When I don't have much time in the morning or want something warm and quick for a snack, I make a very simple version of rice pudding with apples and cinnamon. I use dessert packets, like Dr. Oetker, and combine them with milk and jam. I like that I don't have to stand by the stove for long and can easily adapt it with what I have on hand. I've made the recipe dozens of times, especially when I don't want to dirty many dishes.
Quick Info
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: easy
Ingredients
2 packets of dessert rice with apples and cinnamon (Dr. Oetker or another similar brand, 125 g total)
1 liter whole milk
3-4 tablespoons apple jam (or another jam/jelly, to taste)
Preparation Method
1. Place the milk in a medium saucepan with a thicker bottom so it doesn't stick easily. Turn the heat to medium-low.
2. When the milk starts to boil (don't let it overflow, keep a constant watch), remove the pot from the heat.
3. Open the packets of rice and pour all the contents into the hot milk. Use a whisk and stir slowly to avoid lumps.
4. Put the pot back on the heat, but on low. Stir continuously for another 1-2 minutes, just enough to feel that the rice starts to thicken slightly. Generally, after 90 seconds, the texture becomes creamy but still liquid.
5. Turn off the heat. Place the lid on the pot and let it sit for 10 minutes to absorb the liquid and let the rice swell. Don't lift the lid during this time.
6. After 10 minutes, check the texture. If you want it thicker, let it sit covered for a few more minutes. If it seems too thick, you can add 2-3 tablespoons of hot milk and stir.
7. Divide the rice pudding into bowls or deep plates. Top each serving with a generous tablespoon of jam or jelly, especially apple jam or something tangy.
8. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Why I make the recipe often
I find it very efficient when I want something sweet without complicating things. It prepares quickly, I don't dirty many dishes, and I don't have to weigh many ingredients. The taste is balanced and it works well even cold, so I can make a larger portion and save it for the next day. I just change the jam so I don't get bored.
Tips and Variations
Tips
- Use a whisk, not a spoon, to combine quickly and avoid lumps.
- When steaming under the lid, don't lift it to avoid losing steam and leaving the rice hard in the middle.
- If the milk sticks to the bottom, move the pot to a smaller burner or an electric hot plate on the lowest setting.
Substitutions
- Milk: you can use plant-based milk (almond, oat, soy), but the final texture will be slightly different, especially in taste.
- Jam: any type of jam or jelly works, from plums to sour cherries. If you don't have any, even some honey mixed with cinnamon can be a quick option.
- Rice: if you don’t have dessert packets, you can use regular round grain rice, but the process is much longer and you need sugar, grated apple, and cinnamon separately.
Variations
- For a creamier texture, add 50 ml of liquid cream over the milk.
- You can also add a few raisins directly into the milk for extra sweetness.
- If you want a denser dessert, leave everything covered for 15 minutes, then cool completely in the fridge.
- For kids, add less cinnamon or skip it if they don't like the taste.
Serving Ideas
- It goes very well with chopped nuts sprinkled on top.
- You can add cubes of baked apples if you have time to prepare them separately.
- For decoration, a sprinkle of cinnamon on each serving is enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use regular rice instead of packets?
Yes, but the cooking time increases significantly (at least 30 minutes), you need to boil the rice separately with the milk and stir constantly to prevent sticking.
2. Can I make the dessert without added sugar?
Yes, the dessert packets already contain sugar. If you want it less sweet, use sugar-free jam or just grated apples with a little cinnamon on top.
3. What do I do if it thickens too much?
Add 2-3 tablespoons of warm milk and stir well. It thins out quickly.
4. Can I make it with just water?
I do not recommend. The texture and taste are much blander. For fasting options, plant-based milk is much more suitable.
5. How long should it be left covered?
At least 10 minutes, but check the texture after those 10 minutes. Sometimes it takes longer if the rice in the packets is firmer.
Nutritional Values
One serving (without additional jam) has approximately:
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Protein: 6 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
The value increases with each tablespoon of jam, so adjust if you want it lighter or more substantial.
Storage and Reheating
Rice pudding stores well in the fridge for 2 days in a covered container. When you want to reheat it, add a little milk or water to prevent it from being too dense, and heat gently on low or in the microwave, stirring halfway through. If you leave it too long, it can harden or develop a crust on the surface. You can also eat it cold; the texture does not change significantly.
Quick Info
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: easy
Ingredients
2 packets of dessert rice with apples and cinnamon (Dr. Oetker or another similar brand, 125 g total)
1 liter whole milk
3-4 tablespoons apple jam (or another jam/jelly, to taste)
Preparation Method
1. Place the milk in a medium saucepan with a thicker bottom so it doesn't stick easily. Turn the heat to medium-low.
2. When the milk starts to boil (don't let it overflow, keep a constant watch), remove the pot from the heat.
3. Open the packets of rice and pour all the contents into the hot milk. Use a whisk and stir slowly to avoid lumps.
4. Put the pot back on the heat, but on low. Stir continuously for another 1-2 minutes, just enough to feel that the rice starts to thicken slightly. Generally, after 90 seconds, the texture becomes creamy but still liquid.
5. Turn off the heat. Place the lid on the pot and let it sit for 10 minutes to absorb the liquid and let the rice swell. Don't lift the lid during this time.
6. After 10 minutes, check the texture. If you want it thicker, let it sit covered for a few more minutes. If it seems too thick, you can add 2-3 tablespoons of hot milk and stir.
7. Divide the rice pudding into bowls or deep plates. Top each serving with a generous tablespoon of jam or jelly, especially apple jam or something tangy.
8. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Why I make the recipe often
I find it very efficient when I want something sweet without complicating things. It prepares quickly, I don't dirty many dishes, and I don't have to weigh many ingredients. The taste is balanced and it works well even cold, so I can make a larger portion and save it for the next day. I just change the jam so I don't get bored.
Tips and Variations
Tips
- Use a whisk, not a spoon, to combine quickly and avoid lumps.
- When steaming under the lid, don't lift it to avoid losing steam and leaving the rice hard in the middle.
- If the milk sticks to the bottom, move the pot to a smaller burner or an electric hot plate on the lowest setting.
Substitutions
- Milk: you can use plant-based milk (almond, oat, soy), but the final texture will be slightly different, especially in taste.
- Jam: any type of jam or jelly works, from plums to sour cherries. If you don't have any, even some honey mixed with cinnamon can be a quick option.
- Rice: if you don’t have dessert packets, you can use regular round grain rice, but the process is much longer and you need sugar, grated apple, and cinnamon separately.
Variations
- For a creamier texture, add 50 ml of liquid cream over the milk.
- You can also add a few raisins directly into the milk for extra sweetness.
- If you want a denser dessert, leave everything covered for 15 minutes, then cool completely in the fridge.
- For kids, add less cinnamon or skip it if they don't like the taste.
Serving Ideas
- It goes very well with chopped nuts sprinkled on top.
- You can add cubes of baked apples if you have time to prepare them separately.
- For decoration, a sprinkle of cinnamon on each serving is enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use regular rice instead of packets?
Yes, but the cooking time increases significantly (at least 30 minutes), you need to boil the rice separately with the milk and stir constantly to prevent sticking.
2. Can I make the dessert without added sugar?
Yes, the dessert packets already contain sugar. If you want it less sweet, use sugar-free jam or just grated apples with a little cinnamon on top.
3. What do I do if it thickens too much?
Add 2-3 tablespoons of warm milk and stir well. It thins out quickly.
4. Can I make it with just water?
I do not recommend. The texture and taste are much blander. For fasting options, plant-based milk is much more suitable.
5. How long should it be left covered?
At least 10 minutes, but check the texture after those 10 minutes. Sometimes it takes longer if the rice in the packets is firmer.
Nutritional Values
One serving (without additional jam) has approximately:
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Protein: 6 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
The value increases with each tablespoon of jam, so adjust if you want it lighter or more substantial.
Storage and Reheating
Rice pudding stores well in the fridge for 2 days in a covered container. When you want to reheat it, add a little milk or water to prevent it from being too dense, and heat gently on low or in the microwave, stirring halfway through. If you leave it too long, it can harden or develop a crust on the surface. You can also eat it cold; the texture does not change significantly.