Orange Creamsicle Rice Pudding - Creamy Citrus Dessert
A creamy, indulgent rice pudding that captures the nostalgic flavor of orange creamsicles. Made with Arborio rice simmered in fresh orange juice and vanilla creamer, this dessert delivers bright citrus notes balanced by rich, creamy sweetness. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions when you want a comforting dessert with a twist. The fresh orange zest adds an extra burst of citrus that this simple pudding into something memorable.
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked Arborio rice
- 2 cups fresh squeezed orange juice (about 8-10 medium oranges)
- 2 cups International Delight French Vanilla Creamerheavy cream + 2 tbsp sugar + 1 tsp vanilla1:1vegetarian
adds butter to prep, reduces convenience
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Instructions
- 1
Combine rice, orange juice, creamer and salt in a large saucepan over high heat and stir to combine
- 2
Bring to medium boil for 3-5 minutes
- 3
Reduce to simmer on medium-low temperature for 20 minutes and cover
- 4
Remove cover, increase temperature to medium-high and stir constantly until rice is tender and pudding is thick and creamy for 3-5 minutes
- 5
Remove from heat and stir in orange zest
- 6
Pour into serving dishes and serve warm immediately or chill in refrigerator until ready to serve
Tips
Use Arborio rice for the creamiest texture as it releases more starch than regular rice during cooking
Fresh orange juice makes a significant difference in flavor compared to store-bought juice
Stir constantly in the final cooking stage to prevent sticking and ensure even thickening
Good to Know
Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days. Stir before serving as pudding will thicken when chilled.
Can be made up to 1 day ahead and chilled. Reheat gently or serve cold.
Serve warm for comfort food appeal or chilled for a refreshing dessert. Garnish with additional orange zest if desired.
Common Mistakes
Avoid high heat during simmering to prevent rice from sticking and burning
Don't skip the constant stirring in final stage to prevent lumpy texture
Substitutions
adds butter to prep, reduces convenience
reduces fresh citrus flavor
FAQ
Can I use regular rice instead of Arborio?
Yes, but Arborio gives the creamiest texture. Short-grain rice works well as a substitute, while long-grain rice will be less creamy.
How long does this keep in the refrigerator?
The pudding will keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It thickens when chilled, so stir before serving.
Can I freeze orange creamsicle rice pudding?
Freezing isn't recommended as dairy-based rice pudding can separate and become grainy when thawed.