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bowl of creamy rice pudding

Rice Pudding Scandinavian Style with Cherry Sauce

A warm and creamy Scandinavian rice pudding topped with homemade cherry sauce. This cozy dessert combines soft simmered rice, vanilla, and milk with a sweet-tart topping. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or a simple comfort treat.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 Bowls
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Scandinavian
Calories: 310
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Rice Pudding:
  • 1 cup short-grain white rice arborio works best
  • 4 cups whole milk or oat/almond milk for vegan
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tbsp sugar or maple syrup for lighter version
  • 1 vanilla bean or 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • ½ cup heavy cream optional, or coconut cream for vegan
  • 1 tbsp butter optional, or skip for vegan
For the Cherry Sauce:
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries
  • ¼ cup sugar adjust to taste
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • ½ tsp almond extract optional

Method
 

  1. Start the rice base: Place rice and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer until most water is absorbed.
  2. Add milk and simmer slowly: Pour in the milk and cook on low heat, stirring often to keep it from sticking. Simmer 30–40 minutes until the rice is thick and creamy.
  3. Flavor the pudding: Stir in sugar, salt, and vanilla. Taste and adjust sweetness.
  4. Make it extra creamy: Fold in heavy cream and butter if you like it richer. For vegan, add coconut cream.
  5. Cook the cherry sauce: In a small saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, water, and lemon juice. Simmer for 8–10 minutes until slightly thick. Add almond extract if using.
  6. Serve: Spoon rice pudding into bowls, top with warm cherry sauce, and enjoy hot or chilled.

Notes

  • For Danish Christmas rice pudding (risalamande): Let pudding cool, then fold in whipped cream (or vegan whipped cream). Serve chilled with cherry sauce and hide one almond inside for tradition.
  • If pudding thickens too much when stored, just stir in a splash of milk when reheating.
  • You can swap cherries for blackberries, raspberries, or a mixed berry compote.