer texture when you enjoy it later.

Why does my rice pudding get watery? ›

Pudding is usually runny because it has been stored in the refrigerator for too long or in an open space. Another cause could be due to improper cooking methods.

Which is the greatest rice pudding in the world? ›

3 Indian rice-based desserts included in the list of "Top 10 rice pudding" in the world. Taste Atlas recognizes Indian desserts Phirni, Kheer, and Sakkarai Pongal among top rice puddings globally.

What is rice pudding called in America? ›

Arroz con leche (rice with milk) is the Spanish and American type of rice pudding. Leftover rice is often used, especially in restaurants.

What kind of rice is best for rice pudding? ›

Rice - I've tried all sorts of rice types and uncooked medium grain is by far the best for rice pudding, followed by risotto rice. Risotto rice (arborio) - needs extra liquid, add 1 cup (250ml) water into the saucepan with milk, and cook for 1 hr 20 minutes.

How do I thicken up my rice pudding? ›

Rice pudding will thicken as it cools, but if you prefer your pudding thicker, you can whisk in a beaten egg while the pudding is warming and continue cooking until it's thickened. To thicken cooled, cooked rice pudding, fold in whipped cream.

How can you tell if rice pudding has gone bad? ›

Since storage and handling conditions vary, once the package is open, it is best to eat it within a few days. Pudding that looks, smells or tastes off should always be discarded.

Why did the milk curdle in my rice pudding? ›

Boiling is a sure way to curdle milk. It's not just boiling. Heating milk too quickly, even if it never comes to a boil, can also curdle it. To prevent the dairy from curdling, heat the milk gently over medium-low heat.

Why does my rice pudding taste grainy? ›

You must use pudding rice with its little fat, almost spherical, grains otherwise it'll be a disaster - it stays quite grainy, whereas normal cooking rice would just become a gluey mess. Also full fat milk MUST be used.

How do you fix pudding that didn't set? ›

Your best bet would be to mix a tablespoon of cornstarch and a teaspoon of sugar with some of the beverage and add it to the warm pudding. Heat it to a bubble and stir until it thickens. You may have to adjust the seasoning, particularly vanilla.

Does rice pudding thicken as it cooks? ›

Rice pudding is simply rice cooked in sweetened milk. As the rice cooks, it releases starch, which thickens the milk and suspends the tender grains of rice, contributing to its creaminess.

Will rice pudding thicken in the fridge? ›

How do you serve rice pudding? Served hot, the mixture will be in its loosest state: closer to loose yogurt. But if you let it cool in the fridge, the mixture will firm up and the starches will thicken the texture slightly.

Is Muller Rice just rice pudding? ›

Brand. Müller Rice is the perfect full on snack – with a delightful blend of rich creamy rice pudding paired with luscious fruit, chocolate or vanilla sauce.

What is pudding in Germany? ›

1. (= dessert) Nachspeise f ; (= crème caramel, instant whip etc) Pudding m.

Where is Ambrosia rice pudding made? ›

Its original product was a dried milk powder for infants, but it is now mostly known for its custard and rice pudding. The brand plays on the fact that it is made in Devon, England, (at a factory in Lifton), with their original punning strapline "Devon knows how they make it so creamy".

What country is known for rice pudding? ›

It's actually been around for centuries, believe it or not, and was thought to have originated in China, which has an ancient rice culture. This has been disputed by some food historians; they argue that rice pudding likely originated in India, which has an ancient rice culture as well as an ancient sugar culture.

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