Milchreis (German Rice Pudding) Recipe (2024)

  • German Desserts
  • Desserts
  • German Food
  • Rice Recipes

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)

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:

  • Ground cinnamon, to taste

  • Sugar, to taste

  • Fruit compote, or fresh fruit

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)

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.

Where does Milchreis come from? ›

Which rice is better 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.

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.

Which is the greatest rice pudding in the world? ›

Answer: 1. the greatest rice pudding in the world is kheer. 2.it is the mixture of sweetened milk with a whole rice.

Why do Norwegians put an almond in rice pudding? ›

It is traditional for families to place a single, blanched almond inside the rice porridge or pudding. Whoever finds the almond will have good luck, and often gets a prize (usually a small marzipan pig or chocolate), and the distinction of getting to open their presents first!

Is rice pudding good for you? ›

You've got to love that it's made from simple ingredients like rice, milk, sugar and eggs. While this is a dessert, it does offer some nutritional benefits, including almost 10 grams of protein and 15 percent of the daily recommendation for bone-building calcium per cup.

Do Americans eat rice pudding? ›

It was then introduced to Europe by the Moors, and eventually made its way to America with the help of British and Dutch settlers. Today, rice pudding is enjoyed by people of all cultures and is often considered a comfort food. It can be served warm or cold, and is often topped with whipped cream, nuts, or fruit.

What is the difference between pudding rice and regular rice? ›

This is not a specific type of rice, but a generic description for short-grained white rice used for making rice pudding. The term is rarely used outside England. Whichever rice you use, the important thing is that it should give a soft, creamy, slightly sticky result.

Why is the rice hard in my rice pudding? ›

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.

What makes rice pudding thicken? ›

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.

Why is my rice pudding too thick? ›

If the heat is too high and the pudding comes to a boil, you'll risk the pudding curdling. Remember that the rice pudding will continue to thicken as it cools. Careful not to overcook, or you'll end up with too thick pudding.

Is jasmine or basmati rice better for rice pudding? ›

Although this dish is most commonly made using long grain White Rice (some would even use Thai Jasmine Rice, many would argue that, to achieve a balance between consistency and flavor, aromatic Basmati Rice should be used as it contains starch.

Which country invented 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.

Is Muller Rice just rice pudding? ›

Creamy dairy rice. 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? ›

In Germany (as in many countries) pudding is rich cream. This is what I was taught in culinary school. The term pudding in Great Britain has been used to describe a filling or rich food. It can be savoury or sweet but nowadays tends to be sweet, they serve as a filling meal in their own right.

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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