Creamy Turkish Sütlaç Rice Pudding Recipe Easy Homemade Dessert
A creamy Turkish rice pudding with a caramelized sugar crust that offers a perfect balance of silky texture and crisp topping. Simple ingredients and easy steps make it a comforting yet elegant dessert.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients
- 1 cup (200g) short-grain rice (Arborio or pudding rice works best for creaminess)
- 4 cups (960ml) whole milk (can substitute with almond or oat milk for dairy-free)
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure vanilla extract gives the best aroma)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (balances the sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or rice flour (optional, for thickening if desired)
- 2–3 tablespoons granulated sugar (to sprinkle on top before broiling)
Instructions
- Rinse 1 cup (200g) of short-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 2 cups (480ml) of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, until the rice is tender and most of the water is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Stir in 4 cups (960ml) whole milk, 1 cup (200g) sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to avoid scorching. Cook about 20-25 minutes.
- Optional: Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch or rice flour with 2 tablespoons cold milk to make a slurry. Stir into the simmering pudding and cook another 5-10 minutes until thick and creamy but still slightly jiggly.
- Spoon the warm pudding evenly into oven-safe ramekins or shallow dishes. Let cool at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- Refrigerate the pudding for at least 2 hours to set properly.
- Just before serving, sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons granulated sugar evenly on top of each chilled pudding. Caramelize the sugar using a kitchen torch until golden and crisp, or place under a preheated broiler for 2-4 minutes watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast between cold creamy pudding and warm crisp caramelized crust.
Notes
Use short-grain or Arborio rice for best creaminess. Stir constantly during cooking to prevent sticking and lumps. Chill pudding for at least 2 hours for perfect texture. Use superfine sugar for even caramelization. Watch broiler carefully to avoid burning sugar crust. Can substitute whole milk with almond, oat, or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free version. Reduce sugar or swap with coconut sugar for lower sugar option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ramekin (approx. 1
- Calories: 235
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 100
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 6
Keywords: Turkish rice pudding, sütlaç, caramelized crust, creamy dessert, easy homemade dessert, rice pudding recipe, gluten-free dessert, dairy-free option