Gordon Ramsay’s Rice Pudding Recipe [+Tips & Tricks]

Because Gordon Ramsay turns this humble, old-fashioned dessert into a luxurious, velvety masterpiece that dances on your tongue-simple comfort food, reinvented with Michelin-starred flair.

What Is Gordon Ramsay’s Rice Pudding

Gordon Ramsay’s Rice Pudding is not your grandma’s school-dinner version-it’s a refined, silky-smooth dessert with creamy arborio rice, slowly simmered in infused milk or cream until it becomes rich and decadent. Often topped with caramelized fruits, spiced compotes, or even a brûléed crust, his take on rice pudding celebrates contrast: creamy yet light, traditional yet modern. The result is an indulgent comfort dish that delivers warmth, nostalgia, and elegance in every spoonful.

Gordon Ramsay’s Rice Pudding Recipe

Ingredients Needed

Though rice pudding is deceptively simple, Gordon elevates it with careful ingredient choices. Here’s what you’ll need:

Core Ingredients:

• Arborio rice (or pudding rice): 100g – Its starch content creates that luscious creaminess.
• Whole milk: 750ml – Full-fat milk adds richness and body.
• Double cream: 100ml – For extra luxury and silkiness.
• Vanilla pod (or vanilla bean paste): 1 – Scraped seeds infuse aromatic sweetness.
• Caster sugar: 75g – For just the right touch of sweetness.
• Unsalted butter: 1 knob – Adds richness and rounds out the flavors.
• Pinch of salt – Enhances the sweetness and balances the dish.

Optional Add-Ons (Gordon-style flair):

• Ground cinnamon or nutmeg (for a warm spice note).
• Poached rhubarb, raspberries, or caramelized pears (for contrast and color).
• Brandy-soaked raisins or sultanas.
• Orange or lemon zest for a citrus twist.
• A dusting of demerara sugar to torch for a brûlée finish.

Equipment Needed

Creating Ramsay’s rice pudding doesn’t demand fancy gear, but good tools help you nail the texture:

• Heavy-bottomed saucepan – Essential for even cooking and avoiding scorching.
• Wooden spoon – For gently stirring the rice without breaking it.
• Fine grater or microplane – For zesting citrus or nutmeg.
• Sharp knife – To split the vanilla pod and prep fruit toppings.
• Mixing bowl (if pre-soaking fruit or making toppings).
• Kitchen blowtorch (optional) – To create that brûléed top layer if desired.

How To Make Gordon Ramsay’s Rice Pudding?

Here’s how to recreate his dreamy dessert from your own kitchen:

1. Infuse the Milk:
   Pour the milk and cream into a heavy-bottomed pan. Add the split vanilla pod (or paste) and gently bring it to a simmer over medium heat.

   This allows the vanilla to perfume the liquid. Let it infuse for about 5 minutes, then remove the pod if used.

2. Toast the Rice:
   In the same pan, add a knob of butter and the arborio rice. Stir for 1-2 minutes to coat the rice in the buttery mixture. This step helps open up the grains and release starch early.

3. Add Liquid and Simmer:
   Gradually add the hot milk-cream mixture to the rice, one ladleful at a time, stirring often-similar to making risotto. Let each addition absorb before adding more.

   This slow absorption ensures creamy, perfectly cooked grains. This process takes about 35-40 minutes.

4. Sweeten and Finish:
   Once the rice is tender and the mixture thickened to your liking, stir in the caster sugar and a pinch of salt. Simmer for another 5 minutes. You’re aiming for a consistency that’s thick yet pourable.

5. Serve It Up:
   Serve warm in individual bowls or ramekins. Top with caramelized fruit, a dollop of compote, or a brûléed sugar crust if you’re going all-out Ramsay.

Expert Tips

• Stir gently and consistently. Arborio rice is fragile-constant stirring helps extract starch without mashing the grains.
• Don’t overcook! Rice pudding should be soft but not mushy. The grains should still have a whisper of bite.
• Want ultra-smooth pudding? Use a fine mesh strainer to remove the pod and zest before the final simmer.
• Infuse the milk with whole spices (like cardamom or star anise) for a more complex flavor profile.
• For a lighter twist, swap cream with coconut milk and add mango or lime zest.

Gordon Ramsay’s Rice Pudding transforms a nostalgic dish into a show-stopping dessert by balancing the creamy heart of traditional rice pudding with restaurant-style precision and elegance. Whether served plain and warm from the pot or elevated with brûléed sugar and poached fruit, this dish is pure comfort with a couture edge. If you’ve ever doubted rice pudding’s potential, Ramsay’s version will make you a believer-one spoonful at a time.

Easy Recipe Variations For Gordon Ramsay’s Rice Pudding

Gordon Ramsay’s version of rice pudding tends to lean toward luxury-creamy Arborio rice (the same kind used in risotto), warm spices, and just the right touch of sugar. But this classic is wonderfully versatile. Here are a few creative ways to tweak the base recipe to match your cravings, the season, or even just what’s already in your pantry.

1. Chocolate-Lovers’ Twist

   Stir in ½ cup of high-quality dark chocolate (at least 60% cacao) after removing the pudding from heat. It melts into a rich, silky dream. Garnish with chocolate shavings and a sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet flair.

2. Tropical Sunrise

   Swap out half the milk for coconut milk and stir in a handful of diced mango or pineapple. Finish with lime zest and a few toasted coconut flakes on top.

3. Warm Chai Spice

   Add a chai-style spice blend (cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and a hint of black pepper) to the simmering milk. This variation is aromatic and cozy-ideal for cooler months.

4. Caramel Apple Crunch

   Stir in sautéed apples cooked with brown sugar and butter, then top with a crumble of crushed digestive biscuits or shortbread for added texture.

5. Vegan Delight

   Replace dairy milk with almond or oat milk and use maple syrup as your sweetener. Arborio rice still gives it that creamy texture even without cream.

6. Boozy Elegance

   A splash of dark rum, bourbon, or Baileys stirred in at the end gives a dessert-for-adults edge. Just a tablespoon or two adds depth without overpowering the delicate sweetness.

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

Rice pudding is one of those rare desserts that might taste even better the next day-if you store it correctly.

• ❄️ Refrigeration: Let the pudding cool to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• 🥄 Reheating Tips: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave using 50% power. Stir in a splash of milk or cream while warming to loosen the texture, which thickens as it cools.
• ❌ Don’t Freeze It: While technically possible, freezing rice pudding can break the creamy consistency and result in a grainy, separated texture upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.

Pro tip: Store in individual serving jars or ramekins for easy grab-and-go desserts or indulgent midday treats.

What Goes Well With Rice Pudding?

Rice pudding is a canvas for flavor, but pairing it with the right sides or drinks can transform it into a standout finish for any meal.

• 🫐 Fruit Compotes: A dollop of tart raspberry or blueberry compote cuts through the richness beautifully.
• ☕ Coffee or Espresso: The bitterness of a well-brewed coffee contrasts the sweet creaminess for a sophisticated combo.
• 🥂 Dessert Wine: Try a glass of late harvest Riesling or Sauternes. Their honeyed notes marry exquisitely with the silky pudding.
• 🍪 Biscotti or Shortbread: A crunchy cookie alongside gives contrast in both flavor and texture.
• 🧂 Spiced Nuts: Candied pecans or cinnamon almonds sprinkled on top offer a playful crunch and warmth.

Conclusion

Gordon Ramsay’s rice pudding is the kind of recipe that proves comfort food can also be elegant. With its creamy base and versatility, it’s a dessert that adapts to the seasons, your pantry, or your personal mood. Whether you prefer it classic with a dusting of cinnamon or reimagined with tropical fruit and a hint of rum, there’s a version waiting for you.

Stored right, it becomes a ready-made treat for the next few days, and when paired thoughtfully-whether with a shot of espresso or a drizzle of fruit compote-it shines as the centerpiece of any dessert table. So go ahead: experiment, indulge, and make it your own.

FAQs

What Type Of Rice Does Gordon Ramsay Use In His Rice Pudding Recipe?

Gordon Ramsay typically uses Arborio rice in his rice pudding recipe. Arborio is a short-grain Italian rice known for its high starch content, which results in a rich, creamy texture-perfect for desserts like rice pudding.

How Does Gordon Ramsay Flavor His Rice Pudding?

Ramsay infuses his rice pudding with vanilla and citrus zest-usually orange or lemon. He often simmers the milk with a split vanilla pod and zest to extract maximum flavor before adding the rice.

What Kind Of Milk Or Cream Does Gordon Ramsay Recommend?

He uses a combination of whole milk and double cream to achieve a luxurious, velvety consistency. The double cream adds richness while the milk ensures the pudding isn’t overly heavy.

How Long Does It Take To Cook Gordon Ramsay’s Rice Pudding?

The cooking time is usually around 30-40 minutes. The rice is simmered gently over low heat until it becomes tender and absorbs the liquid, resulting in a creamy, thick consistency.

Does Gordon Ramsay Bake Or Stovetop Cook His Rice Pudding?

Ramsay primarily cooks his rice pudding on the stovetop for better control over texture. He continuously stirs it to prevent sticking and ensure an even cook throughout.

Can Gordon Ramsay’s Rice Pudding Be Made In Advance?

Yes, it can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator. However, it may thicken further upon cooling, so a splash of warm milk or cream can be added before reheating to restore creaminess.

Does Gordon Ramsay Use Any Toppings Or Garnishes For His Rice Pudding?

Ramsay often finishes his rice pudding with poached fruits, a drizzle of fruit compote, or toasted nuts like almonds or pistachios to add flavor contrast and texture.

Is Gordon Ramsay’s Rice Pudding Suitable For Vegetarians?

Yes, his classic version is vegetarian-friendly as it does not contain gelatin or animal-derived thickeners. Just ensure the dairy used is from vegetarian sources.

Can I Make Gordon Ramsay’s Rice Pudding Dairy-free?

While not part of his original recipe, you can adapt it using dairy-free alternatives such as coconut milk or almond milk and a dairy-free cream substitute. The result will have a different flavor but similar texture.

How Sweet Is Gordon Ramsay’s Rice Pudding, And Can The Sugar Be Adjusted?

Ramsay prefers a balanced sweetness. His recipe typically includes caster sugar, but you can adjust the amount to taste or substitute it with alternatives like honey, maple syrup, or stevia for a healthier version.