Rich Chocolate Cherry Brown Rice Pudding Recipe
Indulge in a comforting, yet healthy dessert with this Rich Chocolate Cherry Brown Rice Pudding. A perfect blend of cocoa and fresh sweet cherries, this recipe offers a twist on traditional rice pudding, using nutritious brown rice as its base. A delightful treat that is perfect for brunch, as an afternoon snack, or even a special dessert. The rich chocolate flavor and the burst of cherries make this pudding a memorable dish for any occasion.
Ingredients for Rich Chocolate Cherry Brown Rice Pudding
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked brown rice | 2 cups |
| Buttermilk | 1 1/2 cups |
| Egg | 1 |
| Honey | 1/4 cup |
| Sweet cherries | 1/4 cup (roughly chopped) |
| Whipped cream (for garnish) | As desired |
| Whole cherries (for garnish) | As desired |
| Shaved chocolate (for garnish) | As desired |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 303.6 kcal |
| Fat | 3.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 56.5 mg |
| Sodium | 116.9 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 63.7 g |
| Fiber | 5.7 g |
| Sugars | 34.7 g |
| Protein | 9 g |
Preparation Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the perfect baking temperature for your rice pudding.
Step 2: Prepare the Pudding Base
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, honey, and cocoa until smooth. This mixture creates the base for the pudding and gives it that delicious, rich chocolate flavor.
Step 3: Add Rice and Cherries
Stir in the cooked brown rice, ensuring it is well combined with the chocolate mixture. Roughly chop half of the sweet cherries and fold them into the rice mixture. Reserve the remaining cherries for garnish later.
Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish
Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or your preferred oil. Pour the rice and chocolate mixture into the greased dish. For a smoother cooking process, place this dish into a larger roaster or another baking dish that it fits into.
Step 5: Prepare the Water Bath
Once the baking dish is in place, add boiling water to the larger dish. The water should come up about halfway along the side of the smaller dish. This technique, known as a water bath, will help prevent the pudding from overcooking or drying out, giving it a silky smooth texture.
Step 6: Bake the Pudding
Place the entire setup on the middle oven rack and bake for approximately 30 minutes. The pudding should be set in the center but still soft. If you prefer a drier pudding, you can adjust the cooking time slightly. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
Step 7: Cool the Pudding
After baking, remove the dish from the oven and the roaster. Let the pudding cool on a wire rack. Cooling allows the flavors to set and enhances the pudding’s creamy texture.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Once the pudding has cooled, spoon it into 4 to 6 individual dessert cups. Garnish each serving with whipped cream, a whole cherry, and a sprinkle of shaved chocolate. For an extra special touch, place a couple of whole cherries and some shaved chocolate at the bottom of each dessert cup before serving. This will create a beautiful presentation, perfect for any gathering.
Tips for the Best Rich Chocolate Cherry Brown Rice Pudding
- Rice Cooking Tip: If you don’t have cooked brown rice ready, you can easily prepare it ahead of time or use leftover rice from a previous meal.
- Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dessert, you can add a bit more honey or another natural sweetener. Tasting the mixture before baking allows you to adjust it to your liking.
- Other Fruits: If cherries aren’t in season, you can swap them out for other fruits like raspberries, strawberries, or even dried fruits for a unique twist.
Final Thoughts
This Rich Chocolate Cherry Brown Rice Pudding is a great balance of indulgence and health. It provides the goodness of whole grains, the richness of chocolate, and the natural sweetness of cherries—all in one dessert. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion, a holiday dessert table, or simply a treat for yourself, this pudding will surely be a hit. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect dessert experience.
