For our Salted Caramel Rice Pudding, we start with creamy Arborio rice, laying the groundwork for a truly comforting dessert. The real magic happens with our homemade caramel, perfectly salted to create a delightful contrast. This recipe is a beautiful blend of classic comfort and a touch of gourmet, all in just 30 minutes. It’s ideal for those days when you want something special without too much fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Rich Salted Caramel: A homemade caramel delivers a luscious and indulgent caramel taste balanced with a hint of sea salt.
  • Easy Steps: Clear, easy-to-follow instructions make this recipe a breeze, even for beginners.
  • Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like toasted nuts, fresh fruit, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a personal touch.
  • Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day, making it a great make-ahead dessert.

a glass cup filled with salted caramel rice pudding.

This classic dessert gets a modern upgrade. Make Salted Caramel Rice Pudding from scratch and enjoy a decadent twist on an old fashioned favorite.

You might be thinking that rice pudding is your grandma’s dessert, especially if you’re picturing raisins in a bland, gelatinous blob of rice. Not this rice pudding! This from-scratch recipe is both timeless and super simple to make. Also, it results in a decadent dessert you and your grandma will love. Delicious, creamy, salty, and sweet—this has it all!

Ingredient Breakdown and Substitutes

  • Arborio Rice: Crucial for a creamy texture; can be replaced with another short-grain rice if Arborio isn’t available.
  • Whole Milk & Heavy Cream: These add richness and depth; for a lighter version, try using all low-fat milk in place of the cream.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the pudding; brown sugar can be a substitute for a butterscotch twist.
  • Homemade Caramel Sauce: Adds a unique rich flavor; in a hurry, a good quality store-bought caramel can be used.
  • Sea Salt: Elevates the caramel’s sweetness; if unavailable, kosher salt is a suitable alternative.

Can rice pudding be made in a rice cooker?

No. This recipe requires a low simmer with stirring in order to reach the right consistency, as the rice is boiled in milk and sugar.

Add-Ins and Topping Ideas

  • Fresh Berries: Blueberries or strawberries for color and tang.
  • Toasted Nuts: Walnuts, almonds, or pecans for crunch and nuttiness.
  • Cinnamon or Nutmeg: A teaspoon for a warm spice note.
  • Chocolate Chips: Dark or milk for a chocolatey melt.
  • Sliced Bananas: For a sweet, creamy layer.
  • Apple Slices: Adds a crisp, fresh element.
  • Raisins: A classic, chewy addition.
  • Coconut Flakes: Toasted for a tropical crunch.
A spoon full of Salted Caramel Rice Pudding above a glass dish full of rice pudding.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover rice pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can eat it chilled or reheat in the microwave in 30 second increments until warmed through. Rice hardens up in the fridge, so you will want to thin it out with a tablespoon or two of milk. To reheat on the stovetop, gently reheat on low heat, adding a little milk if needed to regain its creamy texture.

More Caramel Goodies

Watch the video below where Rachel will walk you through every step of this recipe. Sometimes it helps to have a visual, and we’ve always got you covered with our cooking show. You can find the complete collection of recipes on YouTube, Facebook Watch, or our Facebook Page, or right here on our website with their corresponding recipes.