Creamy Italian Rice Cake with Citrus and Vanilla

Rice Cake Recipe: A Sweet, Creamy Delight

Welcome to a delightful dessert that’s perfect for those who enjoy the rich, creamy taste of rice, combined with a buttery, crumbly pastry crust. This Rice Cake, or Torta di Riso, is a traditional Italian dessert with a unique combination of flavors. With the soft and delicate filling made from Arborio rice, rich milk, and infused with fragrant vanilla, complemented by the sweet, citrusy notes of lemon and orange zest, this cake is truly an indulgence. Follow this detailed recipe to make a stunning dessert for your next special occasion or simply to treat yourself and your loved ones.

Ingredients:

For the Pastry Crust:

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour (Farina 00)	150g
Rice flour	150g
Brown sugar (Zucchero di canna)	120g
Butter	120g
Pinch of fine salt	1 pinch
Lemon zest (Scorza di limone)	½ lemon
Orange zest (Scorza d’arancia)	½ orange
Eggs	55g (about 1 medium egg)

For the Rice Filling:

Ingredient	Quantity
Arborio rice	200g
Whole milk (Latte intero)	670g
Vanilla bean (Baccello di vaniglia)	1 pod
Lemon zest (Scorza di limone)	½ lemon
Orange zest (Scorza d’arancia)	½ orange

For the Custard:

Ingredient	Quantity
Brown sugar (Zucchero di canna)	80g
Egg yolks (Tuorli)	2
Pinch of fine salt	1 pinch
Whole milk (Latte intero)	200g
Brown sugar (Zucchero di canna)	30g
Cornstarch (Amido di mais)	10g
Vanilla bean (Baccello di vaniglia)	1 pod

For the Finish:

Ingredient	Quantity
Powdered sugar (Zucchero a velo)	To taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry Crust

1. Start by preparing the shortcrust pastry, which will form the base and top of your rice cake. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, place the cold, diced butter. Add the brown sugar, and zest of both lemon and orange. Add a pinch of fine salt, then mix until smooth and creamy.
2. Once the mixture is smooth, add the egg and blend it in. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour and rice flour into the mixture. Continue to mix until the dough comes together into a uniform ball.
3. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps prevent it from shrinking during baking and ensures a crisp texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice Filling

1. While the dough is chilling, it’s time to prepare the creamy rice filling. In a saucepan, pour in the whole milk and scrape the seeds from the vanilla pod, adding both the seeds and the pod to the milk. Add the lemon and orange zest for a burst of citrusy flavor. Heat the milk over medium heat until it starts to simmer, being careful not to let it boil.
2. Once the milk is hot, add the Arborio rice. Let the rice simmer in the milk for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. As the rice cooks, it will absorb the milk, becoming soft and creamy.
3. Towards the end of the cooking time, remove and discard the vanilla pod. The rice mixture should be thick and creamy. Once it has reached the right consistency, remove the saucepan from the heat and set the rice filling aside. Cover it with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.

Step 3: Prepare the Custard

1. In another saucepan, combine the brown sugar, egg yolks, and a pinch of salt. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth.
2. Gradually add the hot milk to the egg mixture, stirring constantly to temper the eggs. Once combined, pour the mixture back into the saucepan.
3. Heat the custard over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens. Once it reaches a custard-like consistency, remove the saucepan from the heat.
4. Stir in the cornstarch to further thicken the custard and then add the vanilla bean seeds and pod, allowing the custard to cool for a few minutes. Remove the vanilla pod and let the custard cool completely.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Take your chilled dough and divide it in half. Roll out one half to fit the bottom of a 20 cm round tart pan (the bottom) and 22 cm round at the sides. Place the dough into the pan, gently pressing it into the edges.
3. Use the remaining dough to create a set of strips, about 4 cm wide, that will go around the edges of the cake.
4. Once the crust is in place, spoon the creamy rice mixture into the tart pan, spreading it out evenly. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth the surface of the filling.

Step 5: Cover and Seal

1. Roll out the remaining dough to about ½ cm thick. Cut out a second round of pastry to cover the top of the cake, matching the size of the base.
2. Place the second dough round over the rice filling and seal the edges well, pinching the pastry together to ensure there are no gaps.
3. Use a fork to prick the top of the cake to allow steam to escape during baking. This will prevent the pastry from puffing up and ensure a flat, even top.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

1. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and fully cooked. The filling should be set and firm.
2. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Final Touches

1. Once the cake has cooled, remove it from the tart pan and dust the top with powdered sugar for an elegant, finishing touch.
2. Slice and serve this creamy, flavorful Rice Cake to your guests. It makes an excellent dessert for holidays, family gatherings, or special occasions, offering a delightful balance of textures and flavors.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve slices of this creamy rice cake with a cup of hot tea or coffee. The rich, smooth texture of the filling, paired with the crisp and buttery pastry, will undoubtedly make this dessert a favorite at your next celebration.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Nutrient	Amount (per serving)
Calories	290 kcal
Protein	5g
Carbohydrates	37g
Fat	15g
Saturated Fat	8g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	15g

This Torta di Riso, a rice cake that combines a silky custard filling with fragrant zesty notes, is sure to please everyone who loves traditional Italian desserts. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday feast or a simple family dinner, this dessert will stand out with its heartwarming, creamy goodness.