A classic French rice pudding infused with vanilla and a touch of fleur de sel, served cold or warm for comforting indulgence.
Prep time
5 min
Cook time
20 min
Total time
25 min
Servings
4
Chef's Tips
Enjoy warm or chilled.
Reuse the scraped vanilla pods to make vanilla sugar.
Tools Used
Casserole(opens in a new tab)Mixing Spoon
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Ingredients
Ingredients
Servings
4 servings1×
Scale
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Main Ingredients
Instructions
Preparation
- 1
In a saucepan of boiling water, cook the rice for 2 minutes to open the grains. Drain but do not rinse to keep the starch.
- 2
In another saucepan, bring milk and sugar to a boil with the scraped vanilla seeds and pods.
- 3
Add the pre-cooked rice to the milk, bring to a boil again, then reduce to a simmer.
- 4
Cook gently for 20 minutes, stirring constantly in figure-eights and scraping down the sides.
- 5
Stir in the remaining cold milk to stop cooking, then add a pinch of fleur de sel.
- 6
Transfer to a dish or ramekins and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
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Everything you want to know about this recipe.
Riz au Lait à la Vanille 🍚✨
Riz au Lait à la Vanille 🍚✨
There’s something timeless about a bowl of Riz au Lait — creamy, soothing, delicately scented with vanilla, and irresistibly French. This version keeps things classic with real vanilla beans, whole milk, and a touch of fleur de sel to round out the sweetness. Whether served warm for ultimate comfort or chilled for a refreshing treat, it’s the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug. 🤍
Why This Riz au Lait Works So Well
Why This Riz au Lait Works So Well
The secret lies in par-cooking the rice for just two minutes. This opens the grains while keeping the natural starch, giving that luxurious, thick-and-creamy consistency without needing eggs or cream. The vanilla infuses deeply into the milk, and the pinch of fleur de sel lifts all the flavors without making the dessert salty.
Texture & Flavor Notes
Texture & Flavor Notes
Expect a pudding that’s:
- Silky and rich, yet surprisingly light
- Speckled with vanilla seeds throughout
- Perfectly balanced between sweetness and natural dairy flavor
- Soft but not mushy — each grain still has gentle bite
Serve it in small ramekins, a single sharing dish, or layered with fruit for an elegant twist. 🍓
Tips for Best Results 💡
Tips for Best Results 💡
- Let it rest for at least an hour if serving chilled — it thickens beautifully.
- Don’t skip the final splash of cold milk; it stops the cooking and keeps it creamy.
- Save the scraped vanilla pods! Dry them and bury in sugar to make homemade vanilla sugar.
- If you prefer it looser, add an extra spoonful of milk before serving.
Serving Ideas
Serving Ideas
- Warm with a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg
- Chilled with fresh berries or poached fruit
- With a drizzle of salted caramel 🍮
- As a base for brûlée-style caramelized sugar
A Comfort Dessert with French Charm 🇫🇷
A Comfort Dessert with French Charm 🇫🇷
This rice pudding is humble yet elegant — the kind of recipe you can make any time with pantry staples, but elevated with vanilla and technique. It’s nostalgic, budget-friendly, and endlessly adaptable. One spoonful and you’ll understand why it’s loved across generations.
Enjoy every creamy bite! 🍚🤍
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 180g)
Calories 22011%
% Reference Intake*
Total Fat 6g9%
Saturated Fat 3.8g19%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 18mg
Sodium 60mg
Total Carbohydrates 34g13%
Dietary Fiber 0.2g
Sugars 14g16%
Protein 6g12%
* Reference intakes are based on an average adult's 8,400 kJ / 2,000 kcal diet. Your needs may be higher or lower.
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Claire
· 14 Jun 2025Loved it warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. So comforting!
Antoine
· 13 Jun 2025A nostalgic recipe. Perfectly creamy and not too sweet.
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