Indulge in a warming and cozy dessert with this creamy Sweet Rice recipe.
Even if you love Rice Krispies Treats (and, honestly, who doesn’t?), “sweet” probably isn’t the first flavor you associate with cooked rice. Whether rice is front and center, like in a fried rice meal, or served as a satisfying side, these steamy grains have a more savory reputation in the kitchen.
However, there are recipes for sweet rice stretching back thousands of years. Random fun fact alert: It is believed that the Ancient Chinese weren’t just eating sticky rice; they were using it as mortar to build the Great Wall!
If you’re curious about experiencing the sweeter side of rice, mixing a satisfying pot of my favorite sweet rice is so simple. Just one bowl of this comforting treat is all it takes to make everyone do a happy dance.
So, when a sweet tooth craving hits you hard, ditch those candy bars and boil some rice. Within minutes, I bet you’ll be on a trip to “cozy town.”
Is Sweet Rice Healthy?
Okay, sweet rice isn’t the “healthiest” food, but I’d wager it’s “healthier” than many processed treats with globs of sugars, artificial sweeteners, and hidden fillers. Plus, since you’re making sweet rice at home, you have full control over what goes into your dessert. Feel free to omit or add ingredients to make your sweet rice less of a guilty pleasure.
For example, brown rice adds extra nutrients and fiber to this dish. Some might also want to reduce the sugar or substitute other sweeteners like stevia, raw honey, or fresh fruits. If lactose is not your friend, swap out whole milk for unsweetened coconut or almond milk.
No carbs? No prob! You can still enjoy chewy, sweet rice without jumping off the keto train. For instance, there’s always the uber-popular alternative cauliflower rice (check out this cauliflower rice here for all the details!). There’s also a zero-carb rice variety called “shirataki rice,” made from the konjac plant.
As for the sugar, it’s easy to swap out for more keto-friendly sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit.
What’s The Best Rice Type For Sweet Rice?
I know, my recipe doesn’t use the standard “sticky rice” (aka glutinous rice) found in most sweet rice renditions. Why? Although sticky rice has a natural sweetness and binds together for chewy desserts, there are unique features long-grain rice brings to the table. Unlike sticky rice, long-grain white rice is a bit more “bland,” so it works more like a blank canvas where you can paint the flavor combinations. Plus, long-grain rice won’t clump up as much when you’re cooking, which makes this sweet rice recipe airier and fluffier by comparison.
Of course, this doesn’t mean long-grain rice is “better” than sticky rice for desserts. However, it does provide unique features worth a taste test. I recommend trying out different rice varieties and ingredient combinations until you find whatever flavors work best for your taste buds.
How To Make Ahead And Store
After cooking your sweet rice, let it cool completely before storing. For short-term storage, transfer the rice to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For long-term storage, freeze the rice—it will stay fresh for at least 2 months.
When you’re ready for dessert, reheat your rice in a saucepan over medium-high heat. You might need a splash of milk or water to loosen up your rice as it warms through.
Serving Suggestions
I often use sweet rice as a base to create new and exciting flavor combinations with whatever I have at home. If you have some fruit on the counter or in the fridge, wash them and put them on your sweet rice for a burst of flavor and nutrients. If you want some extra indulgence, drizzle your sweet rice with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, or caramel.
Want to serve your sweet rice alongside another course? I’d recommend pairing it with something sweet and refreshing, so there’s no big flavor clash. For instance, this Coconut Milk Quinoa Fruit Salad or Mixed Fruit And Nut Energy Bites both go great with sweet rice’s fluffy and creamy texture. Plus, for a sweet sipper, there’s nothing more refreshing than a glass of Strawberry Juice to wash down your satisfying sweet rice.
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup raisins optional
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes, or until rice is tender and water is absorbed.
- Stir milk, sugar, and salt into the cooked rice. Cook over medium heat until thick and creamy, about 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and raisins if using. Serve warm or chilled, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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