Soft Vanilla Rice Milk Comfort Bake That Feels Like a Warm Hug

This Soft Vanilla Rice Milk Comfort Bake transforms everyday ingredients—rice, milk, eggs, and sugar—into a dessert that feels slow, calm, and deeply satisfying. As it bakes, the rice softens gradually, absorbing the vanilla-scented milk and setting into a creamy, spoonable texture that’s never dry, never heavy.

Overview of Soft Vanilla Rice Milk Comfort Bake

This bake is perfect for:

• Winter evenings
• After-dinner comfort dessert
• Gentle breakfasts with coffee or tea
• Anyone who loves rice pudding but wants something sliceable

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Uses basic pantry staples
• Naturally creamy without flour
• Not overly sweet—just soothing
• Bakes into a custardy, soft-set texture

What it tastes like

Mildly sweet, creamy, and warm with vanilla and a whisper of cinnamon. The rice becomes tender and silky, suspended in a soft custard that’s somewhere between pudding and cake.

Full Ingredient List

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• 1 cup uncooked short-grain rice
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Tools You’ll Need

• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 8×8-inch baking dish (or similar)
• Oven

Substitutions & Additions

• Swap whole milk for evaporated milk for extra richness
• Use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version
• Add nutmeg or cardamom for deeper warmth
• Stir in raisins or chopped dates for a classic touch

How to Make Soft Vanilla Rice Milk Comfort Bake

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Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly butter or grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Rinse the Rice

Rinse the uncooked rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear. This helps keep the bake creamy instead of gummy.

Step 3: Mix the Custard

In a bowl, whisk together milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth and well combined. The mixture should smell softly of vanilla—calming and familiar.

Step 4: Assemble

Spread the rinsed rice evenly in the prepared baking dish. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the rice, making sure everything is evenly submerged.

Step 5: Bake Slowly

Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 55–65 minutes, gently stirring once halfway through to prevent the rice from settling too much at the bottom.

Step 6: Rest Before Serving

Remove from the oven when the center is softly set and creamy—not dry. Let it rest for 15 minutes. It will continue to thicken as it cools.

What to Serve with Soft Vanilla Rice Milk Comfort Bake

• A light dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar
• Warm honey or maple syrup
• Fresh berries for contrast
• A cup of hot tea, coffee, or warm milk

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Use short-grain rice—it releases starch and creates creaminess
• Stir once during baking for even texture
• Don’t overbake; it should jiggle slightly in the center
• Let it rest before slicing or spooning

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 4 days
• Reheating: Warm gently in the microwave or oven with a splash of milk
• Freezing: Not recommended—the custard texture changes

General Information

Rice-and-milk desserts appear in many cultures, from European rice puddings to baked custards across America. This version leans into simplicity—no flour, no butter—just slow baking and gentle flavor, the way comfort desserts were meant to be.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use long-grain rice?
You can, but the texture will be less creamy. Short-grain rice works best.

Is this more like pudding or cake?
It sits right in between—soft, spoonable, and lightly set.

Can I make it less sweet?
Absolutely. Reduce sugar to 1/4 cup if preferred.

Does it thicken as it cools?
Yes, significantly. Let it rest before judging texture.

Conclusion

This Soft Vanilla Rice Milk Comfort Bake is gentle, nostalgic, and quietly satisfying—the kind of dessert that doesn’t shout but lingers. If you enjoy this style of comfort baking, you’ll also love these recipes:

• https://poulef.com/rice-pudding-bake
• https://poulef.com/vanilla-custard-dessert
• https://poulef.com/milk-based-desserts
• https://poulef.com/simple-winter-desserts
• https://poulef.com/comfort-baked-puddings

Interactive Elements

If you make this bake, I’d love to hear how it turned out.
Leave a comment or review, and share your cozy bowl on Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)

Calories	Fat	Saturated Fat	Carbs	Sugar	Protein	Sodium
210	6g	3g	32g	14g	7g	95mg

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