Danish Christmas Rice Pudding Recipe – A Heartwarming Holiday Tradition
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Description:
Danish Christmas Rice Pudding, or Risalamande, is a beloved holiday tradition passed down through generations. Growing up, my mom and grandma would always prepare this rich, comforting dessert during Christmas and other special occasions. It’s not just about the dish itself, but the memories of warmth and joy it brought. This pudding is simple yet indulgent, making it the perfect way to celebrate any festive moment. Traditionally, a whole almond is hidden inside the pudding as a fun holiday custom – the lucky person who finds it is said to have a year filled with good fortune.
Though this recipe might be a bit old-fashioned and doesn’t follow exact measurements, its authenticity and nostalgia are what make it truly special. Feel free to adjust ingredients to suit your preferences, especially if you’d like to add raisins or other fruits for a twist.
Recipe Category:
Dessert
Keywords:
Medium Grain Rice, Rice, Danish, Scandinavian, European, Christmas, Oven, < 4 Hours
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked white rice | 6 cups |
| Sugar | 1 cup |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Ground cinnamon | 1/2 tsp |
| Ground nutmeg | 1/4 tsp |
| Real vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Vanilla bean (optional) | 1 bean |
| Cinnamon sticks | 1-2 sticks |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280.1 kcal |
| Total Fat | 9.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Cholesterol | 86.4 mg |
| Sodium | 312.8 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 37 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.1 g |
| Sugars | 29.9 g |
| Protein | 10.5 g |
Instructions:
-
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This temperature will allow the pudding to cook slowly and evenly, developing its creamy texture and rich flavor. -
Prepare the Baking Dish
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked white rice, sugar, salt, eggs, and milk. Stir everything together until the mixture is well-combined. Pour the custard mixture into a large glass baking dish, ideally one that is oven-safe and can hold the liquid comfortably. -
Add the Spices and Flavorings
Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg over the top of the custard mixture, and add a teaspoon of real vanilla extract for that rich, aromatic touch. If you’re using a vanilla bean, slice it lengthwise and scrape the seeds into the mixture, then drop the pod into the dish. Add a couple of cinnamon sticks for extra flavor. -
Cook the Pudding
Place the baking dish in a water bath by putting it inside a larger pan filled with hot water (the water should come halfway up the sides of the dish). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil or a lid and bake for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, stirring the pudding occasionally to prevent it from sticking or burning. The pudding is done when the rice has softened, the custard has set, and you see a slight jiggle when you move the dish. Make sure to remove the vanilla bean pod and cinnamon sticks after the first hour of cooking to prevent them from over-infusing. -
Golden Top
For a golden, slightly crisped top, uncover the pudding for the last 10 minutes of cooking. This step will give the pudding a delicate, light golden color while maintaining its creamy interior. -
The Almond Tradition
Just before serving, hide a whole almond somewhere in the pudding. According to Danish tradition, the person who finds the almond in their portion is believed to have a year full of luck and good fortune. It’s a fun and exciting part of the tradition! -
Serving Suggestions
Serve the rice pudding warm or cold, depending on your preference. It’s perfect when topped with freshly whipped cream, which complements the creamy, rich texture of the pudding beautifully. Some people like to drizzle a bit of extra cinnamon or sugar on top, but it’s delicious just as it is.
Tips for Perfecting Your Danish Christmas Rice Pudding:
- Rice Selection: Medium-grain rice is ideal for this recipe as it creates the perfect creamy texture. Make sure your rice is fully cooked before starting.
- Vanilla Bean: While optional, the vanilla bean adds an extra layer of flavor that enhances the pudding’s richness. Don’t skip it if you can get your hands on one!
- Customize with Raisins: Although this recipe is traditionally served plain, you can add 1/2 cup of raisins to the pudding mixture before baking for a touch of sweetness and texture.
- Water Bath: The water bath ensures even cooking and prevents the custard from curdling, resulting in a smooth and velvety pudding.
Reviews:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5 stars)
“Absolutely love this recipe! It’s become a staple at our Christmas dinners. I remember my grandmother making this every holiday, and it’s so comforting to recreate her tradition. The almond hidden inside is always a fun part of the meal!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4/5 stars)
“This recipe is fantastic, and the pudding turned out so creamy and rich. I added raisins to mine, which was a nice twist. Will definitely make this again for next year’s Christmas dinner.”
This Danish Christmas Rice Pudding is more than just a dessert – it’s a connection to family, tradition, and memories shared around the table. Whether you serve it warm or cold, with or without the almond, it’s sure to be a delightful addition to your holiday festivities. Enjoy and share this special recipe with your loved ones, and you may just find yourself starting a new tradition of your own!
